On the taxonomic status of Eurylepis poonaensis (Squamata: Scincidae): resolving a long-standing conundrum

Datta-Roy, Aniruddha and Deepak, Veerappan and Chaitanya, R and Murthy, Channakeshva and Bhosale, Harshal and Lajmi, Aparna and Karanth, Praveen and Kunte, Krushnamegh and Giri, Varad (2017) On the taxonomic status of Eurylepis poonaensis (Squamata: Scincidae): resolving a long-standing conundrum. In: SALAMANDRA, 53 (3). pp. 389-397.

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Abstract

The scincid genus Eurylepis was split off from the cosmopolitan genus Eumeces sensu lato, with Eurylepis taeniolatus being the type species, which is taxonomically poorly understood. The other nominate species in this genus is Eurylepis poonaensis, which was known only from its type locality and original description, and is the only known member of the subfamily Scincinae from near the Western Ghats. However, earlier studies raised doubts about its specific validity, often without examining type or other specimens. We collected fresh samples of this species from the type locality and nearby areas. Based on the examination of the holotype and the new material, we provide a detailed redescription of E. poonaensis, additional data on its skeletal structure, habitat, and natural history. We also provide a detailed redescription of E. taeniolatus based on the holotype to avoid further taxonomic ambiguity.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Publication:	SALAMANDRA
Additional Information:	Copy right for this article belongs to the DEUTSCHE GESELLSCHAFT HERPETOLOGIE TERRARIENKUNDE E V, C/O JORN KOHLER, HESSISCHES LANDESMUSEUM DARMSTADT, FRIEDENSPLATZ 1, DARMSTADT, 64283, GERMANY
Department/Centre:	Division of Biological Sciences > Centre for Ecological Sciences
Date Deposited:	01 Sep 2017 10:09
Last Modified:	01 Sep 2017 10:09
URI:	http://eprints.iisc.ac.in/id/eprint/57695

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