Topic
Chalarodon
About: Chalarodon is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 4 publications have been published within this topic receiving 41 citations.
Papers
TL;DR: The first complete molecular species-level phylogeny for Oplurinae based on DNA sequences of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene and the nuclear c-mos gene is presented, confirming that, within the genus Oplurus, the largely arboreal O. cuvieri and O. cyclurus form the sister clade to the remaining, more rock-dwelling species.
Abstract: The iguanid subfamily Oplurinae consists of seven species of small to medium-sized, arboreal, sand-dwelling or rock-dwelling lizards endemic to Madagascar and the Comoros, belonging to the genera Oplurus and Chalarodon. We here present the first complete molecular species-level phylogeny for Oplurinae based on DNA sequences (865 bp) of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene and the nuclear c-mos gene. Our study is based on 52 specimens sampled from different populations in Madagascar and includes the geographically isolated population from Grande Comore, hitherto considered as subspecies Oplurus cuvieri comorensis or even as a separate species O. comorensis. Our results confirm that, within the genus Oplurus, the largely arboreal O. cuvieri and O. cyclurus form the sister clade to the remaining, more rock-dwelling species. Within the latter lineage, Oplurus quadrimaculatus is placed most basal, O. fierinensis and O. grandidieri are closely related sister species with high support, and O. saxicola is sister to the fierinensis/grandidieri lineage. Within the arboreal Oplurus, the Comoran sample shows no genetic differentiation relative to O. cuvieri populations from the North West and Sambirano regions of Madagascar, indicating that this population should not be considered as a separate species. In the monotypic genus Chalarodon, we discovered deep genetic divergences among populations of C. madagascariensis indicating the presence of a previously unrecognized cryptic species and the need for taxonomic revision.
21 citations
TL;DR: The interrelationships of the Malagasy iguanids were studied by multidimensional analyses and seven groups of characters were studied: lepidosis and color, mandibular shape, hemi- peneal morphology, male display movements, macrochromosomes, lactic dehydrogenase, and serum proteins.
Abstract: The interrelationships of the Malagasy iguanids were studied by multidimensional analyses. Seven groups of characters were studied: lepidosis and color, mandibular shape, hemi- peneal morphology, male display movements, macrochromosomes, lactic dehydrogenase, and serum proteins. The two genera, Chalarodon and Oplurus, constitute a monophyletic group. 0. quadri- maculatus is projected close to Chalarodon. In Oplurus, the rock-dwelling species and the tree- dwelling species each constitute a natural group. The Malagasy herpetofauna includes seven species of iguanids belonging to two endemic genera, Chalarodon and Oplurus (Mocquard, 1909; Angel, 1942). Chalarodon is a monotypic genus, with a single sand- dwelling species, C. madagascariensis. Two species of Oplurus are arboreal, 0. cyclurus and 0. cuvieri. A small population isolated on the Great Comoro Island is considered
10 citations
TL;DR: The details of the ventral scalation were examined in adult and young specimens of seven species of the Malagasy iguanids of the genera Chalarodon Peters, 1854 and Oplurus Cuvier, 1829, both visually and using light microscopy, and confirmed a presence of the epidermal generation glands of the escutcheon type.
Abstract: The details of the ventral scalation were examined in adult and young specimens of seven species of the Malagasy iguanids of the genera Chalarodon Peters, 1854 and Oplurus Cuvier, 1829, both visually and using light microscopy. For the first time, we report data on the topography, morphology and histology of epidermal glandular structures of the genus Oplurus. The modified swollen scales, callous-like in appearance, were described in the abdominal, pre-cloacal and femoral integument. Histological investigation confirmed a presence of the epidermal generation glands of the escutcheon type. In the lizards of the genus Oplurus the epidermal glands are mainly male characteristic, although partially modified ventral scales of the females suggest that they also have a potential capability to production of epidermal gland generation. A biological role of these scales is unclear, as well as their possible relations to lizard's ecology and behaviour.
7 citations
TL;DR: The new species of terrestrial iguana, Chalarodon steinkampi sp.
Abstract: A new species of the hitherto monotypic genus Chalarodon is described from southern Madagascar and a lectotype (ZMB 4360) is designated for C. madagascariensis Peters, 1854. The new species of terrestrial iguana, Chalarodon steinkampi sp. nov., is defined by several morphological characters and by concordant differentiation in mitochondrial and nuclear DNA with >5% uncorrected pairwise genetic distance in the 16S rRNA gene. It can be most clearly recognized by the presence of smooth (vs. keeled) gular and ventral scales, a spotted pattern extending from flanks onto belly, and an unpigmented throat. The new species is known from only a small area between the villages of Amboasary Sud and Esomony, located west of the Andohahela Massif, while C. madagascariensis appears to be widespread over much of southern and western Madagascar. We highlight the need for further exploration of this unprotected region which might host several other microendemic species.
4 citations
Related Topics (5)
Performance Metrics
| Year | Papers |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 1 |
| 2009 | 1 |
| 2008 | 1 |
| 1983 | 1 |