A systematic revision of the South American lizard genus Kentropyx (Sauria: Teiidae)

Abstract

The composition of the teiid lizard genus Kentropyx is revised. Patterns of variation and distribution of the species are documented, and evolutionary relationships are discussed. A key to the species is provided, and each species is characterized. Based upon geographic patterns of morphological variation and examination of type material and type descriptions eight species of Kentropyx are recognized, including K. altamazonica Cope, 1876; K. borckiana Peters, 1869; K. calcarata Spix, 1825; K. paulensis Boettger, 1893; K. pelviceps Cope, 1868; K. striata Daudin, 1802; K. vanzoi Gallagher and Dixon in prep and K. viridistriga Boulenger, 1893. A morphologically heterogeneous sample, associated with the Atlantic Forest, is referred to Kentropyx sp.. Kentropyx intermedius Gray 1831, a name applied to individuals here referred to K. borckiana, is considered a synonym of K. calcarata based on information provided by Hoogmoed, 1973. Kentropyx williamonsi Ruthven, 1929 is referred to the synonymy of K. altamazonica, and Kentropyx lagritija Fallardo, 1962 is considered a synonymy of K. viridistriga based on examination of type material. Kentropyx pelviceps is given precedence over Monoplocus dorsalis Günther, 1859, with M. dorsalis being placed in the synonymy of K. pelviceps. Lacerta vittata Schinz, 1822 is considered a synonym of K. calcarata following Hoogmoed's 1973 allocation. Other synonymies parallel allocation indicated by Peters and Donoso-Barros (1970). Subspecific differentiation of K. striata proposed by Hoogmoed (1973) is not upheld. The species of Kentropyx are arranged into three species groups. Recognition of the groups is based primarily on qualitative characteristics of the dorsal scutellation. Examination of patterns of morphological variation and distribution of the species, indicates primitive phena are associated with forest habitat. The Amazonian Valley is considered as the center of origin and point of radiation for the genus. Radiation of the genus is discussed relative to probable climatic and vegetational changes experienced in South America during Pleistocene, post-Pleistocene and Recent times. Brief generic comparisons are made. The derivation of Kentropyx from an Amevia-Cnemidophorus like ancestor is discussed.