Geographic variation and systematic review of the lizard genus Vanzosaura (Squamata, Gymnophthalmidae), with the description of a new species

Abstract

Vanzosaura rubricauda (Boulenger, 1902) is a small-bodied gymnophthalmid lizard widespread in dry biomes of South America. Throughout its distribution, V.rubricauda populations experience contrasting environmental conditions, and a marked disjunction occurs in the central portion of the Cerrado biome. Previous studies indicate that V.rubricauda may be a species complex, and here we used mitochondrial DNA data and external morphology to test for population differentiation and its systematic implications for the genus. We found three geographically cohesive groups recovered as well resolved, and strongly supported mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haploclades that are differentiated with respect to morphometry, meristics, and colour pattern. In light of the observed differences, we propose a new taxonomic rearrangement of the genus, where we: (1) restrict V.rubricauda to Chaco and western Cerrado regions; (2) resurrect Vanzosaura multiscutata (Amaral, 1933) comb.nov. for Caatinga populations; and (3) describe Vanzosaura savanicolasp.nov. for the eastern Cerrado region of Brazil. The new species is diagnosed from its congeners by having longer limbs and tail, fewer smooth subcaudals, and genetic distances ranging from 5 to 13%. The new species, along with other recent discoveries, highlights the Jalapão-Serra Geral region as one of the most important areas of endemism for Cerrado squamates. © 2014 The Linnean Society of London.