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Issue: Vol. 4127 No. 1: 22 Jun. 2016
Type: Article
Published: 2016-06-22
DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4127.1.7
Page range: 135–148
Abstract views: 193
PDF downloaded: 2

No longer supple? Molecular phylogeny suggests generic reassignment of Lygosoma ashwamedhi (Sharma, 1969) (Reptilia: Scincidae)

Natural History Museum and Wildlife Biology & Taxonomy Lab, Department of Zoology, University College of Science, Osmania University, Hyderabad, Telangana State 500007, India Systematics, Ecology & Conservation Laboratory, Zoo Outreach Organization (ZOO), 96 Kumudham Nagar, Vilankurichi Road, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641035, India
Systematics, Ecology & Conservation Laboratory, Zoo Outreach Organization (ZOO), 96 Kumudham Nagar, Vilankurichi Road, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu 641035, India Biodiversity Research and Conservation Society, 303 Nestcon Orchid, Kanajiguda, Secunderabad, Telangana State 500015, India
Biodiversity Research and Conservation Society, 303 Nestcon Orchid, Kanajiguda, Secunderabad, Telangana State 500015, India
Natural History Museum and Wildlife Biology & Taxonomy Lab, Department of Zoology, University College of Science, Osmania University, Hyderabad, Telangana State 500007, India
Reptilia endemism India Eutropis Riopa taxonomy

Abstract

Morphometrics and phylogenetic analysis based on 12S and 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequences reveal that Riopa ashwamedhi Sharma, 1969 is placed incorrectly in the genus Riopa or Lygosoma, and we transfer this taxon to the genus Eutropis. New material of this rare and endemic species forms the basis of the generic reassignment. A detailed description of E. ashwamedhi (Sharma, 1969) comb. nov. and natural history notes are provided based on the new material collected in Andhra Pradesh, India.

 

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