Uncovering neotropical rock geckos’ diversity: multiple data sources on an integrated taxonomic approach reveal a new species of Phyllopezus Peters, 1878 (Squamata: Phyllodactylidae) from northeastern Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Abstract

Using an integrated taxonomic approach based on a robust data set including external morphology, cranial anatomy, hemipenial morphology, scale microstructure, and molecular data, we describe a new species of gecko of the genus Phyllopezus from mountains in the northeastern Brazilian Atlantic Forest. The species is currently known to occur in Serra da Jiboia, municipality of Elísio Medrado, Bahia state, and Serra de Itabaiana, municipality of Areia Branca, Sergipe state. The new species is genetically related and more morphologically similar to Phyllopezus diamantino and Phyllopezus selmae, sharing all diagnostic characteristics for both these species, but distinguished from their congeners by meristic and morphometric characters. The new species is the first Phyllodactylidae to have its hemipenial morphology described and together with the cranial anatomy and the description of the microstructures of the dorsal scales provided here, it encourages the use of new approaches for the description of the cryptic species present in this species complex.