Abstract
Madagascan species of Mabuya are placed in two species-groups based mainly on the shape of the subocular (fifth supralabial) scale. The subocular is rectangular in the aureopunctata group (M. aureopunctata, M. betsileana, M. boettgeri, M. dumasi, M. vato) and trapezoidal in the elegans group (M. elegans, M. gravenhorstii, M. madagascariensis). A new, highly distinctive, Madagascan species of Mabuya with a rectangular subocular has been discovered. This species, M. lavarambo sp. nov., differs from other members of the aureopunctata group in morphology, coloration, distribution, and habitat. It is restricted to lowland rain forest in Lokobe Reserve on Nosy Be, an island off the northwest coast of Madagascar, where it appears to be rare, as only three specimens were found during intensive surveys. It is the only rain-forest species of the aureopunctata group, and it is allopatric to all other species of its group. Other species of the group occur either much further to the south in grass- or heathland habitats at high elevations (M. boegeri), or in low- to mid-elevation, open, relatively dry, and often rocky habitats (M. aureopunctata, M. dumasi, M. vato). Mabuya lavarambo differs from all other members of the aureopunctata group in having an exceedingly long tail. Its distinctiveness raises the possibility that the aureopunctata group is polyphyletic consisting of two or perhaps three lineages that independently colonized Madagascar.
Published Version
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
