A second note on the geographical differentiation of Amphisbaena fuliginosa L., 1758 (Squamata, Amphisbaenidae), with a consideration of the forest refuge model of speciation

Abstract

The geographical differentiation of Amphisbaena fuliginosa L. is studied with basis on 220 specimens from 99 definite and 2 generic localities, ranging from Panamá to Puno in Peru and Goiás in Brasil. The pattern found is considered to supportVanzolini's 1951 scheme of five subspecies, defined by color pattern and by four meristic characters, and differentiated in consequence of Quaternary paleoecological events. Recent developments relating to models of differentiation in Quaternary tropical South America are briefly considered.

New record of Amphisbaena fuliginosa (Squamata, Amphisbaenidae) for the Cerrado Biome, in an area of extensive cattle ranching

“…The color pattern of our specimen is similar to that described by Vanzolini (2002) for other specimens from Goiás state, corroborating the uniform color pattern observed for Cerrado populations (Vanzolini 2002 Richness and distribution of the herpetofauna in Cerrado biome is probably under estimated (Bini et al 2006), and many species have been recently described (e.g., Silva et al 2005, Torres-Carvajal 2005. The discovery of A. fuliginosa so far south of its previously known localities indicates that this species have a wider distribution in this biome.…”

“…It is believed that A. fuliginosa originated in Amazonia and colonized the Cerrado more recently (Vanzolini 2002). The range expansion of this species may be related to its fossorial habits (Vanzolini 2002).…”

“…The range expansion of this species may be related to its fossorial habits (Vanzolini 2002). Besides making it easier for the species to cross the ecological barriers between the two biomes, the fossorial habits of A. fuliginosa may also allow its occurrence in anthropogenic habitats such as the Limoeiro Ranch by offering protection against the changes in natural vegetation.…”

“…Amphisbaena fuliginosa Linnaeus (1758) was previously understood to be restricted to forested areas of Amazonia (Chalkidis 2000, Vanzolini 2002), but it was recently reported in the open formations of the Brazilian Cerrado (Colli et al 2002, Vanzolini 2002. In forested areas, the species exhibits well-defined and characteristic color patterns over broad areas that are separated by narrow transition belts (Vanzolini 2002).…”

“…In forested areas, the species exhibits well-defined and characteristic color patterns over broad areas that are separated by narrow transition belts (Vanzolini 2002). Since samples from the Cerrado are few (only 13 specimens), and restricted to two localities (Piracanjuba and Serra da Mesa, Goiás state) (Vanzolini 2002), additional data may clarify the geographic distribution and patterns of differentiation of this species.…”