SYSTEMATIC AND GEOGRAPHICAL VARIABILITY OF MEADOW LIZARD, Darevskia praticola (REPTILIA: SAURIA) IN THE CAUCASUS

Abstract

The compicated history of the intraspecific taxonomy of meadow lizard, Darevskia praticola sensu lato is considered and the species’ geographical variability in Caucasian Isthmus is analyzed. It was confirmed the species status of Darevskia praticola sensu stricto and Darevskia pontica . Lectotype of Darevskia pontica was assigned and described;  the known paralectotypes of D. pontica are noted. Description of the new subspecies Darevskia praticola hyrcanica ssp. nov. is given from the Talysh foothills and Elbrus range (Azerbaijan, Iran).  The  possible patters of speciation and distribution of closely related species Darevskia praticola sensu stricto and Darevskia pontica within the Caucasus and the Balkans are discussed. within the Caucasus and the Balkans are discussed