On the identity of Liolaemus nigromaculatus Wiegmann, 1834 (Iguania, Liolaemidae) and correction of its type locality

Abstract

In the current study, we review the taxonomic status of Liolaemus nigromaculatus. Despite being the nominal species of the nigromaculatus group and being the second species of the genus Liolaemus that was described, this species is of uncertain type locality and its true identification is a matter of discussion. After carefully analyzing several digital pictures of the holotype (juvenile male), reviewing all of the literature concerning the issue, examining specimens of nearly all recognized species of the nigromaculatus group, and determining the locations visited by the specimen collector, we are able to point out the following: 1) L. nigromaculatus was collected between Puerto Viejo and Copiapó of the Atacama region in Chile, and not in Huasco 2) L. bisignatus is a nomen nudum, and populations attributed to L. bisignatus should be referred to as L. nigromaculatus. 3) There is agreement that L. copiapoensis is indistinguishable from populations currently referred to as L. bisignatus (= L. nigromaculatus), 4) Populations found in Huasco (currently considered the type locality of L. nigromaculatus) are very similar to those found in Caldera (currently considered L. bisignatus) and should be designated as L. nigromaculatus, and 5) L. oxycephalus and L. inconspicuus are not synonymous with L. nigromaculatus, although their true identities are difficult to determine. We also detail several characteristic based on the holotype of L. nigromaculatus, in addition to drawing diagnostic comparisons between this species and others belonging to the nigromaculatus group.