A team of specialists from the Patagonian Institute for the Study of Continental Ecosystems (IPEEC-CONICET) has described a new endemic lizard species in the northwest region of Argentina's Patagonia. Named Diplolaemus vulcanus, this lizard inhabits the volcanic fields of Auca Mahuida and Tromen in Neuquén province.
According to Juan Vrdoljak, a researcher at IPEEC, the species exhibits unique morphological traits and genetic distinctions. The lizard can grow up to 20 centimeters long, featuring a brown and tan skin pattern with small black spots. Specimens were collected from challenging terrains over 1,700 meters high during expeditions from 2004 to 2007.
While the ecological habits of Diplolaemus vulcanus remain largely unknown, Vrdoljak speculates that it shares feeding habits with other members of its genus, primarily preying on insects and potentially other lizards.
To identify this new species, Vrdoljak employed a novel methodology combining genetic, linear, and geometric morphometric data to assess evolutionary independence among species within the genus. This systematic approach aims to enhance the understanding of taxonomic and evolutionary diversity.
The discovery of this lizard species underscores the ecological significance of the Neuquén region, highlighting its rich biodiversity and historical evolutionary processes. Vrdoljak emphasizes that such findings not only enrich our understanding of local fauna but also pave the way for potential discoveries of new species across various taxa.