The lizards of the Anolis equestris complex in Cuba.
Stud. Fauna Curaçao and Carib. Is. 39 (134):1-86.
Aus der Einleitung:
NOBLE & HASSLER (1935) named Anolis luteogularis from a long series from western Cuba. This species
was relegated to subspecific status under A. equestris by BARBOUR & SHREVE (1935), who also named A. e. hassleri from the Isla de Pinos (based upon two specimens) and A. e. noblei from eastern Cuba (based upon three specimens) SCHWARTZ (1958) named A. e. thomasi from Camagüey Province and later (1964) reviewed the status of the species in Oriente Province, naming A. e. smallwoodi, A. e. palardis, A. e. baracoae, A. e. galeifer, and A. e. saxuliceps. As presently understood, there are ten subspecies of A. equestris throughout Cuba and the Isla de Pinos. Comments by SCHWARTZ (1964) indicated that there were several Oriente specimens which did not agree with the concepts of the subspecies defined by him and suggested that there was still a great deal to be learned about the distribution and variation in A. equestris at least in Oriente, the physiographically and ecologically most diverse of the Cuban provinces.
... The discovery of two “subspecies” (equestris and luteogularis) occurring syntopically in the same wooded area suggested that perhaps the entire complex needed serious restudy and revision. ... Additional material, in the United States National Museum, indicates that sympatry between equestris and luteogularis occurs elsewhere but has gone unrecognized until now.
... Our final arrangement, which fits the facts as presently demonstrated, is that “Anolis equestris” is a composite of five species: A. luteogularis, A. equestris, A. noblei, A. smallwoodi, and A. baracoae. The rationale for this division will be discussed in detail in the present paper.
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