Zootaxa 3956 (3): 413–427 ISSN 1175-5326 (print edition)

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Copyright © 2015 Magnolia Press
Article ZOOTAXA
ISSN 1175-5334 (online edition)
http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3956.3.6
http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:9C40106F-B099-488F-84A9-7B6AE1DEDC23

Two new species of lizards of the genus Stenocercus (Iguania, Tropiduridae) from
central Peru

GUNTHER KÖHLER1,3 & EDGAR LEHR2

1
Senckenberg Forschungsinstitut und Naturmuseum, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt a.M., Germany
2
Illinois Wesleyan University, Department of Biology, 303 E Emerson, Bloomington, IL-61701, U.S.A.
3
Corresponding author. E-mail: gkoehler@senckenberg.de

Abstract

We describe two new species of Stenocercus from the Andes of central Peru (Departamento Ancash): Stenocercus amy-
drorhytus sp. nov. from elevations between 2810 and 3075 m and S. johaberfellneri sp. nov. from elevations between 3120
and 3200 m. Stenocercus amydrorhytus is most similar to S. ivitus, S. chrysopygus, S. melanopygus, S. modestus, S. ori-
entalis, and S. stigmosus from which it differs in having a combination of 44–52 vertebral scales, 42–47 scales around
midbody, 18–21 gulars, and 23–26 subdigital lamellae under fourth toe, the lateral nuchals less than half the size of dorsal
nuchals, predominantly smooth dorsal head scales, a poorly developed oblique neck fold with a shallow or no mite pocket
underneath, a uniformly gray venter in preservative in the only known adult male, and a tail length less than 70% of total
length. Stenocercus johaberfellneri is most similar to S. latebrosus and S. ornatissimus from which it differs in having a
combination of 47–53 vertebral scales, 46–53 scales around midbody, the presence of a postfemoral pocket in adult males,
a throat pattern of bold black streaks or reticulations in adult males, a dusky or grayish venter in preservative without black
spots or reticulations, and lateral nuchals less than half the size of dorsal ones.

Key words: Ancash, Iguania, new species, Stenocercus, Peru, taxonomy

Resumen

Se describen dos nuevas especies de Stenocercus de los Andes del centro de Perú (Departamento Ancash): Stenocercus
amydrorhytus sp. nov. de elevaciones entre los 2785 y 3075 m y S. johaberfellneri sp. nov de elevaciones entre los 3120
y 3200 m. Stenocercus amydrorhytus es mas similar a S. ivitus, S. chrysopygus, S. melanopygus, S. modestus, S. orientalis,
y S. stigmosus, diferenciandose de cada una por tener una combinación de 44–52 escamas vertebrales, 42–47 escamas al-
rededor de la mitad del cuerpo, 18–21 gulares, 23–26 laminillas subdigitales debajo del cuarto dedo del pie, las nucales
laterales de menos de la mitad del tamaño de las nucales dorsales, predominacia de las escamas lisas en la parte dorsal de
la cabeza, presencia de un pliegue oblicuo del cuello pobremente desarrollado, con o sin un bolsillo acarido axilar poco
profundo, preservado en alcohol, un vientre gris uniforme en el único macho adulto conocido, y un largo de cola de menos
del 70% del largo total. Stenocercus johaberfellneri se asemeja más a S. latebrosus y S. ornatissimus de las cuales se difer-
encia por tener una combinación de 47–53 escamas vertebrales, 46–53 escamas alrededor de la mitad del cuerpo, la pres-
encia de un bolsillo acarido post femoral en machos adultos, un patrón de reticulado o rayas negras en la garganta de
machos adultos, preservado en alcohol, un vientre oscuro o grisáceo sin manchas negras o reticuladas, y las nucales later-
ales de menos de la mitad del tamaño de las dorsales.

Introduction

The genus Stenocercus as currently defined (Torres-Carvajal 2007) is a diverse assemblage of 64 lizards with the
majority of species occurring in the Andes of Ecuador (17 species) and Peru (38 species) (Uetz & Hošek 2014).
Recent descriptions of new species indicate that the real diversity in this genus is still underestimated (e.g., Torres-
Carvajal & Mafla-Endara 2013, Venegas et al. 2013, 2014). In 1997, on his first trip to Peru, one of us (EL)

Accepted by S. Carranza: 13 Apr. 2015; published: 11 May 2015 413

collected two series of apparently undescribed species of Stenocercus (Lehr 2002: p 87: Stenocercus cf.
ornatissimus, Stenocercus species, Lehr et al. 2002) both of which were shortly remarked in Lehr (2002: p. 87)
with key characteristics and with selected comparisions. Comparison with all other species in this genus confirmed
that both series represent undescribed species, respectively, that we describe herein.

Material and methods

Fieldwork at Coris (Departamento Ancash, Provincia Aija) was conducted by E. Lehr between 10 and 13 February
1997, and at Malvas (Departamento Ancash, Provincia Huarmey) between 01 and 05 February 1997.
Measurements were made with digital calipers and recorded to the nearest 0.1 mm. Sex was determined by
dissection or by noting the presence of hemipenes. Morphological data of all species of Stenocercus compared were
taken from Cadle (1998) and Torres-Carvajal (2007). We follow the terminology of Torres-Carvajal (2001, 2007)
for morphological characters. All coordinates are in decimal degrees, WGS 1984 datum, and rounded to the fifth
decimal place. The collected specimens have been deposited in the collection of the Senckenberg
Forschungsinstitut Frankfurt (SMF), and in the Museo de Historia Natural Universidad Nacional Mayor de San
Marcos, Lima, Peru (MUSM). For additional specimens examined, see the Appendix. The capitalized colors and
color codes (the latter in parentheses) are those of Köhler (2012). Coloration in life is based on photos taken by EL.
Discovery of new species of reptiles in the Peruvian Andes within the last decade (2004–2014) was determined
using the advanced search function (using each year and Peru for distribution) in the reptile data base (Uetz &
Hošek 2014). As lines of evidence for species delimitation, we apply a phenotypic criterion (external morphology:
coloration, morphometrics, and pholidosis). Criteria for conservation assessment follows IUCN (2013).

Results

Stenocercus amydrorhytus sp. nov.

Figs. 1a, 2–4

Stenocercus cf. ornatissimus: Lehr 2002: p. 87

Holotype. MUSM 20221, an adult male from Coris, -9.83000, -77.73383, 2785 m, Departamento Ancash,
Provincia Aija, Peru, collected 11 February 1997 by Edgar Lehr. Field tag number EL 140.
Paratypes. 6 (all females). All from Coris, Departamento Ancash, Provincia Aija, Peru, collected 11 February
1997 by Edgar Lehr: MUSM 20222, -9.81183, -77.72500, 2900 m. MUSM 20224, -9.82867, -77.73250, 2810 m.
SMF 80228, -9.80305, -77.73195, 2890 m. SMF 80229, -9.81112, -77.72750, 3015 m. MUSM 20223, SMF 80230,
-9.80305, -77.73112, 3075 m.
Diagnosis. Stenocercus amydrorhytus differs from all other congeners except S. ivitus, S. chrysopygus, S.
melanopygus, S. modestus, S. orientalis, and S. stigmosus by the combination of (1) a poorly developed oblique
neck fold with a shallow or no mite pocket underneath (Fig. 1); (2) a well developed antehumeral fold with a deep
mite pocket underneath; (3) scales on posterior surface of thighs granular; (4) vertebral scales similar in size and
shape to adjacent scale rows; (5) three caudal whorls per autotomic segment. Stenocercus amydrorhytus differs
from S. ivitus in having lateral nuchals less than half the size of dorsal nuchals (vs. lateral nuchals similar in size to
dorsal nuchals in S. ivitus). Stenocercus amydrorhytus differs from S. orientalis in having predominantly smooth
dorsal head scales (vs. prominently keeled dorsal head scales in S. orientalis). Stenocercus amydrorhytus differs
from S. modestus in having 42–47 scales around midbody (vs. fewer than 40 in S. modestus) and by having a tail
length less than 70% of total length (at least 70% in S. modestus). Stenocercus amydrorhytus differs from S.
melanopygus in having a poorly developed oblique neck fold with a shallow or no mite pocket underneath (vs.
oblique neck fold absent in S. melanopygus). Stenocercus amydrorhytus differs from S. stigmosus in having a
mostly yellowish venter without blotches or spots in the only known adult male (vs. males with distinct black spots
on venter in S. stigmosus) and in having larger dorsal scales, 44–52, mean 47.3, vertebral scales (vs. dorsal scales
smaller, 51–61, mean 56.4, vertebral scales in S. stigmosus), 42–47, mean 44.3, scales around midbody (vs. 49–57,
mean 52.7, in S. stigmosus). Stenocercus amydrorhytus differs from S. chrysopygus in having larger dorsal scales,
44–52, mean 47.3, vertebral scales (vs. dorsal scales smaller, 54–86, mean 66.0, vertebral scales in S. chrysopygus),

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FIGURE 1. Lateral view of neck region showing condition of folds and mite pockets in (a) Stenocercus amydrorhytus (MUSM
20222); (b) S. chrysopygus (SMF 80207); (c) S. johaberfellneri (MUSM 20228); (d) S. ornatissimus (MUSM 4974); (e) S.
latebrosus (MUSM 17111). Scale bars equal 5.0 mm. Photos by G.K.

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FIGURE 2. Stenocercus amydrorhytus in life: (a) dorsal view; (b) ventral view. Photos by E.L.

42–47, mean 44.3, scales around midbody (vs. 48–82, mean 64.3, in S. chrysopygus), 18–21, mean 19.3, gulars (vs.
23–28, mean 22.5, in S. chrysopygus), and 23–26, mean 24.4, subdigital lamellae under fourth toe (vs. 22–30, mean
26.0, in S. chrysopygus).
Definition. (1) Maximum total length in males 68 mm (n = 1); (2) maximum total length in females 60.5 mm
(n = 6); (3) vertebrals 44–52; (4) paravertebrals 44–51; (5) scales around midbody 42–47; (6) supraoculars 5–6; (7)
internasals 4; (8) postrostrals 4–6; (9) loreals 1–2; (10) gulars 18–21; (11) lamellae on Finger IV 17–19; (12)
lamellae on Toe IV 23–26; (13) posthumeral mite pocket present as one or more vertical folds or ridges (Type 1 of
Torres-Carvajal 2007); (14) postfemoral mite pocket shallow, with a posteroventrally oriented slit-like opening
(Type 2 of Torres-Carvajal 2007); (15) parietal eye present; (16) occipital scales small, smooth, juxtaposed; (17)
projecting angulate temporals absent; (18) enlarged supraoculars occupying most of supraocular region in one row
absent; (19) scales on frontonasal region smooth, juxtaposed; (20) preauricular fringe present; (21) antegular,
antehumeral, gular, longitudinal, postauricular, supra-auricular, and transverse antegular neck folds present,
oblique fold ill-defined without deep mite pocket; (22) lateral nuchals smaller than dorsal nuchals; (23) posterior
gulars smooth, imbricate, apical pit absent; (24) lateral body scales smaller than dorsal body scales; (25) vertebrals
same size as adjacent dorsals, not forming a continuous longitudinal row; (26) dorsolateral crests absent; (27)
ventrals smooth, imbricate; (28) scales on posterior surfaces of thighs granular; (29) prefemoral fold absent; (30)
inguinal groove absent; (31) preanals not projected; (32) tail not compressed laterally in adult males; (33) tail
length 61–67 % of total length; (34) three caudal whorls per autotomic segment; (35) caudals not spinose; (36) dark

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FIGURE 3. Holotype of Stenocercus amydrorhytus (MUSM 20221): (a) lateral view; (b) dorsal view; (c) ventral view. Scale
bars equal 10.0 mm. Photos by G.K.

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FIGURE 4. Holotype of Stenocercus amydrorhytus (MUSM 20221): (a) lateral view of head; (b) dorsal view of head; (c)
ventral view of head; (d) dorsal region; (e) flank region; (f) venter; (g) lateral view of tail; (h) cloacal region. Scale bars equal
5.0 mm. Photos by G.K.

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stripe that extends anterodorsally from subocular region to supraciliaries absent; (37) color pattern of gular region
in adult females with dark streaks; (38) color pattern of gular region in adult males with dark streaks forming a
reticulum; (39) black blotch on ventral surface of neck in adult males absent; (40) dark midventral stripe in adult
males absent; (41) black patches on ventral surface of thighs in adult males absent; (42) background color of
dorsum grey or brown.
Description of the holotype. Adult male, as indicated by partly everted hemipenes; SVL 68.0 mm; tail length
140.0 mm (complete); tail more or less round in cross section; axilla to groin distance 30.6 mm; head length 15.6
mm, head length/SVL ratio 0.23; snout length 6.6 mm; head width 11.0 mm; head height 8.7 mm; shank length
14.9 mm, shank length/head length ratio 0.96; scales on parietal and occipital regions small, slightly wrinkled,
juxtaposed; parietal eye visible; supraoculars in five rows, smooth, with the lateralmost three rows less than half
the size of the medial adjacent row; distinct circumorbitals present; canthals two; anterior-most canthal separated
from nasal by a small scale; internasals four; postrostrals four, much wider than long; supralabials six; infralabials
seven; loreals two; lorilabials in one row; preocular divided into two scales; lateral temporals keeled, imbricate;
gulars in 18 rows between tympanic openings; all gulars cycloid, smooth, imbricate, apical pit absent; second
sublabial in contact with the second and third infralabials; first pair of postmentals in contact medially; mental
separated from sublabials by the first pair of postmentals; dorsal and lateral scales of neck keeled, imbricate; lateral
scales of body smaller than dorsals, but of similar shape, imbricate; scales around midbody 44; vertebrals not
differentiated from adjacent scales, in 47 rows, not forming a continuous vertebral row; paravertebrals adjacent to
vertebral row equal to vertebrals in size and shape; paravertebrals 46; ventrals smooth, imbricate, smaller than
dorsals; preauricular fringe present; antegular, antehumeral, gular, longitudinal, postauricular, supra-auricular, and
transverse antegular neck folds present; ventrolateral and prefemoral folds present, oblique fold ill-defined without
deep mite pocket; dorsal scales of forelimbs and hind limbs keeled, imbricate; lamellae on Finger IV 19; lamellae
on Toe IV 26 (right) and 25 (left); tail rounded; caudals keeled, non-mucronate, imbricate; basal subcaudals
smooth, imbricate; posthumeral mite pocket present as one or more vertical folds [Type 1 of Torres-Carvajal
(2007)]; postfemoral mite pocket shallow, with a posteroventrally oriented slit-like opening [Type 2 of Torres-
Carvajal (2007)].
Coloration in life was recorded as follows (Fig. 2): dorsum dark brown with small greenish-yellow scales
scattered along posterior half of body, anterior half with small bluish-gray scales; head dorsally blackish brown
with scattered tan scales; ventral surfaces of body (except for anterior half of chest which is pale gray), hindlegs,
belly, and base of tale, mustard yellow; throat dark purple brown with pale gray streaks.
Coloration after 17 years of preservation in 70% ethanol was recorded as follows: Dorsal surface of head Raw
Umber (280) with Smoky White (261) scales in frontal and parietal regions and a suffusion of Clay Color (20) on
snout; dorsal surface of neck Cinnamon-Drab (259) with suffusions of Pale Cyan (157) and True Cinnamon (260);
lateral surface of neck Beige (254) with suffusions of Medium Neutral Gray (298); dorsal surface of body Fawn
Color (258) with scattered Pale Cyan (157) scales; dorsal surfaces of limbs Sepia (279) with Smoky White (261)
Pearl Gray (262) scales; dorsal surface of tail Grayish Horn Color (268) grading into Ground Cinnamon (270)
towards tip and with indistinct Smoke Gray (266) bands; ventral surface of head Light Smoke Gray (263) with
suffusions of Ground Cinnamon (270) and with Smoky White (261) mottling; ventral surfaces of body Smoke
Gray (267) with a Grayish Horn Color (268) central area on venter; ventral surfaces of limbs Grayish Horn Color
(268); ventral surface of tail Drab (19) grading into Cream White (57) towards tip.
Variation. The paratypes agree well with the holotype in general appearance, morphometrics and scalation
(see Table 1).
Etymology. The name amydrorhytus is a compound noun in apposition derived from the Greek words amydros
(“indistinct, obscure”) and rythis (“fold, wrinkle”) and refers to the poorly developed oblique neck fold
characteristic for this species.
Geographic distribution. Stenocercus amydrorhytus is only known from the vicinity of Coris at elevations of
2785–3075 m asl (Fig. 8).
Natural history notes. The type specimens of Stenocercus amydrorhytus were collected during the morning
hours on and under rocks in a grassy area. Sympatric amphibians include Rhinella limensis, and Telmatobius rimac
(Lehr 2002, Lehr et al. 2002).

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TABLE 1. Selected measurements, proportions and scale characters of the species related to Stenocercus amdrorhytus
and S. johaberfellneri. Range is followed by mean value and standard deviation in parentheses. For abbreviations see
text.
S. amydrorhytus S. chrysopygus S. johaberfellneri S. latebrosus* S. ornatissimus*
n=7 n = 26 n = 11 n = 37 n = 21
Maximum SVL males 68 mm 80 mm 57 mm 76 mm 61 mm
Maximum SVL females 64 mm 63 mm 48 mm 67 mm 59 mm
Scales around midbody 42–47 56–72 46–53 38–57 49–60
(44.3±1.60) (63.7±4.85) (49.2±2.48) (44.2±4.19) (52.6±3.03)
Vertebral scales 44–52 59–72 47–53 43–53 52–59
(47.3±2.63) (64.1±3.56) (50.0±2.00) (48.2±3.07) (55.4±2.38)
Gular scales 18–21 23–28 19–24 18–26 19–26
(19.3±1.25) (25.6±1.50) (21.7±1.56) (20.9±1.79) (22.3±1.71)
Internasals 4 2–5 2–4 2–4 ( 2–4
(4.0±0.00) (3.6±0.85) (3.8±0.60) 3.5±0.60) (mode = 4)
Fourth toe subdigitals 23–26 24–31 23–27 23–28 20–29
(24.4±0.85) (28.4±2.10) (24.2±1.21) (25.2±1.55) (24.1±1.85)
Tail length/total length 0.61–0.67 0.64–0.69 0.62–0.68 0.63–0.70 0.64–0.70
(0.65±0.02) (0.66±0.02) (0.67±0.02) (0.67±0.02) (0.67±0.02)

*data taken from Cadle 1998

Stenocercus johaberfellneri sp. nov.

Figs. 1c, 5–7

Stenocercus species: Lehr 2002: p. 87.

Holotype. MUSM 20229, an adult male from Malvas, -9.91683, -77.65133, 3200 m, Departamento Ancash,
Provincia Huarmey, Peru, collected 3 February 1997 by Edgar Lehr. Field tag number EL 99.
Paratypes. 11 (5 males, 6 females). All from Malvas, Departamento Ancash, Provincia Huarmey, Peru,
collected on 2–3 February 1997 by Edgar Lehr: MUSM 20225, -9.91833, -77.65800, 3200 m. MUSM 20226, -
9.92850, -77.64967, 3055 m. MUSM 20227, SMF 80231–33, -9.92850, -77.64517, 3120 m. MUSM 20228, SMF
80234, -9.93217, -77.65500, 3130 m. MUSM 20229–30, -9.91683, -77.65133, 3200 m. SMF 80235, -9.93217, -
77.65333, 3140 m.
Diagnosis: Stenocercus johaberfellneri differs from all other congeners except S. latebrosus and S.
ornatissimus by the combination of having (1) a well developed oblique neck fold with a deep mite pocket
underneath; (2) a well developed antehumeral fold with a deep mite pocket underneath; (3) scales on posterior
surface of thighs granular; (4) vertebral scales similar in size and shape to adjacent scale rows; (5) three caudal
whorls per autotomic segment. Stenocercus johaberfellneri differs from S. latebrosus by having lateral nuchals less
than half the size of dorsal nuchals (vs. lateral nuchals similar in size to dorsal nuchals in S. latebrosus).
Stenocercus johaberfellneri differs from S. ornatissimus by having larger dorsal scales, 47–53, mean 50.0, vertebral
scales (vs. dorsal scales smaller, 52–59, mean 55.4, vertebral scales in S. ornatissimus), 46–53, mean 49.2, scales
around midbody (vs. 49–60, mean 52.6, in S. ornatissimus), the presence of a postfemoral pocket (Type 2 of
Torres-Carvajal 2007) in adult males (vs. postfemoral pocket absent in S. ornatissimus), a throat pattern of bold
black streaks or reticulations in adult males (vs. throat with small black spots or fine reticulations in S.
ornatissimus), and a dusky or grayish venter without black spots or reticulations (vs. at least some black spots on
pectoral region and anterior abdomen, often entire venter with small black spots in S. ornatissimus).
Definition. (1) Maximum total length in males 57 mm (n = 6); (2) maximum total length in females 47.5 mm
(n = 5); (3) vertebrals 47–53; (4) paravertebrals 47–52; (5) scales around midbody 46–53; (6) supraoculars 4–6; (7)
internasals usually 4, rarely 2; (8) postrostrals usually 4, rarely 5; (9) loreals usually 2, rarely 1; (10) gulars 19–24;
(11) lamellae on Finger IV 17–20; (12) lamellae on Toe IV 23–27; (13) posthumeral mite pocket present as one or

420 · Zootaxa 3956 (3) © 2015 Magnolia Press KÖHLER & LEHR
more vertical folds or ridges (Type 1 of Torres-Carvajal 2007); (14) postfemoral mite pocket shallow, with a
posteroventrally oriented slit-like opening in adult males (Type 2 of Torres-Carvajal 2007), no postfemoral mite
pocket discernable in females and juveniles; (15) parietal eye present; (16) occipital scales small, smooth,
juxtaposed; (17) projecting angulate temporals absent; (18) enlarged supraoculars occupying most of supraocular
region in one row absent; (19) scales on frontonasal region smooth, juxtaposed; (20) preauricular fringe present;
(21) antegular, oblique, antehumeral, gular, longitudinal, postauricular, supra-auricular, and transverse antegular
neck folds present; (22) lateral nuchals smaller than dorsal nuchals; (23) posterior gulars smooth, imbricate, apical
pit absent; (24) lateral body scales smaller than dorsal body scales; (25) vertebrals similar in size to adjacent
dorsals, not forming a continuous longitudinal row; (26) dorsolateral crests absent; (27) ventrals smooth, imbricate;
(28) scales on posterior surfaces of thighs granular; (29) prefemoral fold absent; (30) inguinal groove absent; (31)
preanals not projected; (32) tail not compressed laterally in adult males; (33) tail length 62–68 % of total length;
(34) three caudal whorls per autotomic segment; (35) caudals not spinose; (36) dark stripe that extends
anterodorsally from subocular region to supraciliaries absent; (37) color pattern of gular region in adult females
with dark streaks; (38) color pattern of gular region in adult males with bold black streaks or reticulations; (39)
black blotch on ventral surface of neck in adult males absent; (40) dark midventral stripe in adult males absent; (41)
black patches on ventral surface of thighs in adult males absent; (42) background color of dorsum grey or brown.

FIGURE 5. Stenocercus johaberfellneri (SMF 80235) in life: (a) dorsal view; (b) ventral view. Photos by E.L.

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FIGURE 6. Holotype of Stenocercus johaberfellneri (MUSM 20229): (a) lateral view; (b) dorsal view; (c) ventral view. Scale
bars equal 10.0 mm. Photos by G.K.

422 · Zootaxa 3956 (3) © 2015 Magnolia Press KÖHLER & LEHR
FIGURE 7. Holotype of Stenocercus johaberfellneri (MUSM 20229): (a) lateral view of head; (b) dorsal view of head; (c)
ventral view of head; (d) dorsal region (e) flank region; (f) venter; (g) lateral view of tail; (h) cloacal region. Scale bars equal
5.0 mm. Photos by G.K.

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FIGURE 8. Map indicating collecting localities of selected species of Stenocercus (details see text). Each symbol can represent
one or more adjacent localities. Red circle: Stenocercus johaberfellneri; blue triangle: S. amydrorhytus; red triangles: S.
chrysopygus; green squares: S. ornatissimus; black circles: S. latebrosus.

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 Description of the holotype. Adult male, as indicated by partly everted hemipenes; SVL 57.0 mm; tail length
120.0 mm (complete); tail more or less round in cross section; axilla to groin distance 21.8 mm; head length 13.9
mm, head length/SVL ratio 0.24; snout length 5.7 mm; head width 10.7 mm; head height 7.8 mm; shank length
13.6 mm, shank length/head length ratio 0.98; scales on parietal and occipital regions small, slightly wrinkled,
juxtaposed; parietal eye visible; supraoculars in five rows, smooth, with the lateralmost three rows less than half
the size of the medial adjacent row; distinct circumorbitals present; canthals two; anterior-most canthal in contact
with nasal; internasals two; postrostrals four, much wider than long; supralabials six; infralabials seven; loreals
one; lorilabials in one row; preocular single; lateral temporals keeled, imbricate; gulars in 20 rows between
tympanic openings; all gulars cycloid, smooth, imbricate, apical pit absent; second sublabial in contact with the
second and third infralabials; first pair of postmentals in contact medially; mental separated from sublabials by the
first pair of postmentals; dorsal and lateral scales of neck keeled, imbricate; lateral scales of body smaller than
dorsals, but of similar shape, imbricate; scales around midbody 48; vertebrals differentiated from adjacent scales,
in 48 rows, not forming a continuous vertebral row; paravertebrals adjacent to vertebral row equal to vertebrals in
size and shape; paravertebrals 48; ventrals smooth, imbricate, smaller than dorsals; preauricular fringe present;
antegular, oblique, antehumeral, gular, longitudinal, postauricular, supra-auricular, and transverse antegular neck
folds present; ventrolateral and prefemoral folds present; dorsal scales of forelimbs and hind limbs keeled,
imbricate; lamellae on Finger IV 19; lamellae on Toe IV 25 (right) and 26 (left); tail rounded in cross section;
caudals keeled, non-mucronate, imbricate; basal subcaudals smooth, imbricate; posthumeral mite pocket present as
one or more vertical folds (Type 1 of Torres-Carvajal 2007); postfemoral mite pocket shallow, with a
posteroventrally oriented slit-like opening (Type 2 of Torres-Carvajal 2007).
Coloration after 17 years of preservation in 70% ethanol was recorded as follows: Dorsal surface of head
Glaucous (289) with Vandyke Brown (282) and Dark Pearl Gray (290) mottling; dorsal surface of neck Cinnamon-
Drab (50) with Sepia (279) paravertebral blotches and scattered Venetian Blue (170) scales; lateral surface of neck
with a Medium Paris White (140) longitudinal stripe; dorsal surface of body Glaucous (289) with suffusions of
Dark Pearl Gray (290), a few scattered Light Caribbean Blue (163) scales and indistinct Hair Brown (277)
blotches; dorsal surfaces of forelimbs Dark Neutral Gray (299) with narrow Light Neutral Gray (297) bands; dorsal
surfaces of hind limbs Grayish Horn Color (268) with suffusions of Pearl Gray (262); dorsal surface of tail Medium
Neutral Gray (298) grading into Cinnamon (21) towards tip and with Pale Buff (1) bands; ventral surface of head
Pale Greenish White (97) with contrasting Sepia (279) reticulum; ventral surfaces of body and limbs Pale Buff (1),
heavily suffused with Grayish Horn Color (268) on venter; ventral surface of tail Medium Neutral Gray (298) with
Smoky White (261) speckles and grading into Cinnamon (21) towards tip.
Variation. The paratypes agree well with the holotype in general appearance, morphometrics and scalation
(see Table 1). Coloration for one male (SMF 80235) in life was recorded as follows (Fig. 5): dorsum dark brown
with blackish-brown triangles surrounded by pale gray scales, becoming irregular towards anterior half of body;
mustard yellow scales scattered dorsolaterally; head dark brown dorsally, with scattered black, mustard yellow, and
pale gray scales; ventral surfaces of body (except for anterior half of chest), hindlegs, and base of tale mustard
yellow; anterior half of chest pale gray with dark brown flecks; throat copper with pale gray flecks and dark brown
streaks which extend to upper and lower lips laterally.
Etymology. The name johaberfellneri is a patronym for Johannes Haber Fellner, Germany, in recognition of
his support of taxonomic studies through the BIOPAT program.
Geographic distribution. Stenocercus johaberfellneri is presently only known from the vicinity of Malvas at
elevations of 3055–3200 m asl (Fig. 8).
Natural history notes. The type specimens of Stenocercus johaberfellneri were collected during morning
hours under rocks on a grassy area. Sympatric amphibians include Telmatobius rimac, sympatric reptiles are
Epictia alfredschmidti, Philodryas simonsii, and Sibynomorphus petersi (misidentified as S. vagus in Lehr 2002
and Lehr et al. 2002 as pointed out by Cadle 2007).

Discussion

The tropical Andes are considered to be the richest and most diverse region on Earth (Myers et al. 2000). New
species of reptiles and amphibians are frequently discovered in the Peruvian Andes especially when remote regions

NEW STENOCERCUS PERU Zootaxa 3956 (3) © 2015 Magnolia Press · 425
are surveyed or cryptic species complexes phylogenetically analysed. Whereas 18 (62.0%) new species of reptiles
(e.g., Köhler and Lehr 2004, Poe et al. 2008, Chávez et al. 2011, Chávez and Vásquez 2012, Chavez and Catenazzi
2014) were described from the forested eastern Peruvian Andes within the last decade, only 11 (37.9%) species
were described from the drier western Andes (e.g., Aguilar et al. 2013, Koch et al. 2011, 2013, Lehr et al. 2004,
Venegas et al. 2008, 2013, 2014), clearly reflecting research preference of the forested regions. This preference
might be justified in so far as the eastern Andes faces higher risks of deforestation and desiccation negatively
impacting (amphibian) populations. Reptiles, however, are known to often tolerate deforested areas especially
when more open areas and hiding places (e.g., stone walls used as fences, stone houses) become available,
positively affecting reptile populations by providing shelter and basking places. Both Stenocercus amydrorhytus
and S. johaberfellneri were obtained from regions that have been modified by human activities, such as agriculture
(potatoes, corn, cattle). Based on the limited ecological and distributional data we determine the conservation status
for both species as “Data Deficient“ as defined by IUCN (2013). At Malvas, currently two endemic reptiles are
known; one is S. johaberfellneri the other Epictia alfredschmidti (Lehr et al. 2002). We assume that further
herpetofaunal explorations of the western Andes will result in additional new species of both reptiles and
amphibians. Including the two new species described herein, the genus Stenocercus contains 66 species, 40 of
which occur in Peru.

Acknowledgments

Collecting and exportation permits to EL were issued by the Ministerio de Agricultura, Lima, Peru. We thank J.
Córdova (MUSM) for the loan of specimens. We are indepted to the BIOPAT initiative for cooperation and Cesar
Aguilar for his assistance in fieldwork. We thank Omar Torres for his helpful comments on an early draft of this
manuscript and one anonymous reviewer.

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APPENDIX 1. Comparative specimens examined.

Stenocercus chrysopygus—Peru: Ancash: Tecapampa [= Parcopampa]: SMF 21613; Huaraz, ca. 3200 m: SMF 64376; near
Catac, 3550–3700 m: SMF 80194–201, 80203–05, 87769–73; Chiquian, 3380 m: SMF 80207–09; Huanuco: Huallanca,
3450 m: SMF 80202, 80206; La Unión, 3320 m: SMF 80211–13.
Stenocercus cupreus—Peru: Huánuco: Huancapallac: SMF 80214; 6.7 airline km E Huancapallac, 2480 m: SMF 80215; near
Huánuco, 2100 m: SMF 80216–17; Ambo, 2100 m: SMF 80219–20; Chaglla: SMF 80221–26; Panao, 2940 m: SMF
80227.
Stenocercus latebrosus—Peru: La Libertad: mountain ridge above Sinsicap, 2400–2600 m: MUSM 17103, 17105, 17109,
17111.
Stenocercus ornatissimus—Peru: no further data: SMF 95237–38; Lima: Surco, 2 km S Matucana: SMF 95317; Huarochiri:
MUSM 4974.

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