Unraveling Cryptic Diversity in <i>Acanthosaura</i> (Sauria: Squamata: Agamidae) Species Complexes in Vietnam: Research History and Current Status

The cryptic taxonomic diversity of arboreal agamid lizards of the genus Acanthosaura in Indochina, particularly in Vietnam, is discussed based on the results of molecular and morphological studies. The present data confirm the monophyly of this genus, the presence of six evolutionary clades within it, and allow to identify the composition of at least three previously assigned complexes (A. capra, A. lepidogaster, and A. coronata) inhabiting Vietnam. The relationships and distribution of these species’ complexes are discussed.