Variation in the rare lizard Barisia rudicollis (Wiegmann) (Anguidae) with description of a new species from central Mexico

Abstract

We describe a new species of Barisia from the oak-pine and cloud forests on the southern slopes of the central Transvolcanic Belt in the states of Mexico and Morelos, Mexico, and report on variation in a sample of 21 specimens of the poorly known B. rudicollis. The new species and B. rudicollis appear to have allopatric distributions and to be sister taxa. Because of increasing fragmentation and destruction of their habitat, we suggest that these species be regarded as threatened. We discuss synapomorphies for the genus Barisia.