New records, range extensions and updated distribution of two gymnophthalmid lizards from the Caribbean Region, Colombia

Abstract

In Colombia, detailed knowledge of the geographic distribution of gymnophthalmid lizards is scarce. This paper presents the first confirmed records of Leposoma rugiceps and provides additional records of Gymnophthalmus speciosus from Department of La Guajira, in the Colombian Caribbean Region. These records extend the geographical distribution of both species and support their wide distribution in the lowlands of north of Colombia. Furthermore, we provide an updated distribution map with known occurrences of these species in Colombia.

Distributional records for Loxopholis rugiceps Cope, 1869 (Squamata, Gymnophthalmidae) in Central America

“…The family Gymnophthalmidae currently is known to contain 257 species (Uetz 2019) of small to medium sized lizards, which inhabit several habitat types in Central and South America (Vitt andCaldwell 2009, MezaJoya andRamosPallares 2015). Gymnophthal mid lizards of the genus Loxopholis Cope 1869 are small (snout-vent length < 50 mm) species but form an impor tant component of the leaflitter herpetofauna of Neo tropical forests (Dixon andSoini 1986, Rodrigues et al 2002).…”

On On the distribution of three exotic geckos of genus Hemidactylus Gray, 1825 (Squamata, Gekkonidae), and an unusual record of the native lizard Gymnophthalmus speciosus (Hallowell, 1861) outside its elevational range in Colombia

“…The fact that all the previously known distributional and ecological information shows that the species is a typical lowland reptile supports our assertion. G. speciosus distribution in Colombia comprises the lowland dry forests zones of the Caribbean region, the moist forests across inter-Andean valleys, and the Orinoquian savannahs below 900 m (Hernández-Ruz, 2006; Meza-Joya & Ramos-Pallares, 2015), which means that this unusual record is almost 3.000 m above the highest known elevational record and very likely its origin was the Magdalena Valley where the closest confirmed populations have been identified (Meza-Joya & Ramos-Pallares, 2015). This exchange of biota between lowlands and Andean areas may be more common than previously thought due to the high vehicular flow to which this region is exposed (Jarrin-V, 2003).…”