Additional information about morphology of Phoenicolacerta cyanisparsa (Sparse blue-spotted lizard) (Reptilia: Sauria: Lacertidae)
Purpose: This study presents a comprehensive metric and meristic assessment of Phoenicolacerta cyanisparsa based on specimens collected from Gaziantep, Türkiye.Method: A total of 10 individuals (7 ♂, 3 ♀) obtained from the Sakçagözü and Şehitkamil localities were examined with respect to various metric characters—covering head, body, and limb measurements—as well as detailed scalation traits. Findings:T he results revealed that several head‑related measurements (HL, PiL, PL, OH) and hind‑limb length (HLL) were distinctly higher in males, indicating limited sexual dimorphism primarily associated with head morphology and hind‑limb development. In contrast, most meristic characters exhibited similar distributions between sexes, with the exception of TRV, which was higher in females. Overall, both metric and meristic values showed strong concordance with previously published data, thereby supporting the established morphological framework of the species.Conclusion: By providing detailed morphological data from Turkish populations, this study helps fill existing knowledge gaps and contributes valuable insights for future taxonomic, biogeographic, and conservation‑focused research on P. cyanisparsa.
Authors
- Deniz Yalçınkaya (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6364-7707)
- Bahadır Akman (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3942-659X)
- Emine Yılmaz (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3434-8932)
Institutions
- Toros University (TR)
- Iğdır Üniversitesi (TR)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Biological Diversity and Conservation
- Published
- 2026-09-15
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.46309/biodicon.2026.1879877
- Primary Topic
- Amphibian and Reptile Biology
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00