Wednesday, February 15, 2012

[Herpetology • 2004] Euspondylus nellycarmlla • new Euspondylus (Squamata: Gymnophthalmidae) from Peru, with a Key to the species of Euspondylus and Proctoporus from Peru


Euspondylus nellycarmlla

Abstract
We describe two new species of Proctoporus and a new species of Euspondylus (all from central Peru, Departamento de Huanuco, 2545 to 3010 m elevation). The new species are distinguished from all species presently assigned to Proctoporus and Euspondylus by unique characteristics of pholidosis, morphometrics, and color pattern. A key to the Peruvian species of Proctoporus and Euspondylus is provided. The current allocation of species to Proctoporus and Euspondylus may not reflect the phylogenetic relationships of the species  under consideration. Based on the  available data there  appears to  be  no  evidence to justify the separation of these genera. However, because of nomenclatural problems that would arise from synonymizing the two genera (e.g., producing a secondary homonymy in the case of Proctoporus guentheri Boettger and Ecpleopus guentheri O'Shaughnessy), we  chose to  retain the two genera until phylogenetic information is available. 

Key words:  Euspondylus; Gymnophthalmidae; New species; Peru; Proctoporus; Squamata


Köhler, G.; Lehr, E. 2004. Comments on Euspondylus and Proctoporus (Squamata: Gymnophthalmidae) from Peru, with the description of three new species and a key to the Peruvian species. Herpetologica 60 (4): 501-518. doi: 10.1655/03-93