Stampa
Categoria: 2010

Walter E. Schargela; Gilson A. Rivasb; Robert Makowskyc; J. Celsa Sentildearisd; Marco A. Naterae; Tito R. Barrosb; Ceacutesar R. Molinaf; Ceacutesar L. Barrio-Amoroacutesg

Abstract

The phylogenetic relationships and species boundaries of the diurnal geckos of the genus Gonatodes in the Guayana region are examined. Seven species of Gonatodes are recognized for the region, six of which are endemic to this region and form a monophyletic group together with G. hasemani from the southern part of the Amazon Basin. Two of the six species in this group are new to science, one of which is endemic to Venezuela and it is described here. Taxonomic accounts are provided for all the Venezuelan species of Gonatodes that are endemic to the Guayana region. The phylogenetic relationships of Gonatodes suggest that the diversity of this genus in the Guayana region has resulted mostly from in situ diversification rather than multiple colonization events by different lineages. The phylogenetic analyses also support that G. antillensis, the only nocturnal species in the genus, is indeed nested within Gonatodes, indicating re-evolution of some traits associated with nocturnal life. Finally, we comment on a recently proposed framework of temporal diversification in Gonatodes and suggest that we are still a long way from attaining a complete understanding about the systematics of this genus.

Keywords: Gekkota; Gonatodes; Guayana; Guiana; new species; phylogeny; Reptilia; Squamata; systematics; Venezuela.

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