A new cryptic species of Stenocercus (Squamata: Iguanidae) from the Andes of Ecuador.

Abstract

We describe a new species of Stenocercus from the Andes of Ecuador that previously was erroneously assigned to S. guentheri due to its general phenotypic similarity with this species. Based on phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial DNA sequence data, we show that the new species is not nested within S. guentheri but is actually sister to S. festae. The new species can be distinguished from other Stenocercus by the combination of the following characters: imbricate scales on posterior surface of thighs, smooth ventrals, a posthumeral mite pocket consisting of a shallow depression with a wide opening (more distinct in adult specimens), small scales on occipitoparietal region, supraoculars of similar size, 62–83 scales around midbody, and no black midventral stripe or black transverse band on the ventral surface of neck in adult males.