Iberolacerta

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Iberolacerta
Benny Trapp Iberolacerta monticola.jpg
Iberolacerta monticola
Scientific classification Red Pencil Icon.png
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Lacertidae
Subfamily: Lacertinae
Genus: Iberolacerta
Arribas, 1999
Species

8, see below.

Iberolacerta is a genus of lizards in the family Lacertidae. The genus contains at least eight described species, which are mainly found in Spain and France. Iberolacerta horvathi (Horvath's rock lizard) has a wider geographic range, being distributed in Central Europe.

Contents

Distribution

The species of Iberolacerta are distinct and mainly found in the western Europe mountain ranges. [1] Iberolacerta species found in Germany could have possibly been caused by human introduction, and are thus controversial. [1] For example, I. horvathi had been encountered in southern Germany, but has not been encountered thereafter. [1]

Morphological features

This group of lizards contains certain features in common, including: a depressed head and body; 7–9 premaxillary teeth; ~26 presacral vertebrae (for males); inscriptional ribs; tail brightly colored in hatchlings. [1]

Some of the lizards in this genus contains specific features such as: rostral and frontonasal scales; one postanal scale; supranasal and anterior loreal scales; 36 or less macro chromosomes; egg-laid embryos somewhat developed. [1]

Small species are up to ~85 mm long, but all species have shown to have females are larger than the male. [1]

Skull

The skull contains 7-9 premaxillary teeth, no pterygoid teeth, and slender nasal process. [1] In addition there is a separation between the frontal bone and postorbital bone. [1]

Post-cranial skeleton

Iberolacerta contains presacral vertebrae that differ upon sex. [1] Males presacral vertebrae can range from 25-26, white the larger females presacral vertebrae can range from 26-29. [1] Both sex also contain an average of 6 posterior presacral vertebrae with relatively short ribs. The tail vertebrae can contain the common A-type pattern or less common B-type pattern. [1]

Coloring

The coloring on the dorsal side contains stripes, bands, and spots near or on where the vertebral column is located. [1] The coloring on the ventral side are white, light yellow, deep orange, or green. [1] The tails of juveniles are often bright green or blue. [1]

Chromosome counts

Contains a diploid (2n) number of autosomes ranging from 36 and below. [1] The sex chromosomes come in two different types depending on number of Z chromosomes that are species specific: ZW-type or Z1Z2W-type. [1] The chromosomes also can contain nucleolar organizer in large macrochromosomes, termed L-type, or in a medium macrochromosome, termed M-type. [1]

Ecology

These lizards tend to be found as solid surface rock dwellers but can be found associated with small loose stones. [1]

Species

I. aranica is located in the central Pyrenean Mountains of France and Spain. [2] The populations of this species are due to the rocky alpine habitats. [2] The population trend of this species is decreasing. [2] Image.
I. aurelioi is located in the Pyrenees Mountains on the border of Andorra, France, and Spain. [3] This species has a population size that ranges from approximately 10-200 individuals. [3] The population trend for this species is decreasing. [3] Image.
I. bonnali is located in the central Pyrenean Mountains of France and Spain. [4] Populations are present in suitable habitats and fragmented in unsuitable habitats. [4] The population trend of this species is stable. [4] Image.
I. cyreni is located in the central mountains of Spain in the Sierra de Bejar, Sierra de Gredos, La Serrota and Sierra del Guadarrama. [5] Populations of this species are common in particular areas. [5] The population trend for this species is decreasing. [5] Image.
I. galani is located in the Spain regions of Sierra Segundera, Sierra de la Cabrera, Sierra del Eje or Peña Trevinca and Sierra del TelenoOscar. [6] The populations of these species are copious. [6] The population trend of this species is unknown. [6] Image.
I. horvathi is located in the mountain ranges of southern Austria, northeastern Italy, western Slovenia, and western Croatia. [7] Populations of this species are locally copious. [7] The population trend for this species is stable. [7] Image.
I. martinezricai is located in the Spain region of Sierra Segundera, Salamanca. [8] The populations of these species are very rare since most populations are located at the peak of the mountain. [8] The population trend of this species is decreasing. [8] Image.
I. monticola is located in the Spain region of the Cantabrian Mountains and Galicia, also located in the central Portugal region of Serra de Estrela. [9] The populations of these species occur when habitats are suitable, although they are very localized. [9] The population trend of this species is decreasing. [9] Image.

Evolution

Speciation theory caused by mountain ranges and Pleistocene glacial cycles: It is believed that many of the Iberolacerta genus had led to many speciation seen today because of the Pleistocene glacial cycles and Holocene habitat fragmentation. [10] For example, I. monticola has been studied to determine its cause of speciation. There was an analysis of 17 I. monticola population's mitochondrial DNA sequences, at a control region and cytochrome b loci, throughout the northwestern quadrant of the Iberian Peninsula. [11] The results these researchers data gathered lead to the conclusion that correlated to a “refugia within refugia” model since the comparative phylogeographic analyses had shown consistent genetic subdivisions patterns. [11] This suggested that the mountain ranges could potentially be the cause of the descending species of Iberolacerta. [11] It was also hypothesized that the Holocene epoch then represented a long-term survival inflexion point for the derived species not to survive the preceding glacial cycle. [11]

Reproduction

During copulation the male bites and latches to the flanks of the females, allowing the fertilization of ~3–10 eggs. [1] In newly laid eggs the embryos are somewhat developed, and range depending on species from ~23 to 36 days until hatching. [1]

Related Research Articles

<i>Gallotia</i> genus of reptiles

The genus Gallotia are the lacertids of the Canary Islands. This genus consists of a group that has been evolving there ever since the first islands emerged from the sea over 20 million years ago. The endemic species and subspecies of this group have a number of characteristics that make them quite special within their family (Lacertidae); their only close relatives are the sandrunner lizards (Psammodromus) of the western Mediterranean region. Gallotia are characteristic for eating significant quantities of plants, and for several lineages having evolved insular gigantism.

El Hierro giant lizard species of reptile

The El Hierro giant lizard is a subspecies of lacertid that can be found on the island of El Hierro, one of the Canary Islands. It is considered to be a subspecies of Gallotia simonyi, Simony's lizard. The subspecies was once present throughout much of the island and on the small offshore Roque Chico de Salmor, but is now confined to a few small areas of cliff with sparse vegetation. It is currently restricted to the southern end of the Risco de Tibataje in Fuga de Gorreta, located between Guinea and the so-called Paso del Pino. The species was also successfully reintroduced to the Roque Chico de Salmor in 1999, and subsequent reintroductions have taken place at Julan and at la Dehesa.(Miras & Pérez-Mellado 2005b)

<i>Gallotia simonyi</i>

Gallotia simonyi, also known as Simony's lizard, is a species of lacertid that was found on many of the Canary Islands. The species was once present throughout much of the islands, but one of the two subspecies is extinct, while the other, the Roque Chico de Salmor giant lizard is now confined to a few small areas of cliff with sparse vegetation. It is currently restricted to the southern end of the Risco de Tibataje in la Fuga de Gorreta, located between Guinea and the so-called Paso del Pino. The species was also successfully reintroduced to the Roque Chico de Salmor in 1999, and subsequent reintroductions have taken place at Julan and at la Dehesa.(Miras & Pérez-Mellado 2005b)

<i>Podarcis hispanicus</i> wall lizard species of the genus Podarcis

Podarcis hispanicus is a small wall lizard species of the genus Podarcis. It is found in the Iberian peninsula, in northwestern Africa and in coastal districts in Languedoc-Roussillon in France. In Spanish, this lizard is commonly called lagartija Ibérica.

<i>Chalcides chalcides</i> Species of reptile

The Italian three-toed skink or just the three-toed skink is a species of lizard found from Italy, to northern Algeria, Libya, Morocco and Tunisia. It is common in some locations and is usually found in sunny areas with dense vegetation but can also be found in arid areas. They reach about 48 cm in length, out of which the tail constitutes more than half. Its body is long and snake-like, coloured usually between brown and olive and may have dark stripes on the back. Each of the highly reduced legs has three fingers. These skinks are active during daytime and prey mainly on insects. Females of the species give birth to live young. The population of this skink is slowly declining, but it has some tolerance to habitat modification.

Western three-toed skink Species of reptile

The western three-toed skink is a species of lizard with tiny legs in the family Scincidae. It is found in Western Europe. Its natural habitats are temperate forests, temperate shrubland, Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation, temperate grassland, sandy shores, arable land, pastureland, and rural gardens. It was first described 1829 by the French naturalist Georges Cuvier. The generic name comes from the Greek "chalcides" meaning 'copper' and the specific name is derived from the Latin "striatus" meaning 'streak'.

Iberian parsley frog species of amphibian

The Iberian parsley frog is a species of frogs in the family Pelodytidae, known as "parsley frogs" because of their green speckles. This species is only found in Portugal and Spain; in Spanish it is known as sapillo moteado ibérico.

Tenerife gecko species of reptile

The Tenerife gecko or Tenerife wall gecko is a species of lizard in the family Phyllodactylidae.

Gran Canaria giant lizard lizard species of genus Gallotia

The Gran Canaria giant lizard is a species of lizard in the family Lacertidae. The species is found in the Canary Islands.

Aran rock lizard species of reptile

The Aran rock lizard is a species of lizard in the family Lacertidae.

Aurelios rock lizard species of reptile

Aurelio's rock lizard is a species of lizard in the family Lacertidae. The species is endemic to the Iberian peninsula.

Pyrenean rock lizard species of reptile

The Pyrenean rock lizard is a species of lizards in the family Lacertidae. It is endemic to the Pyrenees where it occurs at high altitudes and is only active in summer.

<i>Iberolacerta cyreni</i> species of reptile

Iberolacerta cyreni, Cyren's rock lizard, is a species of lizard in the family Lacertidae. The species is endemic to central Spain.

Horvaths rock lizard species of reptile

Horvath's rock lizard is a species of lizard in the family Lacertidae. The species is endemic to Europe. Until recently, this species was assigned to the same genus as the morphologically similar sand lizard. The natural habitats of I. horvathi are temperate forests and shrublands, and rocky areas.

<i>Iberolacerta martinezricai</i> species of reptile

Iberolacerta martinezricai, Martinez-Rica's rock lizard, is a species of lizard in the family Lacertidae.

Iberian rock lizard species of reptile

The Iberian rock lizard is a species of lizard in the family Lacertidae. The species is endemic to Portugal and Spain. Its natural habitats are mountain forests, shrubland, rivers and rocky areas. It is threatened by habitat loss.

<i>Podarcis carbonelli</i> species of reptile

Podarcis carbonelli, commonly known as Carbonell's wall lizard, is a species of lizards in the family Lacertidae. It is endemic to Portugal and Spain.

<i>Macroprotodon cucullatus</i> Species of mildly venomous colubrid snake

Macroprotodon cucullatus, commonly known as the false smooth snake, is a species of mildly venomous colubrid snake endemic to the Mediterranean Basin.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 13. Arnold, E. N., O. Arribas, and S. Carranza (March 2007). “Systematics of the Palaearctic and Oriental lizard tribe Lacertini (Squamata: Lacertidae: Lacertinae), with descriptions of eight new genera”. Zootaxa1430: 44-66. ISBN   978-1-86977-097-6 (paperback). ISBN   978-1-86977-098-3
  2. 1 2 3 Valentin Pérez-Mellado, Marc Cheylan, Patrick Haffner. 2009. Iberolacerta aranica. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2014.3. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 23 November 2014
  3. 1 2 3 Valentin Pérez-Mellado, Marc Cheylan, Iñigo Martínez-Solano. 2009. Iberolacerta aurelioi. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2014.3. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 23 November 2014
  4. 1 2 3 Valentin Pérez-Mellado, Marc Cheylan, Iñigo Martínez-Solano. 2009. Iberolacerta bonnali. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2014.3. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 23 November 2014.
  5. 1 2 3 Valentin Pérez-Mellado, Marc Cheylan, Iñigo Martínez-Solano. 2009. Iberolacerta cyreni. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2014.3. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 23 November 2014.
  6. 1 2 3 Arribas. 2009. Iberolacerta galani. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2014.3. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 23 November 2014.
  7. 1 2 3 Milan Vogrin, Wolfgang Böhme, Pierre-André Crochet, Hans Konrad Nettmann, Roberto Sindaco, Antonio Romano. 2009. Iberolacerta horvathi. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2014.3. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 23 November 2014.
  8. 1 2 3 Valentin Pérez-Mellado, Marc Cheylan, Iñigo Martínez-Solano. 2009. Iberolacerta martinezricai. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2014.3. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 23 November 2014.
  9. 1 2 3 Valentin Pérez-Mellado, Marc Cheylan, Iñigo Martínez-Solano. 2009. Iberolacerta monticola. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2014.3. <www.iucnredlist.org>. Downloaded on 23 November 2014.
  10. ↑ Crochet PA, Chaline O, Surget-Groba Y, Debain C, Cheylan M (2004) "Speciation in mountains: phylogeography and phylogeny of the rock lizards genus Iberolacerta (Reptilia: Lacertidae)". Mol Phylogenet Evol 30: 860–866
  11. 1 2 3 4 Remon, N., P. Galan, M. Villa, O. Arribas and H. Naveira (June 2013). “Causes and evolutionary consequences of population subdivision of an Iberian mountain lizard, Iberolacerta monticola”. PLoS One 8 (6): 1-15. doi : 10.1371/journal.pone.0066034. PMC 3676366.
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