The Molecular and Morphological Determination of Valid Subspecies of Canyon Lizard (Sceloporus merriami merriami, Sceloporus merriami annulatus and Sceloporus merriami longipunctatus) in the Chihuahuan Desert of West Texas


Meeting Abstract

P1-12  Monday, Jan. 4 15:30  The Molecular and Morphological Determination of Valid Subspecies of Canyon Lizard (Sceloporus merriami merriami, Sceloporus merriami annulatus and Sceloporus merriami longipunctatus) in the Chihuahuan Desert of West Texas KNIGHTSTEP, G.; MCBRIDE, S. A.*; WILLIS, R. E.; Midwestern State University; Midwestern State University; Midwestern State University sarah.mcbride@mwsu.edu

Since its description, relatively few studies have examined the morphology and phylogeny of the canyon lizard, Sceloporus merriami, and its subsequent subspecies, Merriam’s canyon lizard (Sceloporus merriami merriami), the Big Bend canyon lizard (Sceloporus merriami annulatus), and the Presidio canyon lizard (Sceloporus merriami longipunctatus). Geographical ranges of these subspecies are centered in southwestern Texas. In this study, the Dalquest Desert Research Station and the surrounding areas were explored to capture and examine the canyon lizard subspecies. From April to October of 2015, S. merriami were captured from rock facings within the canyon systems of the Trans Pecos area. Lizards were captured, weighed, photographed, and several morphological characteristics were measured and recorded. Preliminary morphological data shows little variation in physical characteristics such as weight, snout to vent length, head length, body length, limb length, and ventral scale coloration and patterning. Initial observation of the paravertebral scale coloration and patterning on the dorsal surface yielded different results. Shapes of the paravertebral patches ranged from those typical of S. m. longipunctatus and S. m. annulatus to patterns unlike those previously described. The lizards were then analyzed for genetic variation. Examined sequences show little variation between subspecies at this time. These data may indicate a possible intergradation zone between the Big Bend canyon lizard and the Presidio canyon lizard and the differences between the three subspecies may be explained as natural variation within one species rather than attributed to their being classified as separate subspecies.

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