The skull of Liolaemus huayra compared to other species of Liolaemus and Phymaturus (Squamata, Liolaemidae)

Abstract

Despite the extensive study of various aspects of the genus Liolaemus, there remains a scarcity of information regarding the osteology of species. In the last two decades, over 100 species have been described within the genus, but still less than 10% of the Liolaemus species includes any osteological data. In this study, we provide a description of the skull of Liolaemus huayra, a taxon closely related to the L. dorbignyi clade (a subset of the L. montanus group). The species was originally described in 2008 based on a few specimens from the Sierra de Quilmes, Tucumán. By obtaining new specimens from a nearby locality (La Ovejería, Catamarca), we were able to prepare the skulls of two males and two females specimens. Despite the limited sample size, we observed intra‐specific variability in characters such as postorbital and nasal shape, as well as mandibular curvature. We also document some inter‐specific differences based on the scarce osteological information available from other species within the genus. This description constitutes a significant contribution to the osteology of the Liolaemidae clade. We emphasize the importance of detailed descriptions that provide morphological characters suitable for inclusion in comprehensive phylogenetic analyses.