Side-blotched lizard
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Side-blotched lizards are lizards of the genus Uta. They are some of the most abundant and commonly observed lizards in the deserts of western North America.
[edit] Systematics
The systematics and phylogeny of the side-blotched lizards is very confusing, with many local forms and morphs having been described as full species (e.g. see Oliver, 1943). Following the review of Upton & Murphy (1997) which included new data from mtDNA cytochrome b and ATPase 6 sequences, the following species can be recognized pending further research:
- Eastern Side-blotched Lizard, Uta stejnegeri - previously considered a subspecies of U. stansburiana
- San Pedro Martir Side-blotched Lizard, Uta palmeri
- Angel de la Guarda Side-blotched Lizard (undescribed species, previously included in U. stansburiana)
- Salsipuedes Side-blotched Lizard, Uta antiqua - previously considered a subspecies of U. stansburiana
- Santa Catalina Side-blotched Lizard, Uta squamata - sometimes considered a subspecies of U. stansburiana
- San Esteban Side-blotched Lizard (undescribed species, previously included in U. stansburiana)
- San Pedro Nolasco Side-blotched Lizard, Uta nolascensis
- Common Side-blotched Lizard, Uta stansburiana
- Western Side-blotched Lizard, Uta (stansburiana) elegans
- Enchanted Side-blotched Lizard, Uta encantadae - possibly a subspecies of U. stansburiana
- El Muerto Side-blotched Lizard, Uta lowei - possibly a subspecies of U. stansburiana
- Swollen-nosed Side-blotched Lizard, Uta tumidarostra - possibly a subspecies of U. stansburiana
- Socorro Side-blotched Lizard, Uta auriculata - possibly a subspecies of U. stansburiana
- Clarion Side-blotched Lizard, Uta clarionensis - possibly a subspecies of U. stansburiana
- Ornate Side-blotched Lizard, Uta mannophora - possibly a subspecies of U. stansburiana
Uta stellata and U. concinna are nowadays usually considered a subspecies of U. stansburiana. U. encantadae, U. lowei and U. tumidarostra might be subspecies of a distinct species (Las Encantadas Side-blotched Lizard) instead. Similarly, U. auriculata and U. clarionensis might be subspecies of a single species, the Revillagigedo Side-blotched Lizard.
[edit] References
- Collins, Joseph T. (1991): Viewpoint: a new taxonomic arrangement for some North American amphibians and reptiles. Herpetological Review 22(2): 42-43. PDF fulltext
- Grismer, L. L. (1994): Three new species of intertidal side-blotched lizards (Genus Uta) from the Gulf of California, Mexico. Herpetologica 50: 451–474.
- Murphy, Robert W. & Aguirre-León, Gustavo (2002): The Nonavian Reptiles: Origins and Evolution. In: Case, Ted & Cody, Martin (eds.): A New Island Biogeography of the Sea of Cortés: 181-220. Oxford University Press. ISBN 0-19-513346-3 PDF fulltext Appendices 2-4
- Oliver, James A. (1943): The Status of Uta ornata lateralis Boulenger. Copeia 1943(2): 97-107. DOI:10.2307/1437774 (First page image)
- Upton, Darlene E. & Murphy, Robert W. (1997): Phylogeny of the side-blotched lizards (Phrynosomatidae: Uta) based on mtDNA sequences: support for midpeninsular seaway in Baja California. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 8(1): 104-113. DOI:10.1006/mpev.1996.0392 PDF fulltext
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