UPPER ELEVATIONAL RANGE EXTENSION OF Sceloporus utiformis COPE, 1864 (SQUAMATA: PHRYNOSOMATIDAE) IN THE SIERRA DE MANANTLÁN BIOSPHERE RESERVE, MEXICO

Abstract

Cope's Largescale Spiny Lizards (Sceloporus utiformis) are endemic to the Pacific slope of Mexico. They are oviparous and are known to inhabit tropical and temperate forests from sea level to 1,800 m a.s.l. Here, we expand this range based on the finding, in May 2022, of two individuals of S. utiformis in the southeastern portion of the Sierra de Manantlán, at 2154 m elevation. We also provide data on morphometry and field body and microhabitat temperatures of these organisms. A previous study conducted at the same locality almost three decades ago found the species to be present at much lower elevations, so we hypothesize that this could be a case of upward range shifting due to climate change. Moreover, as few oviparous members of the genus Sceloporus occur above 2,000 m elevation, this record triggers many questions about the ecological implications of oviparity along elevation gradients.