Genetic confirmation of two nonnative species of butterfly lizards (Leiolepidae; Leiolepis) with established populations in Florida, USA

Abstract

We used phylogenetic analysis to confirm the taxonomic identity of two nonnative butterfly lizard species (Agamidae; Leiolepis belliana and L. rubritaeniata) found in three southern Florida counties previously identified using only phenotypic characters. Our findings indicate that the Miami-Dade County population (L. belliana) is most genetically similar to a sample specimen from Chonburi, Thailand, whereas specimens from Charlotte and Lee Counties (L. rubritaeniata) are mostly closely related to sample specimens from Bangkok, Thailand. Our findings also support previous invasion hypotheses that butterfly lizard populations in Miami-Dade County stem from an introduction separate from the populations of Charlotte and Lee counties. More research is needed to determine the level of harm butterfly lizards pose to Florida’s native species, but competition with native lizards for resources is suspected.