Checklist of lizards and amphisbaenians of Argentina: an update

Abstract

We update the list of lizards of Argentina, reporting a total of 261 species from the country, arranged in 27 genera and 10 families. Introduced species and dubious or erroneous records are discussed. Taxonomic, nomenclatural and distributional comments are provided when required. Considering species of probable occurrence in the country (known to occur in Bolivia, Brazil, Chile and Paraguay at localities very close to the Argentinean border) and still undescribed taxa, we estimate that the total number of species in Argentina could exceed 300 in the next few years.Key words: Reptiles, Liolaemus, Phymaturus, South America, list ResumenActualizamos la lista de lagartijas de la Argentina, presentamos un total de 261 especies para el país, organizados en 27 géneros y 10 familias. Especies introducidas, registros dudosos o erróneos son discutidos. Comentarios taxonómicos, nomenclaturales o de distribución son incorporados si son requeridos. Considerando especies de probable existencia en nuestro país (que se encuentran en Bolivia, Brasil, Chile y Paraguay en localidades muy cercanas al límite con Argentina) y taxas aún no descriptos, estimamos que el número total de especies en Argentina puede exceder las 300 en los próximos años.

Phylogeographic history of Patagonian lizards of theLiolaemus elongatuscomplex (Iguania: Liolaemini) based on mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences

“…1), has been identified as a biodiversity 'hot spot' due to high levels of endemism in South American beetle species (Carabidae, Casagranda et al 2009;Dom ınguez et al 2006), as well as a high percentage of priority and irreplaceable Patagonian conservation areas (Cheh ebar et al 2013). These earlier studies lead to predictions of a high number of lizard species for this region (Corbal an et al 2011;Avila et al 2013a). Therefore, we expect to find a higher number of haploclades than in previously published phylogenies.…”

“…; Avila et al. ). As an example, several new species of lizards from this and other genera were recently described from this area (Abdala et al.…”

“…; Avila et al. ). Therefore, we expect to find a higher number of haploclades than in previously published phylogenies.…”

“…These features are the products of an Andean orogenic history that includes sporadic volcanic eruptions and cyclic glacial advances and retreats that produced pronounced climatic changes throughout the last myr (Rabassa and Clapperton 1990;Ramos and Kay 2006;Ramos and Ghiglione 2008;Mart ınez and Kutschker 2011;Ramos and Folguera 2011). As a result, this climate history superimposed on a complex topography likely fostered multiple population-divergence processes across different geographical and temporal scales , which may explain the unusually high number of lizard biodiversity in this region (Corbal an et al 2011;Avila et al 2013a). As an example, several new species of lizards from this and other genera were recently described from this area (Abdala et al 2012a, b;Avila et al 2012Avila et al , 2013bAvila et al , 2015Lobo and Nenda 2015), and several new candidate species have been identified Olave et al 2017).…”

A new Late Cretaceous iguanomorph from North America and the origin of New World Pleurodonta (Squamata, Iguania)

“…phylogenetics, adaptive radiations, ecophysiology, species delimitation, phylogeography [5][6][7][8][9]). Pleurodontans dominate many modern lizard faunas in North and South America; for example, horned, spiny, and collared lizards and desert iguanas in the Sonoran Desert of the USA and Mexico; anoles in The Bahamas and Greater Antilles; and liolaemids in Argentina [3,7,10]. Studies based on molecular and fossil data have presented conflicting views on the temporal and palaeobiogeographic origins of Pleurodonta.…”