Untangling the complex: molecular patterns in Trachylepis variegata and T. punctulata (Reptilia: Scincidae)

Abstract

The Mabuya [=Trachylepis] lacertiformis complex is comprised of four species with a high degree of morphological overlap and a convoluted taxonomic history. Of these four species, T. punctulata and T. variegata possess the broadest ranges, together covering much of southern Africa. These two forms were elevated to species status based on slight differences in morphology, ecological differentiation and seemingly allopatric distributions. The molecular relationships of these two species, referred to as the T. variegata complex, have not been investigated. Here, we use both mitochondrial (ND2) and nuclear (RAG-1) data to test whether T. variegata and T. punctulata form reciprocally monophyletic assemblages, supporting species recognition. While we do not find direct evidence that these two species have a sister taxon relationship, our results are likely driven by an undescribed lineage within T. punctulata or by a sampling artefact. Based on all available evidence, we conservatively support recognition of T. variegata and T. punctulata as distinct species, but recommend further investigation of relationships within T. punctulata to resolve whether additional lineages are present in this group.