Side-blotched Lizard - Systematics

Systematics

The systematics and phylogeny of the side-blotched lizards is very confusing, with many local forms and morphs having been described as full species. Following the 1997 review of Upton & Murphy which included new data from mtDNA cytochrome b and ATPase 6 sequences, the following species can be recognized pending further research:

• Eastern Side-blotched Lizard, Uta stejnegeri - formerly included in U. stansburiana
• San Pedro Martir Side-blotched Lizard, Uta palmeri
• Angel de la Guarda Side-blotched Lizard (undescribed species, formerly included in U. stansburiana)
• Salsipuedes Side-blotched Lizard, Uta antiqua - formerly included in U. stansburiana
• Santa Catalina Side-blotched Lizard, Uta squamata - sometimes included in U. stansburiana
• San Esteban Side-blotched Lizard (undescribed species, formerly included in U. stansburiana)
• San Pedro Nolasco Side-blotched Lizard, Uta nolascensis
• Common Side-blotched Lizard, Uta stansburiana
  • Western Side-blotched Lizard, Uta (stansburiana) elegans
• Enchanted Side-blotched Lizard, Uta encantadae - possibly belongs into U. stansburiana
• El Muerto Side-blotched Lizard, Uta lowei - possibly belongs into U. stansburiana
• Swollen-nosed Side-blotched Lizard, Uta tumidarostra - possibly belongs into U. stansburiana
• Socorro Side-blotched Lizard, Uta auriculata - possibly belongs into U. stansburiana
• Clarion Side-blotched Lizard, Uta clarionensis - possibly belongs into U. stansburiana
• Ornate Side-blotched Lizard, Uta mannophora - possibly belongs into U. stansburiana

Uta stellata and U. concinna are nowadays usually considered a subspecies of U. stansburiana. U. encantadae, U. lowei and U. tumidarostra might be subspecies of a distinct species (Las Encantadas Side-blotched Lizard) instead. Similarly, U. auriculata and U. clarionensis might be subspecies of a single species, the Revillagigedo Side-blotched Lizard.