TitleFirst appearance deceives many: disentangling the species complex using an integrated approach.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2018
AuthorsMirza ZA, Gowande GG, Patil R, Ambekar M, Patel H
JournalPeerJ
Volume6
Paginatione5341
Date Published2018
ISSN2167-8359
Abstract

The gekkonid lizard genus Oken is the second most species-rich genus of geckos with greatest diversity in the tropical regions of the world. Some species of the genus are commensal and widespread; however, there are several endemic lineages with restricted distribution. India is home to at least 35 species, with 20 endemic species and the number is steadily increasing with exploration of new habitats and integrated taxonomic approach including molecular data. We made investigations into the molecular and morphological variation throughout the distribution of Daudin, 1802 based on fresh specimens, literature review, museum material and molecular data. Results from morphological, molecular and micro-CT based anatomical data are unequivocal and show that is a species complex represented by three species, sensu stricto and two undescribed taxa. Jerdon, 1854 syn. nov. was found to be morphologically similar to the type specimen of , and genetically embedded in a clade containing sensu stricto and is here treated as a junior synonym of , whereas Deraniyagala is referred to as given that the types are presently not traceable and the original description is inadequate in diagnosing the taxon. The populations from western-central India and parts of Pakistan, and from southern Karnataka are distinct and diagnosable, and are herein described as two new species, respectively. Morphological and molecular data support the distinctiveness of the new species. The present work resolves a taxonomic turmoil that lasted over two centuries highlighting the need for studies that integrate morphological and molecular data.

DOI10.7717/peerj.5341
Alternate JournalPeerJ
PubMed ID30083464
PubMed Central IDPMC6076986