Eumeces algeriensis, a full species of the E. schneiderii group (Scincidae): karyological and morphological evidence

Abstract

Eumeces algeriensis has been considered either a full species or a parapatric race of E. schneiderii. A review of morphological and karyological data indicates that E. algeriensis is reproductively isolated from E. schneiderii, and hence is a good biological species. The two taxa could have originated by an allopatric speciation process, and are clearly now represented by different cytotypes arising from pericentric inversion.