Conservative karyotypes of nine Neotropical lizards of the family Teiidae Gray (1827) (Squamata: Gymnophthalmoidea)

Abstract Teiidae is a monophyletic family of currently 170 lizard species with significant diversity in morphology, ecology, and reproductive modes, yet cytogenetic data remain limited, encompassing only a fraction of recognized species. Here, we provide the first chromosomal descriptions for five formally recognized species and two undescribed taxa across the genera Ameivula , Glaucomastix , and Kentropyx , based on conventional staining, Ag-NOR, and C-banding. We also describe new cytotypes for Ameivula ocellifera and Cnemidophorus cryptus . All analyzed Ameivula species, including two undescribed, exhibited a conserved karyotype of (FN = 86) with Ag-NORs located at a secondary constriction of pair 5, indicating marked chromosomal homogeneity despite deep lineage divergence. The parthenogenetic Cnemidophorus cryptus displayed a hybrid karyotype ( , FN = 51) characterized by a heteromorphic pair 1, corroborating its hybrid origin ( C. gramivagus . lemniscatus ) and extending its known range to Rondônia state. Glaucomastix itabaianensis presented (FN = 80), differing from the previously described G. littoralis ( ) and Kentropyx altamazonica also showed a plesiomorphic karyotype ( , FN = 50). These findings expand the cytogenetic dataset for Teiinae to 41 species, reinforcing the overall conservatism of diploid chromosome numbers within the subfamily while highlighting structural chromosomal variation with important implications for the systematics of these Neotropical lizards. Furthermore, the future application of additional chromosomal markers, such as repetitive DNA sequences, may uncover cryptic differentiation among species that otherwise exhibit conserved karyotypes.