Molecular phylogenetic relationships of the Liolaemus rothi complex and a new species of lizard from Auca Mahuida Volcano (Squamata: Liolaemini)

Zootaxa. 2013 Jan 21:3608:221-38. doi: 10.11646/zootaxa.3608.4.1.

Abstract

A new species of lizard of the genus Liolaemus from Neuquén Province, western Argentina, is described. The new species is a member of the Liolaemus rothi species complex, and mitochondrial and nuclear molecular data show it as sister taxon of the clade composed of (L. hermannunezi (L. tromen + L. loboi)), differing in size, squamation, coloration, and sexual dimorphism from the other species of this group. Liolaemus sitesi sp. nov. has a dark body coloration with series of notched blotches on the dorsum, with bright spots, and a very iridescent yellow-green coloration in natural light. Liolaemus sitesi sp. nov. is found only in the Auca Mahuida volcano and is terrestrial, dwelling on the stony slopes with sandy soil between 1300 m and the volcano summit.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Argentina
  • Cell Nucleus / genetics
  • Cytochromes b / genetics
  • Female
  • Lizards / anatomy & histology
  • Lizards / classification*
  • Lizards / genetics*
  • Male
  • Mitochondrial Proteins / genetics
  • Phylogeny
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • RNA / genetics
  • RNA, Mitochondrial
  • RNA, Ribosomal / genetics

Substances

  • Mitochondrial Proteins
  • RNA, Mitochondrial
  • RNA, Ribosomal
  • RNA, ribosomal, 12S
  • RNA
  • Cytochromes b