Revision of the Patagonian Iguanids of the <i>Liolaemus elongatus</i> Complex

Abstract

Patagonian lizards of the <i>Liolaemus elongatus</i> complex are revised. The proposed taxonomic arrangement consists of the widespread subandean <i>L. elongatus elongatus</i> (Koslowsky) between 33° and 45° south latitude, <i>L. elongatus petrophilus</i> Donoso B. and Cei from Central Rio Negro uplands and Northern Chubut, and a new allosympatric, closely related form, <i>L. austromendocinus</i> sp.nov., here described, from southern Mendoza Province, Argentina. Geographical variation and clinal trends of <i>L. elongatus elongatus</i> are analyzed and discussed. Sympatry and serological relationships of <i>L. elongatus elongatus</i> and <i>L. austromendocinus</i> north of the Barrancas-Colorado river are reported and criticized.