Three new species of Diploderma Hallowell, 1861 (Squamata, Agamidae) from the Hengduan Mountain Region, south-western China.

Abstract

Three new species of Diploderma are described from the Hengduan Mountain Region in south-western China, based on morphological and genetic data. The first new species from Yulong County, Yunnan Province is morphologically most similar and phylogenetically closely related to D.brevicauda, but it can be diagnosed from the latter by having a relatively longer tail; the second new species from Xiangcheng County, Sichuan Province is phylogenetically closely related to D.bowoense, but it can be diagnosed from the latter by the absence of a distinct gular spot; and the third new species from Yongsheng County, Yunnan Province is phylogenetically closely related to D.yulongense, but it can be diagnosed from the latter by having different colourations of the ventral and ventrolateral surfaces of the body. Taxonomy and diversity survey are the basis of species conservation, our discoveries contributing to better conservation of the species of this genus.