Abstract

MUNOZ-NOLASCO, Francisco Javier; CRUZ-SAENZ, Daniel  and  MENDEZ-DE LA CRUZ, Fausto Roberto. Upper Elevational Range Extension of Sceloporus utiformis Cope, 1864 (Squamata: Phrynosomatidae) in the Sierra de Manantlán Biosphere Reserve, Mexico. Rev. latinoam. herpetol. [online]. 2022, vol.5, n.4, e511.  Epub June 26, 2023. ISSN 2594-2158.  https://doi.org/10.22201/fc.25942158e.2022.4.511.

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 1800 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.

Keywords : Cope's Largescale Spiny Lizards; elevation; herpetofauna; record.

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