A new species of Lepidophyma (Squamata: Xantusiidae) from San Luis Potosí, México, with notes on its physiological ecology.
Zootaxa
; 4949(1): zootaxa.4949.1.6, 2021 Mar 24.
Article
in En
| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-33756997
ABSTRACT
In recent years, there has been an increase in the descriptions of members of the lizard genus Lepidophyma. Herein, we describe a new species of Lepidophyma from the Huasteca Potosina region of Mexico, previously confused with L. gaigeae, from which it differs in lacking parietal spot, among other characteristics. We inferred its phylogenetic position and provide information on its thermal and hydric physiology, as well as on some other aspects of natural history. Molecular and morphological data supported the independent taxonomic status of the new species, indicating its placement as the sister taxon of L. gaigeae and a wide morphological separation between these species. Lepidophyma lusca sp. nov. has a diurnal-crepuscular activity period and occurs at lower elevations than L. gaigeae. Also, the new species differ from its sister taxon in its physiology, as reflected by its tendency toward higher thermal parameters and water loss rates. With the description of L. lusca sp. nov., the number of species in the genus Lepidophyma rises to 21.
Key words
Full text:
1
Collection:
01-internacional
Database:
MEDLINE
Main subject:
Lizards
Limits:
Animals
Country/Region as subject:
Mexico
Language:
En
Journal:
Zootaxa
Year:
2021
Document type:
Article