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The morphological and genetic variation of a wide-ranging Secret Toad-headed agama, Phrynocephalus mystaceus that inhabits sand deserts of south-eastern Europe, Middle East, Middle Asia, and western China is reviewed. Based on the morphological differences and high divergence in COI (mtDNA) gene sequences a new subspecies of Ph. mystaceus is described from Khorasan Razavi Province in Iran. Partial sequences of COI mtDNA gene of 31 specimens of Ph. mystaceus from 17 localities from all major parts of species range were analyzed. Genetic distances show a deep divergence between Ph. mystaceus khorasanus ssp. n. from Khorasan Razavi Province and all other populations of Ph. mystaceus. The new subspecies can be distinguished from other populations of Ph. mystaceus by a combination of several morphological features. Molecular and morphological analyses do not support the validity of other Ph. mystaceus subspecies described from Middle Asia and Caspian basin. Geographic variations in the Ph. mystaceus species complex and the status of previously described subspecies were discussed.

In the present study we provide evidence for the validity of the genus Trigonodactylus Hass, 1957, improve the diagnosis for this genus and describe a new species that belongs to it—Trigonodactylus persicus sp. nov., from the sand dunes in Khuzestan Province, southwestern Iran. The new species is closely related to Trigonodactylus [Stenodactylus] arabicus sensu Hass, and can be distinguished by the following morphological characteristics: small size, maximum SVL 34 mm; SVL/TailL—approximately 1:1; ventral scales roundish, weakly keeled, 54–61 longitudinal rows at midbody and 190–25 along midbody. No enlarged postmentals. Fingers and toes slightly flattened dorso-ventrally. Lateral edge of digits fringed by series of projecting triangular scales. No web between digits. No preanal and femoral pores. Dorsal color pattern formed by thin, dark, irregular vermicular patches and spots. Sometimes these dark dorsal patterns blend with each other and form transverse bands. There is a narrow, dark, longitudinal line between forelimbs and hindlimbs on lateral sides. Dark, well developed ʌ-shaped marking on snout, which continues behind orbit on tympanum region, approaches the upper ear opening and ends on the pectoral arch. Labial scales white, in some cases with grey-brown dots. Dorsal surfaces of limbs and digits with irregular dark bands. Dorsal surface of tail with 8–10 wide, dark brown bands with irregular margins, same size as alternating light bands. Ventral surface of body and limbs white, tail with dark spots that become more distinct posteriorly.

In this study we present an analysis of morphological and molecular (COI mtDNA) variation within the genus Teratoscincus and describe a new species, Teratoscincus mesriensis sp. nov. from environs of Mesr, Isfahan Province in Central Iran. The new species can be distinguished from other congeners by the following combination of morphological characters: (1) position of enlarged dorsal scales, which not cover the occipital region on the dorsal surface of head; (2) comparatively high number of scales across midbody; (3) maximal body size reaching SVLmax 93.6 mm. We also provide a COI-based barcoding estimation of diversity of the genus Teratoscincus. Moreover, our new morphological and molecular data indicate that the population of T. scincus from Ferghana Valley (Uzbekistan and Tajikistan), previously described as a subspecies T. scincus rustamowi, is differentiated from other populations of T. scincus complex on species level; we provide a revised diagnosis and propose a full species status for this geographically isolated form as Teratoscincus rustamowi stat. nov. Diversity and phylogenetic relationships of the genus Teratoscincus are discussed.