IADIZA   20886
INSTITUTO ARGENTINO DE INVESTIGACIONES DE LAS ZONAS ARIDAS
Unidad Ejecutora - UE
artículos
Título:
Diferencias morfológicas y status taxonómico de las especies simpátricas Liolaemus coeruleus y Liolaemus neuquensis (Reptilia: Iguania: Liolaemidae)
Autor/es:
SCOLARO, J.A.; VIDELA, F.; PUIG, S.; MARCUS, A.
Revista:
MULTEQUINA
Referencias:
Año: 2007 vol. 16 p. 53 - 64
ISSN:
0327-9375
Resumen:
Two simpatric species of lizards (Liolaemus coeruleus and Liolaemus neuquensis) are  analyzed, with the aim to identify morfometric and meristic variables for their diferenciation. Individuals recently collected of each species were analyzed (n= 28 and n= 26, respectively), and individuals from collections. Data from Holotype and Paratypes were obtained from the original description. Electronic caliper of precision was used for measure morphologic characters standardized in herpetology, and estereo-microscope for observation and counting scales. Some significant differences between species were detected by discriminant analysis and Student t-test. L. neuquensis differed from L. coeruleus by higher number of scales around mid-body (variable selected by discriminant analysis), lower ventral melanism and shorter fore-limbs (concordant with the original description). Besides, males showed lower body size in L. neuquensis. Both sexes diferred by the color and dorsal black spots arrangement. The external chromatism, evident in males and in the head of females, stands out as main difference among species. Some differences were observed in the second postmental scales. The similarity of several morphologic variables shows the nearest phylogenetic relationship between species. This study clarifies the chromatic patterns of both species, stands out as discriminant character the scales counting around mid-body, and specifies the respective ranks.