Systematics of Lesser Antillean Lizards of the Genus Sphaerodactylus

Abstract

Poor descriptions, resulting in the misapplication of names, and the unneeded multiplicity of recognized forms has confused the taxonomy of the lizard genus Sphaerodactylus in the Lesser Antilles. Examination of specimens available from the area shows eight species to occur. Each is described and illustrated, and its known range listed. The presence of two species in the type series of S. sputator necessitates the designation and description of a lectotype. Two new races, S. macrolepis parvus and S. fantasticus ligniservulus are described from the northern Lesser Antilles. S. festus is treated as a subspecies of S. vincenti and is shown to include variation thought distinctive of S. monilifer.

The sphaerodactyls of the Lesser Antilles are believed to have immigrated into the islands from continental South America. The most probable means of dispersal available to them is rafting.