Ecuadorian Lizards of the Genus Stenocercus (Squamata: Tropiduridae)

Abstract

A taxonomic review of lizards of the genus Stenocerus in Ecuador revealed that coloration and certain external morphological characters, such as scales around midbody, the relatoin between tail length and total length, and number os subdigital lamellae on Finger IV are important taxonomic characters. Fourteen species, including two species new to science are recognized: Stenocercus aculeatus, S. angel sp. nov., S. carrioni, S. chota sp. nov., S. festae, S. guentheri, S. haenschi, S. humeralis, S. iridescens, S. limitaris, S. ornatus, S. rhodmelas, S. simonsii, and S. varius. Of the new species, Stenocercus angel occurs at elevations of 3015-3560 m in Provincia Carchi and Provincia Sucumbios, and Stenocercus chota occurs at elevations of 1575-1940 m in Chota Valley, Provincia Imbabura. All species are redescribed, expect for Stenocercus carrioni, S. limitaris, and S. sinonsii, which have recent and appropriate complete descriptions. A neotype for S. festae is proposed. Sexual variation in morphological characters is described for all species, along with geographical variation in S. guentheri, S. iridescens, and S. varius. The distribution of each species is mapped, and new color descriptions and ecological and reproductive data are provided. A dichotomous key is also included to assist in the identification of specimens.