Genetic and Morphological Studies on Goniurosaurus kuroiwae (Squamata: Eublepharidae), with a Description of a New Species from the Northern Part of Okinawajima Island, Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan

A new species of eublepharid lizard, Goniurosaurus nebulozonatus, has been identified from the northern part of Okinawajima Island and Kourijima in the Ryukyu Archipelago. Genetic analysis using single nucleotide polymorphism data revealed significant differentiation between this northern lineage and the southern lineage of Goniurosaurus kuroiwae, which are separated by a narrow hybrid zone on Okinawajima. Morphological comparisons further supported their distinction, leading to the proposal that all five currently recognized subspecies of G. kuroiwae should be elevated to full species status. This includes G. orientalis, G. sengokui, G. toyamai, G. yamashinae, and G. yunnu, bringing the total number of extant Goniurosaurus species in the Ryukyus to seven, with one extinct species. The new species is characterized by unique features such as a reddish-brown iris, specific scale patterns, and distinct dorsal banding.

Kurita, T., & Toda, M. (2024). Genetic and Morphological Studies on Goniurosaurus kuroiwae (Squamata: Eublepharidae), with a Description of a New Species from the Northern Part of Okinawajima Island, Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan. Current Herpetology, 43(1). https://doi.org/10.5358/hsj.43.86