Phylogenetic taxonomy of the Cercosaurini (Squamata: Gymnophthalmidae), with new genera for species of Neusticurus and Proctoporus

• Published in: Zoological journal of the Linnean Society Vol. 143; no. 3; pp. 405 - 416
• Main Authors: DOAN, TIFFANY M., CASTOE, TODD A.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford, UK Blackwell Science Ltd 01-03-2005
• Subjects: lizards; phylogenetic systematics; Reptilia; taxonomy
• ISSN: 0024-4082; 1096-3642
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1096-3642.2005.00145.x

The tribe Cercosaurini is one of the most poorly studied groups of the lizard family Gymnophthalmidae. Recent studies have suggested that two cercosauriine genera, Neusticurus and Proctoporus, are polyphyletic. The aim of the current study was to rectify the polyphyletic relationships and construct a phylogenetic taxonomy of the Cercosaurini that is congruent with evolutionary history. Neusticurus is divided into two genera, one of them new (Potamites), based on the clades recovered by molecular studies and previously discussed morphological data. Proctoporus is divided into three genera, one of which is new (Petracola), while an older name (Riama) is resurrected for another. All five genera are described and defined and taxonomic keys are presented. This study represents an important advance in rectifying the taxonomy of the Cercosaurini. Many other para‐ and polyphyletic genera remain in the Gymnophthalmidae and much future work on this group is warranted. © 2005 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2005, 143, 405–416.