Cordylus Minor: A valid species of South african lizard (Reptilia: Cordylidae)

Abstract

The taxonomic status of Cordylus cordylus minor FitzSimons 1943 is reconsidered. An analysis of variation in external morphological characters shows  minor and cordylus to be two non-overlapping sets of organisms. A phylogenetic study shows the minor-cordylus set to be non-monophyletic, leaving no option than to consider minor a separate species.