Eumeces Schneideri Research Articles

Life-history evolution in the orange-tailed skink populations living in different climates.

The life-history traits of ectothermic animals can be influenced by many abiotic factors, including climate. As an ectothermic species, we questioned whether the life-history characteristics of the orange-tailed skink (Eumeces schneiderii) populations differ between two different environments/climates. Our findings showed that the average body size of lizards living in the Mediterranean climate zone was higher than those in the continental climate zone. However, although Mediterranean population had higher mean values regarding average age, there was no discernible difference between the two climate zone populations. When considering all populations collectively, it has been discovered that the species' maximum lifespan is 18 years. Body size notably increased with age in both populations. Through the utilization of the von Bertalanffy equation, the anticipated growth parameters portrayed a highly accurate connection between age and snout-vent length. In conclusion, lizards living in habitats characterized by milder Mediterranean climates were found to have larger body sizes than continental populations, but both populations were comparable in terms of mean age. This difference can be explained by several factors, including activation time, temperature, precipitation, food abundance, and the presence of predators.

Infection with a novel pentastome (Raillietiella sp.) in a juvenile endangered Galápagos tortoise (Chelonoidis niger)

Pentastomes are crustacean endoparasites in the lungs of herpetofauna and rarely mammals and birds. To date, the only pentastomes reported in chelonians, all aquatic turtles, are Diesingia megastomum from Brazil and Pelonia africana from South Africa. In March 2021, 185 juvenile tortoises (Chelonoidis niger) were confiscated after an attempted illegal exportation from the Galápagos. It is believed the tortoises were removed from nests on Santa Cruz Island. The young tortoises were individually wrapped in plastic and at seizure ten were dead and another 25 tortoises subsequently died. One of the tortoises, estimated to be 3 months old, had 11 pentastomes in the lungs. The pentastomes were identified as a Raillietiella sp. based on morphology. The specimens had a claviform body that tapers into a bifid tail, a 165.3 μm × 92.1 μm buccal cadre, and sharp tipped anterior and posterior hooks with the posterior hooks being larger than the anterior. The males have smooth copulatory spicules with a rounded, smooth base. All females were gravid. Molecular analysis confirmed that the parasites were a Raillietiella sp. Based on the COI gene, it was most similar (82.7% identical) to an undescribed Raillietiella species from a Caribbean anole (Anolis cristatellus) found in Florida followed by R. hebitihamata (81%), R. indica (80.7%), and R. orientalis (78.8–80.7%). Based on the 18S rRNA gene sequence (1799 bp), it was most similar (99.3% identical) to two undescribed Raillietiella species followed by R. aegypti from a berber skink (Eumeces schneideri) from Saudia Arabia. Phylogenetically, with both molecular targets, the Raillietiella sp. from the Galápagos tortoise grouped with other Raillietiella spp. and was basal within the group. Currently, the origin of this parasite (native to Galápagos or introduced) and the life cycle are unknown. Because some pentastome species, especially when in aberrant hosts, can be pathogenic, additional studies of parasites in native and introduced reptile and amphibian species in the Galápagos are needed to better understand the risk this parasite poses to Galápagos tortoises.

Molecular phylogeny and systematic of the Schneider's skink Eumeces schneiderii (Daudin, 1802) (Squamata: Scincidae)

Eumeces is a little-known group of skinks with few phylogenies published. Within its distribution range, five subspecies were identified for Schneider's Skink (Eumeces schneiderii) based on color pattern, pholidosis, intra- and inter-subspecific relationships, but the validity of these taxa has yet to be assessed using molecular markers. Here, a robust phylogeny of the E. schneiderii group is presented based on three molecular markers (Cytb, 16S rRNA, and c-mos) from 80 samples collected across Anatolia and the Iranian Plateau. Both Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian Inference approaches were used to infer phylogenetic relationships within this group. The results revealed monophyly of E. schneiderii subspecies and Eumeces persicus. These clades also differ in habitat preferences, with the small-bodied, striped forms generally inhabiting lower elevations and drier environments than the larger, uniform morph E. schneiderii subspecies. Molecular-clock dating based on Cytb implies that most speciation events took place during the Upper Miocene to Lower Pliocene. A strongly supported basal dichotomy of Eumeces schneiderii zarudnyi + E. persicus in the southern and eastern slopes of the Zagros Mountains, with the E. schneiderii subspecies in the western Zagros, was identified in all individual and concatenated trees. Eumeces schneiderii zarudnyi should be elevated to species level and, therefore, we propose the name Eumeces zarudnyi for this taxon, increasing the number of species in the genus to seven described species.

NEW LOCALITY RECORDS FOR Eumeces schneiderii (Daudin, 1802) AND Trapelus ruderatus (Olivier, 1804) WITH THE MORPHOLOGICAL DATA FROM EASTERN ANATOLIA, TURKEY

In this study, we report new locality records for Eumeces schneiderii and Trapelus ruderatus from Malatya, Eastern Anatolia. As the new locality is about 60 km north of the known distribution area for E. schneiderii from Malatya and T. ruderatus is the first record for this province. A summary of metric and meristic characteristics was with color-pattern features was given for these specimens. Moreover, the explored locality’s importance for the species biogeography via Anatolian diagonal was emphasized.

Morphological study of the integument and corporal skeletal muscles of two psammophilous members of Scincidae (Scincus scincus and Eumeces schneideri)

Sand deserts are common biotopes on the earth's surface. Numerous morphological and physiological adaptations have appeared to cope with the peculiar conditions imposed by sandy substrates, such as abrasion, mechanical resistance and the potential low oxygen levels. The psammophilous scincids (Lepidosauria) Scincus scincus and Eumeces schneideri are among those. S. scincus is a species frequently used to study displacement inside a sandy substrate. E. schneideri is a species phylogenetically closely related to S. scincus with a similar lifestyle. The aims of this study focus on the morphology of the integument and the muscular system. Briefly, we describe interspecific differences at the superficial architecture of the scales pattern and the thickness of the integument. We highlight a high cellular turnover rate at the level of the basal germinal layer of the epidermis, which, we suggest, corresponds to an adaptation to cutaneous wear caused by abrasion. We demonstrate the presence of numerous cutaneous holocrine glands whose secretion probably plays a role in the flow of sand along the integument. Several strata of osteoderms strengthen the skin. We characterize the corporal (M. longissimus dorsi and M. rectus abdominus) and caudal muscular fibers using immunohistochemistry, and quantify them using morphometry. The musculature exhibits a high proportion of glycolytic fast fibers that allow rapid burying and are well adapted to this mechanically resistant and oxygen‐poor substrate. Oxidative slow fibers are low in abundance, less than 10% in S. scincus, but a little higher in E. schneideri.

A case study on illegal reptile poaching from Balochistan, Pakistan

The southwestern part of the Balochistan Province is a faunal extension of the Iranian Plateau in Pakistan, harboring more than one-third of Pakistan’s known amphibian and reptile species. We carried out field visits in five districts of southwestern Balochistan during 2013–2017 to investigate the scale and hotspots of reptile poaching. We encountered 73 illegal collectors possessing 5,369 live reptiles representing 19 species in ten families. Overall, Teratoscincus keyserlingii, T. microlepis (both Sphaerodactylidae), Phrynocephalus maculatus and P. luteoguttatus (both Agamidae) were the most collected lizards, having a relative abundance of 22.4%, 13.5%, 11.9% and 11.3 %, respectively. Eumeces schneiderii zarudnyi (Scincidae) was among the least collected lizard. Similarly, Lytorhynchus maynardi (Colubridae) and Eryx tataricus speciosus (Erycidae) were the most abundant snakes in the total collection (4.4% and 3.0%, respectively). Among the poached reptiles were internationally protected species: Varanus griseus caspius (Varanidae; CITES Appendix-I), E. t. speciosus (Appendix-II), Naja oxiana (Elapidae; Appendix-II), and Saara asmussi (Uromastycidae; Appendix-II). We found that the overall trend of illegal reptile poaching steadily decreased during the study period (from 1,724 individuals in 2013 to 633 in 2017). According to collectors, poached reptiles were largely destined for the local and international pet trade but also targeted other markets including folk medicines and snake charmer shows. One particular hotspot for the collection of reptiles was identified and should be a focus of law-enforcement activities. This particular case study partly demonstrates the effectiveness of strict enforcement of recently amended provincial wildlife protection legislation in the less studied regions of Asia.

The Herpetofauna of Poorly Known Tunceli Province (Turkey)

In this study, 10 families from 21 genera, including 23 amphibian and reptile species (2 urodels, 3 anurans, 1 tortoise, 6 lizards, and 11 snakes) were recorded in 27 different localities in research area. Rana macrocnemis , Eumeces schneideri , Heremites auratus , Telescopus fallax , and Zamenis hohenackeri were recorded in Tunceli Province for the first time, representing a considerable range extension for these species. These species are thought to make contribution to our knowledge of the Turkish herpetofauna. In addition, a chorotype classification of the species determined in the study area is also given.

Microstructure of scales in selected lizard species.

In the present study, it was hypothesized that micromorphology of the surface of many lizard scales appears to mimic the topography of the habitat in which they live. Many authors have suggested that the microstructure of the superficial surface of scales have undergone important adaptations and have functional value in lizards. In this study, we investigated the variation and adaptation of the micromorphology and microstructure of the superficial surface of the dorsal and ventral scales from the mid-body region of Stellagama stellio (Agamidae), Stenodactylus petrii (Gekkonidae), Acanthodactylus boskianus (Lacertidae), Eumeces schneideri (Scincidae), Trachylepis quinquetaeniata (Scincidae), Scincus scincus (Scincidae), Varanus griseus (Varanidae), Chameleo chameleon (Chamaeleonidae). Skin specimens were prepared and analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. The dorsal and ventral scale surfaces had microstructure in the studied species and they exhibited unique patterns that somewhat resembled the topography of the microhabitats in which they lived. Similarity was detected in the three most related species, those having a common family, Scincidae. Ecomorphological relationships were detected between the dorsal and ventral scale microstructures and microhabitats. We conclude that environmental factors have observable influences on the microstructure of lizard scales.

Comparative Investigations of the Sandfish’s β-Keratin (Reptilia: Scincidae: <i>Scincus scincus</i>). Part 1: Surface and Molecular Examinations

The Sandfish (Scincidae: Scincus Scincus) Is a Lizard Capable of Moving through Desert Sand in a Swimming-Like Fashion. the Epidermis of this Lizard Shows a High Resistance against Abrasion Together with a Low Friction to Sand as an Adaption to a Subterranean Life below the Desert’s Surface, Outperforming even Steel. the Low Friction Is Mainly Caused by Chemical Composition of the Scales, which Consist of Glycosylated β-Keratins. in this Study, the Friction, the Micro-Structure, the Glycosylation of the β-Keratin Proteins and β-Keratin Coding DNA of the Sandfish in Comparison to other Reptilian Species Was Investigated, Mainly with the Closely Related Berber Skink (Scincidae: Eumeces Schneideri) and another Sand Swimming Species, the Not Closer Related Shovel-Snouted Lizard (Lacertidae: Meroles Anchietae). Glycosylated β-Keratins of the Sandfish, Visualized with Different Lectins Resulted in O-Linked Glycans through PNA Employed as Carbohydrate Marker. Furthermore, the Glycosylation of β-Keratins in Various Squamatean Species Was Investigated and All Species Tested Were Found Positive; however, it Seems Like both Sand Swimming Species Examined Have a much Stronger Glycosylation of their β-Keratins. in Order to Prove this Finding through a Genetic Foundation, DNA of a β-Keratin Coding Gene of the Sandfish Was Sequenced and Compared with a Homologue Gene of Eumeces Schneideri. by Comparison of the Protein Sequence, a Higher Abundance of O-Glycosylation Sites Was Found in the Sandfish (enabled through the Amino Acids Serine and Threonine), Giving Molecular Support for a Higher Glycosylation of the β-Keratins in this Species.

THE LIZARD FAUNA OF ILAM PROVINCE, SOUTHWESTERN IRAN

Western Iran in general and Ilam province in particular, has unique geographical and climatic conditions that support a rich flora and fauna. In view of the lack of in-depth studies of lizards of the region, an investigation was initiated in most areas of Ilam Province for an inventory of lizard species and their habitats. A total of 189 specimens were collected and identified from May 2005 to August 2009. Twenty one species belonging to 18 genera and 8 families were represented, including Agamidae: Laudakia nupta, Trapelus lessonae (formerly T. ruderatus), Trapelus ruderatus (formerly T. persicus); Eublepharidae: Eublepharis angramainyu; Gekkonidae: Bunopus tuberculatus, Cyrtopodion scabrum, Cyrtopodion heterocercum, Hemidactylus persicus, Stenodactylus affinis, Tropiocolotes helenae; Lacertidae: Acanthodactylus boskianus, Apathya cappadocica, Mesalina brevirostris, Ophisops elegans; Phyllodactylidae: Asaccus elisae; Scincidae: Ablepharus pannonicus, Eumeces schneiderii, Trachylepis aurata, Trachylepis vittata; Uromastycidae: Uromastyx loricatus; Varanidae: Varanus griseus griseus, Varanus griseus caspius. Comparing this list to the data provided by Anderson (1999), several lizards are reported for the first time in this region. With six species represented, gekkonids have the highest species diversity in the area.

Secretion by the nasal salt glands of two insectivorous lizard species is initiated by an ecologically relevant dietary ion, chloride

Salt glands are used by some vertebrates to excrete hyperosmotic NaCl or KCl solutions in response to dietary salt loads. Control of secretion varies across taxa; some secrete in response to osmotic challenges while others secrete in response to specific dietary ions. We hypothesized that differences in control could be related to different diet-related selective pressures on herbivorous, marine, and insectivorous species. We studied control of secretion and flexibility of cation (sodium or potassium) and anion (chloride or bicarbonate) secretion in two insectivorous lizard species, Schneider's skinks (Eumeces schneideri, Scincidae) and green anoles (Anolis carolinensis, Polychrotidae). Lizards were injected daily for four days with combinations of cations (potassium, sodium, and histidine control) and anions (chloride and acetate control), isoosmotic saline, or sham injection. Secretions were collected daily and analyzed for sodium, potassium, and chloride. Both species secreted only in response to chloride; sodium appeared to have a slight inhibitory effect. Regardless of cation load, skinks secreted a combination of potassium and sodium, while anoles secreted solely potassium. In both species, total cation secretion was matched closely by chloride; very little bicarbonate was secreted. As predicted, secretion in insectivorous lizards was initiated by the dietary ion ecologically most important for these species, chloride, which otherwise cannot be excreted without significant water loss (unlike the cations, which may be excreted as insoluble urate salts). This gives further support to the hypothesis that ecological factors drive the evolution of control mechanisms in lizard salt glands.

Skinks (Reptilia: Scincidae) Have Highly Conserved Karyotypes as Revealed by Chromosome Painting

Skinks represent the most diversified squamate reptiles with a great variation in body size and form, and are found worldwide in a variety of habitats. Their remarkable diversification has been accompanied by only a few chromosome rearrangements, resulting in highly-conservative chromosomal complements of these lizards. In this study cross-species chromosome painting using Scincus scincus (2n = 32) as the source genome, was used to detect the chromosomal rearrangements and homologies between the following skinks: Chalcides chalcides (2n = 28), C. ocellatus (2n = 28), Eumeces schneideri (2n = 32), Lepidothyris fernandi (2n = 30), Mabuya quinquetaeniata (2n = 32). The results of this study confirmed a high degree of chromosome conservation between these species. The main rearrangements in the studied skinks involve chromosomes 3, 5, 6 and 7 of S. scincus. These subtelocentric chromosomes are homologous to the p and q arms of metacentric pair 3 and 4 in C. chalcides, C. ocellatus, L. fernandi, and M. quinquetaeniata, while they are entirely conserved in E. schneideri. Other rearrangements involve S. scincus 11 in L. fernandi and M. quinquetaeniata, supporting the monophyly of Lygosominae, and one of the chromosomes S. scincus 12–16, in M. quinquetaeniata. In conclusion, our data support the monophyly of Scincidae and confirm that Scincus-Eumeces plus Chalcides do not form a monophyletic clade, suggesting that the Scincus-Eumeces clade is basal to other members of this family. This study represents the first time the whole genome of any reptile species has been used for cross-species chromosome painting to assess chromosomal evolution in this group of vertebrates.

Anatomical and Histochemical Studies of the thyroid gland of two Egyptian reptiles

Two species of lizards are used in the present work Eumeces schneiderii as a hibernating reptile and Laudakia stellio brachydactyla as a non-hibernating one. Macroscopically, the thyroid of Eumeces schneiderii is formed of separate paired structures lying on both sides of the bifurcation of left and right carotid arteries. The thyroid of Laudakia, is formed of two well defined lobes each lying on either side of the trachea with a narrow connecting isthmus. Microscopically, the thyroid gland in both animals is composed of a big number of follicles which are held together by a loose connective tissue. The Interfollicular spaces are filled with blood sinusoids. Each follicle is composed of one layer of epithelial cells, which vary in their heights from winter to summer. In Laudakia, the gland never become completely inactive during winter. In Eumeces schneiderii , it is completely inactive during hibernation. Intracellular colloid droplets are rarely found in the thyroid of Laudakia, while they are very frequent In Eumeces schneiderii. This colloid shows regular seasonal changes in both animals depending on the degree of activity of acini.

Characterisation of a GC-Rich Telomeric Satellite DNA in Eumeces schneideri Daudin (Reptilia, Scincidae)

A hitherto undescribed satellite DNA family (AvaII satDNA) has been isolated and characterised in Eumeces schneideri, a squamate reptile belonging to the family Scincidae. AvaII satDNA is characterised by a monomer length of 208 bp, a GC content of 59% and exhibits a certain degree of CpG methylation. FISH experiments with AvaII satDNA probe produced bright signals (i) at the end of the short arms of all subtelocentric chromosomes except for pair 14, in which the signal was at the end of the long arms, (ii) at the ends of both arms of the small metacentric chromosomes 12, and (iii) in a terminal position on the acrocentric chromosomes 11 and 13. AvaII satDNA repeats were not found in the metacentric pair 3, whereas only a weak interstitial signal occurred in the metacentric pairs 1 and 2. C-banding showed that this satellite represents most of the constitutive heterochromatin in the genome of this skink, and chromomycin A₃ staining produced a clear signal overlapping with the satellite, except for NOR-associated heterochromatin. In addition, quantitative dot blot analysis showed that these repetitive sequences constitute about 3% of the genomic DNA of this lizard. AvaII satDNA sequence analysis revealed the occurrence of short guanine residue stretches for which a function in structural stability of these sequences and a role in recombination with telomeric sequences can be hypothesised. Fibre FISH experiments showed that on some chromatin fibres telomeric sequences and AvaII satellite DNA repeats are intermingled or overlapping.

LIZARDS OF THE GANDO PROTECTED AREA IN SISTAN AND BALUCHESTAN PROVINCE, SOUTHEASTERN IRAN

We report observations on the natural history of lizards in the Gando Protected Area, within the Sistan and Baluchestan Province, Iran. The identity of the lizards is recorded, along with remarks on some meristic characteristics. Brief descriptions of their habitats are also given with a distribution map. Lizards (n = 132) were collected and photographed in 2008-09. Twelve species belonging to 9 genera and five families were found: Agamidae: Laudakia melanura lirata, Trapelus agilis, Laudakia fusca; Gekkonidae:Bunopus tuberculatus, Cyrtopodion scabrum, Hemidactylus persicus, Hemidactylus flaviviridis; Lacertidae: Mesalina brevirostris, Mesalina watsonana, Acanthodactylus blanfordi; Scincidae: Eumeces schneiderii zarudnyi; Varanidae: Varanus griseus caspius. This is the first record of Mesalina brevirostris in southeastern Iran.

Endogenous stages of Choleoeimeria baltrocki (Daszak et Ball, 1991) n. comb. infecting the gall bladder of gold skink, Eumeces schneiderii Daudin, 1802 from Egypt

AbstractExamination of 98 gold skink, Eumeces schneiderii Daudin, 1802 from Alexandria and Marsa-matroh Governorates, Egypt revealed oocysts of Choleoeimeria baltrocki (Daszak et Ball, 1991) n. comb. in the gall bladder and faeces. The prevalence of the infection was 40.8%. Sporulated oocysts were found in the faeces and the gall bladder contents. Sporulated oocysts were tetrasporocystic, cylindrical, reaching a mean of 38.7 (36–42) × 19.9 (17–25) μm with bilayered smooth and colourless wall. The dizoic sporocysts were subspherical and measuring 10.8 (9.5–13) × 9.3 (8–10.5) μm with a large globular sporocyst residuum. Sporocyst wall was bilayered joined by meridional suture. Sporozoites were crescent-shaped, blunt at one end and slightly tapered at the other. Endogenous stages (meronts, gamonts, gametes and young oocysts) were confined to the gall bladder epithelium and the infected cells were hypertrophied. Based on the morphological features of the exogenous stages and endogenous development of the present parasite, its generic affiliation was revised and placed into the genus Choleoeimeria.

Radiation, multiple dispersal and parallelism in the skinks, Chalcides and Sphenops (Squamata: Scincidae), with comments on Scincus and Scincopus and the age of the Sahara Desert

Phylogenetic analysis using up to 1325 base pairs of mitochondrial DNA from 179 specimens and 30 species of Chalcides, Sphenops, Eumeces, Scincopus and Scincus indicates that Sphenops arose twice independently within Chalcides. It is consequently synonymized with that genus. Chalcides in this broader sense originated in Morocco, diversifying into four main clades about 10 Ma, after which some of its lineages dispersed widely to cover an area 40 times as large. Two separate lineages invaded the Canary Islands and at least five main lineages colonized southern Europe. At least five more spread across northern Africa, one extending into southwest Asia. Elongate bodies with reduced limbs have evolved at least four times in Chalcides, mesic ‘grass-swimmers’ being produced in one case and extensive adaptation to life in loose desert sand in two others. In clade, Chalcides striatus colonized SW Europe from NW Africa 2.6 Ma and C. chalcides mainland Italy 1.4 Ma, both invasions being across water, while C. c. vittatus reached Sardinia more recently, perhaps anthropogenically, and C. guentheri spread 1200 km further east to Israel. C. minutus is a composite, with individuals from the type locality forming a long independent lineage and the remaining ones investigated being most closely related to C. mertensi. In the Northern clade, C. boulengeri and C. sepsoides spread east through sandy habitats north of the Sahara about 5 Ma, the latter reaching Egypt. C. bedriagai invaded Spain around the same time, perhaps during the Messinian period when the Mediterranean was dry, and shows considerable diversification. Although it is currently recognized as one species, the C. ocellatus clade exhibits as much phylogenetic depth as the other main clades of Chalcides, having at least six main lineages. These have independently invaded Malta and Sardinia from Tunisia and also southwest Arabia C. o. humilis appears to have spread over 4000 km through the Sahel, south of the Sahara quite recently, perhaps in the Pleistocene. In the Western clade of Chalcides, C. delislei appears to have dispersed in a similar way. There were also two invasions of the Canary Islands: one around 5 Ma by C. simonyi, and the other about 7 Ma by the ancestor of C. viridanus + C. sexlineatus. C. montanus was believed to be related to C. lanzai of the Northern clade, but in the mtDNA tree it is placed within C. polylepis of the Western clade, although this may possibly be an artifact of introgression. The Eumeces schneideri group, Scincopus and Scincus form a clade separate from Chalcides. Within this clade, the geographically disjunct E. schneideri group is paraphyletic. One of its members, E. algeriensis is the sister taxon to Scincopus, and Scincus may also be related to these taxa. The phylogeny suggests Scincopus entered desert conditions in Africa, up to 9.6 Ma and the same may have been true of Scincus up to 11.7 Ma. Scincus appears to have diversified and spread into Arabia around 6 Ma. Dates of origin and divergence of these skinks, desert Chalcides and other squamates agree with recent geological evidence that the Sahara is at least 5–7 My old. The subspecies Chalcides viridanus coeruleopunctatus is upgraded to the species level as C. coeruleopunctatus stat nov., on the basis of its large genetic divergence from C. v. viridanus.

A new subspecies, Eumeces schneiderii barani n. ssp (Reptilia: Sauria: Scincidae) from Turkey

This study describes a new subspecies of lizard, Eumeces schneiderii barani n. ssp., from western Anatolia, Turkey. The new subspecies is differentiated from other two subspecies in Anatolia (E. s. princeps and E. s. pavimentatus) by its characteristic colour and colour-pattern as well as by the scales along the dorsal midline. Results obtained from polyacrylamide gel disc electrophoresis support this differentiation.

A new subspecies, Eumeces schneiderii barani n. ssp (Reptilia: Sauria: Scincidae) from Turkey

This study describes a new subspecies of lizard, Eumeces schneiderii barani n. ssp., from western Anatolia, Turkey. The new subspecies is differentiated from other two subspecies in Anatolia (E. s. princeps and E. s. pavimentatus) by its characteristic colour and colour-pattern as well as by the scales along the dorsal midline. Results obtained from polyacrylamide gel disc electrophoresis support this differentiation.

A new subspecies, Eumeces schneiderii barani n. ssp (Reptilia: Sauria: Scincidae) from Turkey

This study describes a new subspecies of lizard, Eumeces schneiderii barani n. ssp., from western Anatolia, Turkey. The new subspecies is differentiated from other two subspecies in Anatolia (E. s. princeps and E. s. pavimentatus) by its characteristic colour and colour-pattern as well as by the scales along the dorsal midline. Results obtained from polyacrylamide gel disc electrophoresis support this differentiation.