Phenotypic Variation, Phylogenetic Position and New Distributional Records for the Poorly Known Liolaemus silvai Ortiz, 1989 (Iguania: Iguanidae: Liolaemini)

Abstract

Liolaemus silvai is a poorly known species of the L. nigromaculatus group. Currently, its distribution is restricted to the type locality (Carrizalillo, Atacama Region, Chile) and despite being a highly variable species no study has provided a clear diagnosis or color photographs. Here, we provide a phylogenetic hypothesis for the L. nigromaculatus group based on mitochondrial DNA, where L. silvai is strongly supported as the sister taxon to L. zapallarensis. Also, we provide a detailed diagnosis, description of variation, and four new locality records for L. silvai. In addition, we call attention to several taxonomic issues with the L. nigromaculatus group that need to be solved.