Topic
Earless lizard
About: Earless lizard is a research topic. Over the lifetime, 29 publications have been published within this topic receiving 365 citations.
Papers
TL;DR: In this study, patterns in sequence data derived from two genes, one nuclear and one mitochondrial, for 66 individuals sampled across 18 counties in Texas revealed three strongly supported, reciprocally monophyletic lineages, each comprised of individuals from a single geographic region.
Abstract: Species delimitation attempts to match species-level taxonomy with actual evolutionary lineages. Such taxonomic conclusions are typically, but not always, based on patterns of congruence across multiple data sources and methods of analyses. Here, we use this pluralistic approach to species delimitation to help resolve uncertainty in species boundaries of phrynosomatid sand lizards of the genus Holbrookia. Specifically, the Spot-tailed Earless Lizard (H. lacerata) was historically divided into a northern (H. l. lacerata) and southern (H. l. subcaudalis) subspecies based on differences in morphology and allopatry, but no research has been conducted evaluating genetic differences between these taxa. In this study, patterns in sequence data derived from two genes, one nuclear and one mitochondrial, for 66 individuals sampled across 18 counties in Texas revealed three strongly supported, reciprocally monophyletic lineages, each comprised of individuals from a single geographic region. Distinct genetic variation evident across two of these regions corresponds with differences in morphology, differences in environmental niche, and lines up with the presumed geographic barrier, the Balcones Escarpment, which is the historical subspecies boundary. The combined evidence from genetics, morphology and environmental niche is sufficient to consider these subspecies as distinct species with the lizards north of the Balcones Escarpment retaining the name Holbrookia lacerata, and those south of the Balcones Escarpment being designated as Holbrookia subcaudalis.
87 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: Home range size and spatial distributions were determined for sympatric populations of the prairie lizard and the lesser earless lizard in the Sand Hills of Nebraska for S. undulatus and H. maculata.
Abstract: Home range size and spatial distributions were determined for sympatric populations of the prairie lizard (Sceloporus undulatus) and the lesser earless lizard (Holbrookia maculata) in the Sand Hills of Nebraska. Mean home ranges of 717 ml and 852 m2 were found for males and females, respectively, of S. undulatus. Male H. maculata had a mean home range of 3822 m2 whereas females had a mean home range of 1823 M2. The two species tended to occupy different microhabitats. The association of S. undulatus with structural features of the habitat such as clumps of Yucca accounted for the similarity in home ranges of the two sexes. There was also evidence of territoriality and social relationships by male Sceloporus. The expanded home ranges of male H. maculata may be an adaptation to increase the probability of encountering females.
42 citations
1 Jan 1985
TL;DR: In this article, the authors report that cattle grazing was discontinued on Arapaho Prairie in 1977, associated vegetational changes have tended to reduce the microhabitats available for lizards.
Abstract: Lizard species occurring in the sandhills prairie of western Nebraska are typically restricted to microhabitats which have sparse vegetation. The fence lizard (Sceloporus undulatus) and the lesser earless lizard (Holbrookia maculata) are especially abundant in open blowouts. Only the six-lined racerunner (Cnemidophorus sexlineatus) occupies microhabitats with dense grass. Since cattle grazing was discontinued on Arapaho Prairie in 1977, associated vegetational changes have tended to reduce the microhabitats available for lizards. As a result of the decreased disturbance to the vegetation, lizards have become more restricted and less abundant on Arapaho Prairie. 19 references, 1 figure, 3 tables.
22 citations
TL;DR: A phylogeny was reconstructed for 23 populations of fringe-toed lizards (genus Uma) from the three most northern species of the genus, including the Mojave fringe- Toed lizard U. scoparia, the Colorado Desert fringe- toed lizardU.
22 citations
TL;DR: The reproductive cycle of Cophosaurus texanus, in the vicinity of San Angelo, Texas, was determined from examination of 220 females and 105 males.
Abstract: The reproductive cycle of Cophosaurus texanus, in the vicinity of San Angelo, Texas, was determined from examination of 220 females and 105 males. Reproduction begins in early April and ceases by mid-August. Females mature in a single year at approximately 50 mm snout-to-vent length. Older females begin reproduction earlier and lay a larger first clutch and produce larger eggs than females just maturing. The smaller eggs of the first clutch of younger females are attributed to the lack of adequate fat storage. Approximately three clutches of six eggs each are laid by each female during 1 rep,roductive season.
21 citations
Related Topics (5)
Performance Metrics
| Year | Papers |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2019 | 1 |
| 2018 | 2 |
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2013 | 1 |
| 2007 | 1 |