A new species of the Liolaemus walkeri clade (Squamata: Liolaemidae) in the volcanic chain of Arequipa, Peru

Santa-Cruz R.; Canazas-Terán A.; Bejarano R.; López E.; Morales A.; von May R.; Catenazzi A.; Aguilar-Puntriano C. · Salamandra (2025)

Resumen

We describe a new species of Liolaemus lizard from southwestern Peru, within the volcanic chain represented by the Chachani, Misti and Pichu Pichu volcanoes that surround the city of Arequipa. The type locality is Simbral, in the dis-trict of Chiguata, Department of Arequipa. The diagnostic characters of the new species include small size (SVL < 50 mm), a pigmented subocular scale, vertebral line generally absent or highly fragmented (when present), scales smooth or slightly keeled on the dorsal side of thighs, partial or total ventral melanism, and absence of precloacal pores in males and females. The elevational distribution of the new species is 4135–5400 m a.s.l., with the upper limit representing the highest altitude record for a living squamate.

Instituciones: Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos; Universidad Nacional de San Agustín de Arequipa