Redescription of Leposternon octostegum (Duméril, 1851), with an identification key for Brazilian Leposternon species, remarks on meristic methodology, and a proposal for pholidosis nomenclature (Squamata: Amphisbaenidae)

Main Article Content

José Duarte de Barros-Filho
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4661-9349
Marco Antonio de Freitas
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7242-7984
Thais Figueiredo Santos Silva
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3776-3752
Mariana Fiuza de Castro Loguercio
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2430-4979
Maria Celeste Costa Valverde
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0108-3322

Abstract

The amphisbaenian Leposternon octostegum (Duméril, 1851) is redescribed based on newly collected material from the state of Bahia, Brazil.  Species validity was confirmed, and comparisons made to other Leposternon species and to the scarce literature available on Leposternon octostegum taxonomy.  Aspects of meristic annuli methodology are reviewed, and nomenclatural adjustments for some scales are proposed.  To place this information in its taxonomic context, a species identification key for the Brazilian species of the genus Leposternon is provided.  The present redescription contributes to a better understanding of Amphisbaenia taxonomy, thus also enabling the design of more adequate conservation and management strategies for the species belonging to this group.

Article Details

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Author Biography

José Duarte de Barros-Filho, Universidade Estadual do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcântara Gomes, Departamento de Zoologia, Laboratório de Zoologia de Vertebrados, Tetrapoda, PHLC, sl. 522a/515b, Rua São Francisco Xavier 524, Maracanã, CEP 20550-013. Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.

Departamento de Zoologia, Laboratório de Zoologia de Vertebrados  researcher

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