Daniel Melnikov

Phylogeny and divergence times of some racerunner lizards (Lacertidae: Eremias) inferred from mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene segments

Eremias, or racerunners, is a widespread lacertid genus occurring in China, Mongolia, Korea, Central Asia, Southwest Asia and Southeast Europe. It has been through a series of taxonomic revisions, but the phylogenetic relationships among the species and subgenera remain unclear. In this study, a frequently studied region of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA was used to (i) reassess the phylogenetic relationships of some Eremias species, (ii) test if the viviparous species form a monophyletic group, and (iii) estimate divergence time among lineages using a Bayesian relaxed molecular-clock approach. The resulting phylogeny supports monophyly of Eremias sensu Szczerbak and a clade comprising Eremias, Acanthodactylus and Latastia. An earlier finding demonstrating monophyly of the subgenus Pareremias is corroborated, with Eremias argus being the sister taxon to Eremias brenchleyi. We present the first evidence that viviparous species form a monophyletic group. In addition, Eremias przewalskii is nested within Eremias multiocellata, suggesting that the latter is likely a paraphyletic species or a species complex. Eremias acutirostris and Eremias persica form a clade that is closely related to the subgenus Pareremias. However, the subgenera Aspidorhinus, Scapteira, and Rhabderemias seem not to be monophyletic, respectively. The Bayesian divergence-time estimation suggests that Eremias originated at about 9.9 million years ago (with the 95% confidence interval ranging from 7.6 to 12 Ma), and diversified from Late Miocene to Pleistocene. Specifically, the divergence time of the subgenus Pareremias was dated to about 6.3 million years ago (with the 95% confidence interval ranging from 5.3 to 8.5 Ma), which suggests that the diversification of this subgenus might be correlated with the evolution of an East Asian monsoon climate triggered by the rapid uplift of the Tibetan Plateau approximately 8 Ma.

New species and records of scale mites (Acari: Pterygosomatidae) from Arabian agamid lizards (Squamata: Agamidae)

Two new species of pterygosomatid mites parasitizing lizards of the family Agamidae are described: Pterygosoma aqabensis sp. nov. from Pseudotrapelus aqabensis Melnikov et al. and Pterygosoma dhofarensis sp.nov. from Pseudotrapelus dhofarensis Melnikov and Pierson both from Arabian Peninsula. Pterygosoma aqabensis sp. nov. is most closely related to P. dhofarensis sp. nov. but differs by the presence of subcapitular setae n, setae vFI and vGIV, 14-21 pairs of the antero-dorsal setae, 4 pairs of dorso-median setae dm, 5-6 pairs of the postero-lateral setae and 7 pairs of pseudoanal setae ps, palp setae dG and dF are subequal in the length and setae vm3 are slightly serrated. P. dhofarensis sp. nov. is similar to P. sinaita Jack, 1961 but in the new species setae dm1 are serrated and setae dm2 are filiform, 3 or 4 pairs of the medio-lateral setae and 2 pairs of peripheral setae are present, setae dGI are absent. A redescription of Pterygosoma adramitana Jack, 1961 from the type host Acanthocercus adramitanus (Anderson) (Agamidae) is given.

A new species of short-fingered geckos Stenodactylus (Squamata, Geckonidae) from South Iran with taxonomic notes on validity of the genus Trigonodactylus Hass, 1957

In the present study we provide evidence for the validity of the genus Trigonodactylus Hass, 1957, improve the diagnosis for this genus and describe a new species that belongs to it-Trigonodactylus persicus sp. nov., from the sand dunes in Khuzestan Province, southwestern Iran. The new species is closely related to Trigonodactylus [Stenodactylus] arabicus sensu Hass, and can be distinguished by the following morphological characteristics: small size, maximum SVL 34 mm; SVL/TailL-approximately 1:1; ventral scales roundish, weakly keeled, 54-61 longitudinal rows at midbody and 190-25 along midbody. No enlarged postmentals. Fingers and toes slightly flattened dorso-ventrally. Lateral edge of digits fringed by series of projecting triangular scales. No web between digits. No preanal and femoral pores. Dorsal color pattern formed by thin, dark, irregular vermicular patches and spots. Sometimes these dark dorsal patterns blend with each other and form transverse bands. There is a narrow, dark, longitudinal line between forelimbs and hindlimbs on lateral sides. Dark, well developed ʌ-shaped marking on snout, which continues behind orbit on tympanum region, approaches the upper ear opening and ends on the pectoral arch. Labial scales white, in some cases with grey-brown dots. Dorsal surfaces of limbs and digits with irregular dark bands. Dorsal surface of tail with 8-10 wide, dark brown bands with irregular margins, same size as alternating light bands. Ventral surface of body and limbs white, tail with dark spots that become more distinct posteriorly.

Three new species of the genus Pterygosoma Peters, 1849 (Acariformes: Pterygosomatidae) from agamid lizards (Sauria: Agaminae) with DNA barcode data

Three new species of the genus Pterygosoma Peters, 1849 parasitising lizards of the subfamily Agaminae (Squamata: Agamidae) are described: P. pallidum n. sp. from Trapelus pallidus (Merrem) and P. parasiniatum n. sp. from Pseudotrapelus cf. sinaitus (Heyden) (both from Jordan); and P. theobaldi n. sp. from Phrynocephalus theobaldi Blyth from North India. We extend the standard morphological description of the new species by using DNA barcode markers, partial sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) gene and the hypervariable region D2 of the nuclear 28S rRNA gene. A key to the species group inermis is constructed based on female morphology. The agamid genus Phrynocephalus Kaup, 1825 is recorded as a host of Pterygosoma for the first time.