Phenotypic variadon among populations of Cordyius cordylus (Reptilia: Cordylidae) in the south-western Cape Province, South Africa

Abstract

In order to elucidate the taxonomic status of the melanistic, girdled lizard, Cordylus cordylus niger, occurring in the Cape Peninsula and the Saldanha Bay area, South Africa, character variation among populations of the C. cordylus complex in the section of the Cape Province south of 32°30' latitude and west of 19°30' longitude was analysed. Variation for 92 external morphological characters at 54 localities was detennined. Distinct patterns of interlocality variation were observed in only eight characters, but interestingly, these patterns were concordant in all eight cases. The observed patterns are interpreted as indicating that three phenotypic fonns of the nominate species occur in the south-western Cape, namely a coastal melanistic fonn (= C. c. niger), occurring in insular and peninsular situations along the coast; a montane melanistic fonn occurring at relatively high altitudes along the western section of the Cape Fold Mountains; and the typical fonn (= C. c. cordylus), occurring commonly along the coastal lowlands, but also further inland at some places.

S. Afr. J. Zool. 1987, 22(2)