A new lizard of the Acanthodactylus scutellatus group (Squamata: Lacertidae) from Egypt

Abstract

Two morphologically and ecologically distinct populations of lizards belonging to the Acanthodactylus scutellatus species group (previously treated as conspecifics under the name A. longipes) are documented as occurring in sympatry over a wide geographical area in Egypt. The occurrence of bona fide A. longipes in the Western Desert of Egypt is confirmed; while populations in the eastern part of the country and previously referred to A. longipes, are described as a new species.