The genus Proctoporus comprises seven montane species distributed across the Central Andes of Peru, Bolivia, and northern Argentina. Within this genus, the extensive morphological variation observed in populations traditionally assigned to Proctoporus bolivianus suggested the presence of additional species. Using a combination of morphological character differences and a phylogenetic hypothesis based on mitochondrial (12S, 16S, and ND4) and nuclear (c-mos) DNA sequences, we find P. bolivianus to be composed of six distinct lineages. Among these, we name and describe herein Proctoporus carabaya, P. iridescens, and P. kiziriani and we resurrect the name Proctoporus lacertus. The remaining two lineages are also considered unnamed species and are referred herein as confirmed candidate species (CCS), which we refrain from naming due to lack of appropriate material. The new species named herein are found in the departments of Cusco and Puno, Peru, and are distinguishable from all other species of Proctoporus by unique combinations of morphometric, pholidosis, and color-pattern characteristics. A neotype of P. bolivianus is designated.
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30 October 2013
A Taxonomic Revision of Proctoporus Bolivianus Werner (Squamata: Gymnophthalmidae) With the Description of Three New Species and Resurrection of Proctoporus lacertus Stejneger
NoemÍ Goicoechea,
José M. Padial,
Juan Carlos Chaparro,
Santiago Castroviejo-Fisher,
Ignacio De La Riva
American Museum Novitates
Vol. 2013 • No. 3786
October 2013
Vol. 2013 • No. 3786
October 2013
Andes
Bolivia
Gymnophthalmidae
new species
Peru
Proctoporus bolivianus
Proctoporus lacertus