Recopilacion de Claves Taxonomicas de La PDF

1.
Publicaciones Especiales del Museo de Zoologa

Nmero 10
RECOPILACION DE CLAVES
PARA LA DETERMINACION DE
ANFIBIOS Y REPTILES DE MEXICO
OSCAR A. FLORES VILLELA

FERNANDO MENDOZA QUIJANO
GRACIA GONZALEZ PORTER
(Compiladores)
Universidad Nacional Autnoma de Mxico

Facultad de Ciencias
Departamento de Biologa
Publ. esp. Mus. Zool. 10: 1-285 (1995)
RECOPILACION DE CLAVES
PARA LA DETERMINACION DE
ANFIBIOS Y REPTILES DE MEXICO
OSCAR A. FLORES VILLELA1

FERNANDO MENDOZA QUIJANO1
GRACIA GONZALEZ PORTER2
(Compiladores)
1
2
Museo de Zoologa, Facultad de Ciencias. UNAM. Apartado Postal 70-399, Mxico D.F. 04510, Mxico.
Departamento de Biologa, Facultad de Ciencias. UNAM. Mxico, DF 04510, Mxico.
Publ. esp. Mus. Zool. 10: 1-285 (1995)
i
INDICE
INTRODUCCION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
AGRADECIMIENTOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
LITERATURA CITADA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
DIBUJOS GENERALES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
CLAVES PARA LA DETERMINACION DE LOS ANFIBIOS DE MEXICO . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Bufo . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
CLAVE PARA LOS GENEROS y ESPECIES DE LA FAMILIA HYLIDAE DE MEXICO. . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Agalychnis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES Y SUBESPECIES DE Hyla EN MEXICO (NOROESTE DEL
ISTMO DE TEHUANTEPEC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES Y SUBESPECIES DE Hyla EN EL NORTE DE
CENTROAMERICA (ISTMO DE TEHUANTEPEC-HONDURAS INCLUYENDO LA
PENINSULA DE YUCATAN) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Pternohyla . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES Y SUBESPECIES DE Ptychohyla . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Smilisca . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES Y SUBESPECIES DE Triprion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Plectrohyla . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
CLAVE PARA LA DETERMINACION DE RENACUAJOS DE Plectrohyla . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
CLAVE PARA LOS GENEROS DE LA FAMILIA LEPTODACTYLIDAE . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40
CLA VE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Eleutherodactylus DE LOS GRUPOS mexicanus y
hobartsmithi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DEL GRUPO rugulosus DE Eleutherodactylus . . . . . . . . . . . .44
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DEL GRUPO Eleutherodactylus gollmeri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Syrrhopus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Tomodactylus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Gastrophryne . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Rana . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Ambystoma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Bolitoglossa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Chiropterotriton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
ii
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Pseudoeurycea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Siren . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Dermophis y Gymnophis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77
CLAVE PARA LA DETERMINACION DE LOS REPTILES DE MEXICO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Anniella . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Ophisaurus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Bipes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83
CLAVE PARA LOS GENEROS y ESPECIES DE GERRONOTINOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE LA FAMILIA CHORYTHOPHANIDAE . . . . . . . . . . . 88
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Crotaphytus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89
CLAVE PARA LAS SUBESPECIES DE Crotaphytus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 90
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Coleonyx . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .92
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Hemidactylus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Phyllodactylus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Sphaerodactylus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 96
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Heloderma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 98
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE IGUANAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Phrynosoma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109
CLAVE PARA LOS GRUPOS Y ESPECIES DE Sceloporus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Sceloporus DEL SUR DE MEXICO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .135
CLAVE PARA ALGUNAS ESPECIES DEL GRUPO formosus DE Sceloporus . . . . . . . . . . . .137
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Uma . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 138
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Urosaurus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 139
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Uta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 144
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Anolis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DEL GRUPO Anolis schiedii . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .158
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Eumeces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 161
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DEL GRUPO Eumeces brevirostris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .165
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Eumeces tetragrammus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 167
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Scincella . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 170
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Ameiva . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 173
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES MEXICANAS DE Cnemidophorus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 175
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DEL GRUPO deppei DE Cnemidophorus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 183
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Cnemidophorus DEL SUR DE MEXICO . . . . . . . . . . . . 185
Publ. esp. Mus. Zool. 10: 1-285 (1995)
iii
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE LA FAMILIA XANTUSIIDAE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 186
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Xenosaurus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 189
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Adelophis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 196
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Adelphicos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 197
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Clelia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 198
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Conophis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 199
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Conopsis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 200
CLAVE PARA LAS SUBESPECIES DE Drymarchon corais . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 201
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Drymobius . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Ficimia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 203
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Geophis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 204
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Gyalopion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 206
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Heterodon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 207
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Lampropeltis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 208
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Leptodeira . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 209
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Leptodeira DEL SUR DE MEXICO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 214
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Leptophis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 215
CLAVE PARA LAS SUBESPECIES DE Leptophis mexicanus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 216
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Masticophis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 217
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Natrix = Nerodia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 218
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES Y SUBESPECIES DE Ninia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
CLAVE PARA LAS SUBESPECIES DE Ninia sebae . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 221
CLAVE PARA LAS SUBESPECIES DE Ninia diademata . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 222
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Oxybelis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 223
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Pliocercus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Rhadinaea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 225
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Sibon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 246
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Stenorrhina . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 248
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Tantilla . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 249
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Thamnophis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 253
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Trimorphodon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 258
CLAVE PARA LOS GENEROS DE FALSOS CORALILLOS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 259
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Leptotyphlops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 262
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Typhlops y Rhampotyphlops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .263
2.
iv
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE SERPIENTES VENENOSAS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 264
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE TORTUGAS DE MEXICO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 269
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Rhinoclemmys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 270
CLAVE PARA LOS GENEROS y ESPECIES DE LA FAMILIA CHELONIIDAE . . . . . . . . .271
CLAVE PARA LAS SUBESPECIES DE Caretta caretta . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 272
CLAVE PARA LAS SUBESPECIES DE Lepidochelys . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 273
CLAVE PARA LAS SUBESPECIES DE Dermochelys coriacea . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 274
CLAVE PARA LOS GENEROS DE LA FAMILIA EMYDIDAE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 275
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES Y SUBESPECIES DE Terrapene . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 276
CLAVE PARA LAS SUBESPECIES DE Terrapene ornata . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 277
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Kinosternon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 278
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Staurotypus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 282
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Gopherus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 283
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Apalone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 284
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE COCODRILOS DE MEXICO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 285
Recopilacin de claves para la determinacin de Anfibios y Reptiles de Mxico 1
INTRODUCCION
Existen muy pocas obras (entre monografas, revisiones, y descripciones de nuevos taxa)
que incluyan claves de determinacin para los grupos que constituyen la herpetofauna de
Mxico. Por otro lado, las que existen son de difcil acceso a investigadores y estudiantes que
se hallan interesados en la Herpetologa, debido principalmente a la escasez y poca fluidez de
publicaciones peridicas especializadas en las bibliotecas institucionales de Mxico. Este trabajo
es una recopilacin de las claves para las especies (y en algunos casos subespecies) de anfibios
y reptiles de Mxico que han sido publicadas hasta la fecha, hacindolas disponibles en un slo
documento, aunque es necesario aclarar que no todas las especies mexicanas estn incluidas en
dichas claves.
El nico trabajo previo de este tipo fue publicado en tres partes, entre 1945 y 1950, por
dos herpetlogos norteamericanos: Hobart M. Smith y Edward H. Taylor. Una reimpresin de
su obra fue editada en 1966, en donde se anexaban los cambios taxonmicos reconocidos hasta
ese momento. Desde 1966 han habido muchos cambios taxonmicos, se ha descrito un gran
nmero de especies, y se han propuesto nuevas clasificaciones de la herpetofauna mexicana, por
lo que es necesario actualizar las claves de los anfibios y reptiles de Mxico mediante una
recopilacin que incluya hasta donde sea posible estas modificaciones y novedades.
OTRAS CLAVES PUBLICADAS PREVIAMENTE

Entre las principales fuentes de consulta que incluyen listas anotadas y claves de anfibios
y reptiles de Mxico, destaca la obra monumental de Smith y Taylor (1966) "Herpetology of
Mexico", que como ya se mencion es la reimpresin de los nmeros 187 (sobre serpientes),
194 (sobre anfibios), y 199 (sobre tortugas, anfisbnidos, lagartijas y cocodrilos) del Bulletin
of the U.S. National Museum. La informacin contenida en estos libros se bas en varias
expediciones de los autores a Mxico, en las cuales se recolectaron ms de 50,000 ejemplares.
En esta obra se indican algunos problemas taxonmicos de algunos gneros de reptiles como
Anolis, Cnemidophorus, Uta, y Thamnophis, as como de las salamandras de las familias
Plethodontidae, y Ambystomatidae, y de las ranas de la familia Leptodactylidae. La problemtica
de estos grupos an persiste en la actualidad. En ese trabajo la herpetofauna de Mxico se
agrupa en 41 familias, 191 gneros, 995 especies y 1165 especies y subespecies (Flores-Villela
1993a,b): "Herpetology of Mexico" sigue siendo til como una obra de consulta de la
2 Flores-Villela, Mendoza-Quijano y Gonzlez-Porter
herpetofauna del pas, y es de uso generalizado por investigadores nacionales y extranjeros,

debido a que no existe otra publicacin similar que conjunte a la mayor parte de la herpetofauna
mexicana.
Otra fuente de gran valor es el "Catalogue of the Neotropical Squamata", publicado en
1970 en dos partes: la primera incluye a las serpientes y la segunda a los anfisbnidos y saurios,
y fueron escritas por Peters y Orejas Miranda y Peters y Donoso Barros, respectivamente. Esta
obra la public la Smithsonian Institution, como parte del Programa de Trabajo Biolgico
Internacional en Latinoamrica. El rea geogrfica cubierta por esta obra va desde la frontera
de Mxico con Guatemala hasta la Patagonia, aunque no incluyen las Islas Galpagos, ni las Islas
del Caribe. Este trabajo es importante para Mxico porque considera a especies poco conocidas
y de distribucin marginal en el sur del pas o bien a aquellas especies de amplia distribucin
con un mejor tratamiento taxonmico. La edicin es bilinge (ingls y castellano). Comprende
117 gneros, 691 especies y 233 subespecies de serpientes; y 111 gneros, 632 especies y 133
subespecies de lagartijas y anfisbnidos. La mayora de las claves no existan antes de la
publicacin de este trabajo. Casi todas las claves son dicotmicas (hay algunas tricotmicas) y
los gneros con gran nmero de especies no tienen clave, sino un cuadro o matriz de datos con
la mayor cantidad posible de caracteres diagnsticos. Se da un cdigo de confianza para cada
clave utilizando de una a cuatro estrellas qu indican que tan confiable puede ser el utilizar dicha
clave en la determinacin de ejemplares.
Por ltimo, la edicin desde 1963 de los apuntes del "Catalogue of American Amphibians
and Reptiles" por la Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles, ha sido una fuente
continua de nueva informacin taxonmica que en muchos casos trata con especies de anfibios
y reptiles de Mxico, incluyendo para cada especie o taxn una breve descripcin, historia
nomenclatural, distribucin geogrfica, literatura pertinente, comentarios generales y en varios
casos claves de identificacin.
ALCANCES DE ESTE TRABAJO

La recopilacin que aqu se presenta incluye la mayora de las claves que se han publicado
despus de 1950, y cubre 721 especies que representan el 70.3% del total de la herpetofauna de
Mxico (186 especies de anfibios y 535 de reptiles, los cuales representan respectivamente el
61.6% y el 73.9%, del total en cada grupo).
No se incluye una clave para los gneros que solamente tienen una especie en Mxico
o que son monoespecficos en toda su distribucin; en esos casos las claves de Casas y McCoy
(1979) son adecuadas para su determinacin a nivel de gnero. Muchas de las claves que se
incluyen no contemplan descripciones de especies nuevas y/o cambios nomenclaturales
publicados recientemente. Hay muchos gneros para los que no se han publicado claves, por lo
que no estn incluidos aqu, como por ejemplo: Thorius, Dendotriton, Nototriton, Spea,
Celestus, Holbrookia, Petrosaurus, Sphenomorphus, Bogertophis, Chersodromus, Chilomeniscus,
Chionactis, Coniophanes, Dipsas, Dryadophis, Elaphe, Enulius, lmantodes, Opheodrys,
Phyllorynchus, Pituophis, Salvadora, Sonora, Storeria, Symphimus y Tantillita, entre otros; en
otros casos se incluye una clave que cubre parcialmente el nmero de especies en un
determinado gnero; tal es el caso de Bufo, Eleutherodactylus, Hyla, Bolitoglossa,
Chiropterotriton,
Pseudoeurycea,
Sceloporus,
Anolis,
Leptodeira,
Leptophis,
Nerodia,
Pliocercus, y Tantilla, entre otros. Varias de las claves que se incluyen en esta recopilacin
contienen especies que no se distribuyen en Mxico; tal es el caso de las que se tomaron del
Catalogue of Neotropical Squamata y otras del Catalogue of American Amphibians and
Reptiles, principalmente.
Se ha tratado de anotar informacin pertinente en algunas claves para facilitar su uso y
evitar confusiones a los usuarios no familiarizados con la literatura especializada. Con relacin
a los cambios nomenclaturales y descripciones de especies nuevas, se recomienda consultar la
lista de especies de Mxico publicada por Flores Villela (l993a), la cual actualiza los cambios
hasta 1992. Cambios posteriores se anotan en la clave pertinente. Tambin se incluyen dibujos
generales de referencia al inicio del trabajo, para ubicar las estructuras anatmicas que se
utilizan en las claves; stos dibujos se modificaron de Savage y Villa (1986). Algunas claves
estn acompaadas de dibujos con que fueron publicadas originalmente.
AGRADECIMIENTOS
Queremos agradecer a todos los colegas, autores y editores que muy amablemente nos
autorizaron a reproducir las claves que se recopilan en este trabajo. En cada caso se dan los
crditos respectivos. Tambin agradecemos de forma muy especial a los investigadores que
elaboraron claves para este volumen: James R. Dixon, Edmundo Prez Ramos, Gustavo Casas,
Carl S. Lieb, Adrin Nieto Montes de Oca, Robert L. Bezy, Jos Luis Camarillo, Douglas A.
Rossman, Jerry D. Johnson y Kristopher P. Kofron. George R. Zug, C. Jack McCoy y William
E. Duellman nos ayudaron en diferentes formas durante las fases iniciales de esta publicacin.
En la parte final de este trabajo tambin colaboraron con nosotros Alfonso Delgadillo,
Francisco Vargas Santa Mara, Ela Martnez Sols, Walter Schmidt B., Adrin Nieto Montes de
Oca, Sol de Mayo Mejenes, Laura Contreras, Flora Garca, Ricardo Reyes y Miriam Benabib.
A Isabel Vargas que nos proporcion su ayuda en el aspecto editorial, nuestro reconocimiento.
A nuestro colega Ubaldo Guzmn Villa quin elabor el dibujo de la portada, nuestro profundo
agradecimiento. El apoyo de Armando Luis Martnez hizo posible la publicacin de este
trabajo, por lo que le debemos nuestro ms sincero agradecimiento. El apoyo financiero para el
desarrollo de la presente publicacin fue obtenido de la Direccin General de Asuntos del
Personal Acadmico (IN 201789, Y IN 203493) Y PADEP (proyecto 003 y 001).
LITERATURA CITADA
CASAS-ANDREU, G. Y C. J. McCOY. 1979. Anfibios y reptiles de Mxico. Mxico,
Limusa. 87 pp.
FLORES-VILLELA, O. 1993a. Herpetofauna Mexicana. Spec. Publs. Carnegie Mus. Nat.
Hist. (17):1-73.
FLORES-VILLELA, O. 1993b. Riqueza de los anfibios y reptiles. Nm. Especial 7.
Biologa y problemtica de los vertebrados en Mxico. Revista Ciencias. Fac.
Ciencias, UNAM. pp. 33-42.
PETERS, J. A. y B. R. OREJAS-MIRANDA. 1970. Catalogue of the neotropical Squamata:
Part I. Snakes. Washington, Smithsonian Inst. Press. 346 pp.
PETERS, J. A. y R. DONOSO-BARROS. 1970. Catalogue of the neotropical Squamata:
Part II. Lizards and Amphisbaenians. Washington, Smithsonian Inst. Press. 293 pp.
SAVAGE, J. M. Y J. VILLA R. 1986. Introduction to the herpetofauna of Costa Rica. Soc.
Study Amphs. Repts., Contr. Herp. (3): i-viii, 1-207.
SMITH, H. M. y E. H. TA YLOR. 1945. An annotated checklist and key to the snakes of
Mexico. Bulletin of the United States National Museum, (l87): i-iv, 1-239.
SMITH, H. M. y E. H. TA YLOR. 1948. An annotated check1ist and key to the Amphibia of
Mexico. Bulletin of the United States National Museum, (l94): i-iv, 1-118.
SMITH, H. M. y E. H. TAYLOR. 1950. An annotated check1ist and key to the reptiles
exclusive of the snakes. Bulletin of the United States National Museum, (l99): i-iv, 1253.
SMITH, H. M. y E. H. TAYLOR. 1966. Herpetology of Mexico. Annotated Checklists and
Keys to the Amphibians and Reptiles. A reprint of Bulletins 187, 194, and 199 of the
United States National Museum with a list of subsequent taxonomic innovations. Erie
Lundberg, Ashton, Maryland, 29 + 239 + 118 + 253 pp.
DIBUJOS GENERALES
DEDOS DE LA MANO
SURCOS COSTALES
PLIEGUES
COSTALES
DEDOS DE LA PATA
CLOACA
Fig. 1 Caractersticas de Salamandras
CRESTAS CRANEANAS
GLANDULA PAROTIDA
PLIEGUE SUPRATIMPANICO
TIMPANO
SACO VOCAL EXTERNO
COANAS
DIENTES VOMERIANOS
PALADAR
Fig. 2 Caractersticas de Sapos y Ranas adultos
TUBERCULOS SUBARTICULARES
TUBERCULOS
SUPERNUMERARIOS
DISCO
TUBERCULOS PALMARES
ACCESORIOS
ESPINA
PREPOLICA
TUBERCULO PALMAR
TUBERCULOS
TENAR
DISCO
MEMBRANAS
TUBERCULOS
SUPERNUMERARIOS
TUBERCULOS
SUBARTICULARES
TUBERCULOS PLANTARES
PLIEGUE
TARSAL
TUBERCULO METATARSAL
INTERNO
Fig. 3 Caractersticas de Sapos y Ranas adultos
TORTUGA
CARAPACHO
PICOS
ARISTA
ALVEOLAR
PLASTRON
AX
ARTICULACION MOVIL
PUENTE
A= ABDOMINAL
F= FEMORAL
M= MARGINAL
AN= ANAL
G= GULAR
N= NUCAL
AX= AXILAR
H= HUMERAL
P= PECTORAL
C= COSTAL
I= INGUINAL
V= VERTEBRAL
Fig. 4 Caractersticas de las Tortugas
LAGARTIJAS
POROS FEMORALES
ESCAMAS
DEL ESCUDO
ESCAMAS
POSTANALES
AGRANDADAS
MEMBRANA
DIGITAL
LAMINILLAS
Fig. 5 Caractersticas de las Lagartijas
LAGARTIJAS
DISCO TRASLUCIDO
SUPRACILIARES
ABERTURA
AUDITIVA
SUPRALABIALES
INFRALABIALES
SUBOCULAR
ABANICO
GULAR
POSTMENTALES
GENIALES
GULARES
PLIEGUE
GULAR
ROSTRAL
POSTNASAL
PREFRONTALES
SUPRAOCULARES
NASAL
SUPRANASAL
FRONTOPARIETAL
OJO
PINEAL
PARIETAL
INTERPARIETAL
OCCIPITALES
Fig. 6 Caractersticas de las Lagartijas (Anolis)
SERPIENTES
PUPILA REDONDA
PREOCULAR
TEMPORALES POSTERIORES
LOREAL
PRENASAL
TEMPORALES ANTERIORES
POSTNASAL
POSTOCULARES
SUPRALABIALES
INFRALABIALES
MENTAL
ROSTRAL
POSTMENTAL
INTERNASALES
PREFRONTALES
FRONTAL
GENIALES
ANTERIORES
GENIALES
POSTERIORES
PARIETAL
VENTRALES
ANAL
ENTERA
ANAL
DIVIDIDA
SUBCAUDALES
ESCAMAS QUILLADAS
FOSETA APICAL
COMO CONTAR FILAS

DE ESCAMAS
ESCAMAS LISAS
FOSETAS APICALES
Fig. 7 Caractersticas de las Serpientes
OCULAR
ROSTRAL
SUPRANASAL
PREFRONTAL
FRONTAL
PREOCULARES
SUBOCULAR
BOTON
CASCABEL
PRELACUNAL
FOSETA LOREAL
SUBFOVEAL
FOSETAS LABIALES
Fig. 8 Caractersticas de las Serpientes
COCODRILOS
CRESTA
TRANSVERSA
CAIMAN
CROCODYLUS
QUILLA DORSAL
CRESTA CAUDAL
Fig. 9 Caractersticas de los Cocodrilos
CLAVES PARA LA DETERMINACION

DE LOS ANFIBIOS DE MEXICO
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Bufo

FUENTE: Duellman. W. E. 1970. Hylid frogs of Middle America. Mus. Nat. Hist. Univ. Kansas Monogr. 1: 1-752.
FUENTE: Porter, K. R. 1964. Distribution and taxonomic status of seven species of Mexican Bufo. Herpetologica
19(4): 229-247.
Se reproduce con permiso del editor de Herpetologica.
1.
Parietal crest always absent; length of parotoid gland at least twice its width,
pulse rate of mating call less than twenty notes per second . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bufo canaliferus
Parietal crest generally present; length of paratoid gland less than twice its
width; pulse rate of mating call greater than twenty notes per second (not
known for B. cristatus) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2.
Parotoid gland globular; narrow vertebral line present; pulse rate of mating
call greater than 85 notes per second . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bufo coccifer
Parotoid gland ovoid or triangular; vertebral stripe, if present, not a narrow
line, pulse rate of mating call less than 60 notes per second (not known for B.
cristatus) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
3.
Parietal crests high, expanded laterally and merging with postorbital crests so
as to fill space between parotoid gland and eye; parotoid gland swollen with
length approximately 20% of snout-vent length . . . . . . . . . Bufo cristatus
Parietal crests and postorbital crests not greatly expanded, do not fill space between
parotoid gland and eye; parotoid gland length generally less than 20% of snout-vent
length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
4.
Parietal crests always present, species not known from Pacific Coast north of
Isthmus of Tehuantepec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Parietal crests reduced or occasionally absent; species found only on the Pacific
Coast north of Isthmus of Tehuantepec . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
5.
A linear series of warts present on side of body; dominant frequency of mating call
approximately 1800 c. p. s. at 25 C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bufo valliceps
No linear series of warts on side of body; dominant frequency of mating call about
1300 c. p. s. at 25 C . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bufo cavifrons
6.
Species known only from lowlands about Acapulco, Guerrero; parotoid gland
generally not swollen; length of supratympanic crest generally greater than diameter
of tympanum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bufo gemmfer
Species widely distributed along Pacific lowlands of northern Colima, Jalisco,
Nayarit, Sinaloa, and Sonora; parotoid gland generally moderately swollen,
supratympanic crest length gene rally less than diameter of tympanum . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Bufo mazailanensis
CLAVE PARA LOS GENEROS Y ESPECIES DE LA FAMILIA HYLIDAE EN MEXICO
Se reproduce con permiso del autor.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Pupil vertically elliptical (fig. 5A), dorsum

usually bright green in life (blue in preservative) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Pupil horizontally elliptical (fig. 5B); dorsum
variable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
No webbing on hands and feet; palpebral
membrane clear . . . . . . . . . Phyllomedusa
Some webbing on hands and feet; palpebral
membrane usually reticulated (fig. 5B) . 3
Head shallow, depth less than 40 per cent of length, discs large: fingers at less one-half webbed; iris red or orange and palpebral membrane reticulated (iris yellow and palpebral membrane clear in calcarifer) . . . . . . . . Agalychns
Head deep, depth more than 50 per cent of length, fingers webbed basally: iris gold with
black reticulations; palpebral membrane reticulated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pachymedusa
Skin co-ossified with skull, extensive bonv labial flanges present; fingers no more than onehalf webbed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Skin not co-ossified with skull, or, If so, bony labial flanges absent; webbing variable . . . . . . .6
A prenasal bone (fig, 17D) present; labial shelf
greatly expanded laterally; body moderately
slender; head much longer than wide . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Triprion
Prenasal bone absent: labial shelf moderately expanded laterally; body short, squat, toad-like,
head only slightly longer than wide . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pternohyla
Fingers long, essentially unwebbed, lacking nuptial excrescences in males; head as broad as
long . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Fingers not long and lacking webs, or, if so, males having; nuptial excrescences or size small
(less than 30 mm. in snout-vent length); head
variable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
A fleshy proboscis (fig, 41); head triangular in

dorsal view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Hemiphractus
No fleshy proboscis; head not triangular in dorsal view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Skin co-ossified with skull; long dorsally directed spines on periphery of roofing bones of
skull; no brood pouch in females . . . Anotheca
Skin co-ossified or not; no spines on skull; a
brood pouch in females . . . . . . . . .Gastrotheca
Skin on dorsum thick, glandular, and tuberculate; hands and feet large with large discs and
extensive webbing; males having paired lateral
vocal sacs behind angles of jaws (fig. 7D) and
lacking projecting prepollical spines (fig. 11D)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Phrynohyas
Skin on dorsum not thick and glandular, or, if
so, hands and feet not having large discs and
extensive webbing and males having single
subgular vocal sacs and projecting prepollical
spines; vocal sacs not behind angles of jaws . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Head large, deep, arms robust; skin thick and
glandular; males having projecting prepollical
spines (fig. 11D) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Plectrohyla
Males lacking projecting prepollical spines, or,
if present, head shallow, arms slender, and
skin not thick and glandular, or hands and feet
fully webbed and dermal fringes present on
arms and feet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Small frogs having pointed snouts, small or unexpanded discs, and only rudimentary webbing on hands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Frogs of variable size; if snouts pointed, discs
expanded and hands at least one-third webbed
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Dorsum rugose; discs not expanded; feet extensively webbed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Acris
Dorsum smooth, discs barely expanded: feet slightly webbed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pseudacris
13. Moderate to large-sized frogs; males having
paired subgular vocal sacs (fig. 7C); dorsum

marked with blotches, limbs barred. . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Smilisca
Size and color variable; males having single,
median, subgular vocal sacs (fig. 7A) . . . .14
14. Breeding males having large, usually brown or
orange, ventrolateral glands (fig. 9A) . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ptychohyla
Seventy-two other species . . . . . . . . . . . .Hyla3
3
Females of Smilisca and Ptychohyla, as well
as non-breeding males of the latter, will key out to
Hyla.
24 Flores-Villela, Mendoza-Quijano
Quijano y Gonzlez
Gonzlez-Porter
Fig. 3 Lateral views of heads of hylid frogs show-ing

shapes of snouts. A. Truncate. B. Round. C. Sloping.
D. Protruding.
Fig. 4 External morphological characters of hylid

frogs. Arrows indicate important structures. A. Foot
showing dermal fringe. B. Foot showing calcar. C.
Foot of Pternohyla fodiens showing spatulate inner
metatarsal tubercle and tarsal fold. D. Foot of Hyla
elaeochroa showing reduced webbing between first
and second toes characteristic of the Hyla rubra
group. E. Axillary membrane. F. Thoracic fold. G and
H. Rostrall keel. I. Fleshy proboscis on Hemiphractus
panamensis.. J. Supraocular fleshy horn on
Gastrotheca ceratophrys.
Recopilacin de claves para la determinacin

n de Anfibios y Reptiles de Mxico 25
Quijano y Gonzlez
Gonzlez-Porter
Key to the species of Agalychnis

1.
Flanks uniformly colored, lacking vertical or

digital bars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Flanks barred . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2.
5.
Hands no more than one-half webbed, size small

(males less than 47 mm; females 62 mm.); flanks blue; dorsum usually marked with wavy transverse lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. saltator
6.
Hands at least two-thirds webbed, size larger; flanks variable; dorsum lacking wavy transverse lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
3.
Hands immense, fully webbed, and with large

discs; snout long and low . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Hands smaller, not fully webbed, and with smaller
discs, snout sloping and shorter . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
4.
Hands, feet, flanks, anterior and posterior surfaces

of thighs deep yellow to orange; dorsum usually
marked with black-bordered white spots . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. spurrelli
7.
Hands, feet, flanks, anterior and posterior surfaces

of thighs lacking pigment; dorsum uniform
green . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A. litodryas
Flanks and anterior and posterior surfaces of thighs blue; iris yellow to orange in life . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. annae
Flanks and anterior and posterior surfaces of thighs orange; iris red in life . . . . . . . . A. moreletii
Flanks orange or yellow with dark bars, thighs
and upper arms barred; dermal appendage present on heel (fig. 4B) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Flanks blue or brown with creamy white bars; thighs and upper arms not barred; dermal appendage lacking on heel . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A. callidryas
Extensive dermal folds on forearm and large
dermal flaps on foot; snout truncate . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. craspedopus
Only dermal appendage is flap on heel, snout sloping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A. calcarifer
KEY TO THE SPECIES AND SUBSPECIES

OF Hyla IN MEXICO (NORTHWEST OF
THE ISTHMUS OF TEHUANTEPEC)
1.
Small species (less than 35 mm. in snoutvent length) lacking a tympanum . . . . . 2

Size variable tympanum present (upper edge may be concealed by supratympanic
fold) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
2.
Dorsal surfaces of thighs unicolor . . . . . . 3

Dorsal surfaces of thighs marked by dark
transverse bars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
3.
9.
Feet two-thirds webbed; large tubercles

present below anal opening; shanks and
feet strongly barred . . . . . . .H. pinorum
10.
11.
12.
13.
Feet fully webbed, no large tubercles below anal opening; shanks and feet weakly barred . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H. nubicola
4.
Feet fully webbed . . . . . . . . . . . . .H. mixe

Feet three-fourths webbed . . . . . . . . . . . 5
5.
14.
Dorsum reddish brown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .H. mixomaculata
Dorsum yellowish tan . . . . . . . . . H. pellita
6.
Small species (males having snout-vent

lengths of less than 30 mm.) with an axillary membrane (fig. 4E ); dorsum usually yellow or tan; thighs uniformly yellow or tan; no difference in color on
dorsal and posterior surfaces . . . . . . . . .7
Size and axillary membrane variable; thighs not uniformly yellow or tan . . . . . 16
7.
16.
Dorsolateral light stripes present, shanks

usually darker than dorsum, which is
unicolor yellow or tan or marked by
small dark spots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Dorsolateral light stripes absent, shanks
variable; dorsum unicolor yellow or tan
or with large markings . . . . . . . . . . . .10
8.
15.
Head narrow; side of head and shanks dark

brown; dorsolateral stripe narrow, usually
extending to groin . . . . . .H. robertmertensi
Head wider: side of head and flanks yellow:
dorsolateral stripe wide, not extending to
groin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
17.
Distinct dark brown flecks on forearms

and shanks, small (males to 21.4 mm. in
snout-vent length) . . . . . . . . . . . H. picta
No distinct dark brown flecks on forearms
and shanks, larger (males to 26 mm. in
snout-vent length) . . . . . . . . . . H. smithii
Dorsum uniform or with small flecks . . 11
Dorsum with dark markings . . . . . . . . . .14
Dorsum uniform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Dorsum marked by small flecks . . . . . . .13
Tarsal fold present (fig. 4C); tympanic ring
distinct . . . . . . . . . . . . .H. dendroscarta
Tarsal fold absent, tympanic ring weakly
defined . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .H. sumichrasti
Diameter of tympanum less than 43 per
cent of diameter of eye; large flecks on
dorsum . . . . . . .H. melanomma bibocata
Diameter of tympanum more than 50 per
cent of diameter of eye; small flecks on
dorsum . . . . . .H. melanomma melanoma
Flanks dark; dorsal pattern usually consisting of a dark hour-glass-shaped figure . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .H. ebraccata
Flanks usually colored like dorsum; pattern not consisting of one large mark on
back . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Dark chevron-shaped marks on dorsum;
distinct dark bars on shanks . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H. sartori
Dark dashes, sometimes interconnected to
form X-shaped mark on back; ill-defined
bars on shanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . H. microcephala underwoodi
Snout acutely rounded, digital discs small;
webbing on hand vestigial; dorsum usually green with spots or dashes in a linear arrangement; a dark brown face
mask present; males not exceeding 45
mm. in snout-vent length . . . . . . . . . . 17
Snout not acutely rounded and digital discs
not small, or, if so, dorsum not green and
no face mask present . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
A dark interorbital triangular mark . . . . 13
No dark interorbital triangular mark . . . 19
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
Toes about two-thirds webbed, dorsum

smooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H. regilla curta
Toes about one-half webbed; dorsum
postulate . . . . H. regilla hypochondriaca
Posterior surfaces of thighs brown with
yellow spots . . . . . . . . . .H euphorbiacea
Posterior surfaces of thighs lacking yellow
spots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Fifth toe webbed to base of penultimate
phalanx (larger males to 44 mm. in snout
vent length) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .H. plicata
Fifth toe webbed to distal end of antepenultimate phalanx; smaller (males to
36 mm in snout-vent length . . .H. eximia
Large frogs with a dermal fringe along the
lateral edge of the forearm and foot (fig.
4A); feet nearly fully webbed; fingers
two-thirds webbed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
Size variable, feet no more than threefourths webbed, or if so, fingers webbed
only basally, no dermal fringe on edge of
forearm and foot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Dorsum and flanks mottled reddish brown
and dark brown, prepollex in males spatulate, bare . . . . . . . . . . . . . H. valancfer
Dorsum pale, flanks and anterior and posterior surfaces of thighs dark, prepollex
in males bearing a clump of spines (fig.
11C) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H. echinata
Moderate-sized frogs having round snout,
pale dorsum usually without pattern), extensive axillary membrane (fig. 4E) and
fingers more than one-half webbed . . .24
Size variable; axillary membrane absent,
or, if present, pattern not as described
and hands less than one-half webbed . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Webbing and hidden surfaces of thighs red
in life: canthus rounded, snout bluntly
rounded . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .H loquax
Webbing and hidden surfaces of thighs
yellow in life; canthus angular; snout
acutely rounded . . . . . . . . . . H. godmani
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
Dorsum tuberculate; webbing absent on

hand, dorsum dull gray or tan with iregular darker spots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Dorsum smooth, or, if tuberculate, webbing present on hand and coloration not
as described . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27
Feet about three-fourths webbed; diameter
of tympanum about one-half that of eye;
discs small . . . . . . . . . . . . H. cadaverina
Feet about one-half webbed; diameter of
tympanum about two-thirds that of eye,
discs larger . . . . . . . . . . . . . H. arenicolor
Vocal slits present in males . . . . . . . . . . 28
Vocal slits absent in males . . . . . . . . . . .37
Small frogs (snout-vent length in males
less than 30 mm.); snout pointed, dorsum gray, tan, pale green, or yellow with
or without dull green or brown markings
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Larger frogs; snout not pointed, or, if so,
color pattern not as described . . . . . . .30
Head narrow, snout protruding; webbing
vestigial between first and second toes
(fig. 4D); nuptial excrescence absent . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S. staufferi staufferi
Head broad, flat; snout not protruding;
webbing present between first and second toes; nuptial excrescence present . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H. smaragdina
Dorsum uniform green or with tan mottling posteriorly; venter uniform white or
yellow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Dorsum uniform brown or marked with
dark blotches or spots; venter variable . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34
Snout acutely rounded in dorsal profile: limbs slender; anal opening at upper level
of thighs, belly white . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32
Snout bluntly rounded in dorsal profile; limbs more robust; anal opening at midlevel of thighs, belly yellow or dull cream . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Axillary membrane present (fig. 4E); feet
two-thirds webbed, white stripe on outer
edges of limbs distinct; iris red in life . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .H. erythromma
Axillary membrane absent; feet threefourths webbed: white stripe on outer edges of limbs indistinct; iris golden in life
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H. miotympanum
33.
34.
35.
36.
37.
38.
Venter yellow; canthal stripe bronze; webbing on hands vestigial, feet one-half
webbed, snout rounded in lateral profile .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .H. hazelae
Venter white to dull cream; canthal stripe
black; hands one-fourth webbed, feet
two-thirds webbed, snout truncate in lateral profile . . . . . . . .H. arborescandens
Snout short, truncate; venter white with
black spots on chest . . . . . . .H. thorectes
Snout variable; venter not white with black
spots on chest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Transverse bands on dorsal surfaces of
limbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Transverse bands absent on dorsal surfaces
of limbs; posterior surfaces of thighs
marked with creamy yellow flecks . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .H. bistincta
Dorsum
tuberculate;
diameter
of
tympanum less than 50 per cent that of
eye; anal opening at midlevel of thighs:
snout truncate in both sexes . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .H. chaneque
Dorsum smooth, diameter of tympanum
more than 50 per cent that of eye; anal
opening at ventral surfaces of thighs;
snout acuminate and protruding in males, blunt in females . . . . . . H. taeniopus
Snout acuminate, fingers one-half webbed,
distinct transverse bands on limbs; venter yellow; prepollex moderately enlarged and devoid of a nuptial excrescence .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .H. altipotens
Snout bluntly rounded or truncate; fingers
less than one-half webbed;' coloration
not as described, prepollex greatly enlarged with or without nuptial excrescence .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
Axillary membrane present (fig. 4E); nuptial excrescences absent, skin thin . . . .39
Axillary membrane absent, nuptial excrescences present, skin thick and glandular .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
39.
40.
41.
42.
43.
44.
Snout in dorsal profile truncate; diameter

of tympanum less than 50 per cent of
eye, feet three-fourths webbed; dorsum
dark green with darker reticulations . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H. charadricola
Snout in dorsal profile pointed; diameter
of tympanum more than 50 per cent of
eye; feet two-thirds webbed; dorsum yellowish tan with brown flecks . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .H. chryses
Tympanum concealed by supratympanic
fold; nuptial excrescence consisting
clump of spines (fig, 11C); snout round .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .H. pachyderma
Tympanum not concealed: nuptial excrescence consisting of small spinules, snout
variable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41
Snout truncate in dorsal view; rostral keel
absent, thoracic fold absent; dorsum pale; flaks and edges of limbs dark brown .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H. pentheter
Snout rounded in dorsal view, or, if truncate, a rostral keel present (fig. 4G); webbing on hand vestigial; thoracic fold present or absent, dorsum not paler than flanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
Snout truncate in dorsal and lateral profiles; rostral keel present (fig. 4G) . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .H. siopela
Snout rounded in dorsal and lateral profiles; rostral keel absent . . . . . . . . . . . . .43
Venter uniformly white . . . . . .H. bogertae
Venter dusky or spotted . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
Thoracic fo1d present (fig. 4F); feet fourfifths webbed . . . . . . . . . . . .H. thorectes
Thoracic fold absent, feet fully webbed . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H. crassa

OF Hyla IN NORTHERN CENTRAL AMERICA
(ISTHMUS OF TEHUANTEPEC-HONDURAS
INCLUDING YUCATAN PENINSULA)
8.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Small species (less than 35 mm. in snoutvent length) having unpigmented or uniformly yellow thighs; dorsum usually
yellow with darker markings . . . . . . . . .2
Mostly larger species; thighs not uniformly
colored or lacking pigment, dorsum not
yellow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Dorsolateral white lines present, continuous to groin or nearly so . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Dorsolateral white lines absent, or, if present, not extending posterior to sacrum .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Dorsolateral line broad, flanks yellow . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .H. picta
Dorsolateral line narrow; flanks and sides
of head dark Brown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H. robertmertensi
Snout truncate in dorsal view . . . . . . . . . . 5
Snout acuminate or acutely rounded in dorsal view . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Dorsal pattern consisting of irregular dark
dashes, usually forming in X-shaped
mark in scapular region and an interiorbital bar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . H. microcephala underwoodi
Dorsal pattern consisting of dark hourglass-shaped mark, small spots, or nothing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .H. ebraccata
Snout acutely rounded. dorsum uniformly
yellowish tan; plantar surfaces of feet
and edge of chin suffused with dark pigment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H. bromeliacea
Snout acuminate; dorsum yellow, pale
green, or pale gray with small dark flecks or no markings, venter white . . . . . 7
Tarsal fold absent, tympanum indistinct;
axillary membrane abbreviated; dorsum
without dark flecks . . . . . H. sumichras
Tarsal fold present (fig. 4C); tympanum
distinct; axillary membrane extending at
least midway to elbow, dark flecks present on dorsum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . H. melanomma bivocata
Moderately large species (more than 45

mm. in snout-vent length); narrow middorsal dark line usually present on tan or
gray dorsum, projecting prepollex in males (fig. 11D) . . . . . . . . . . . .H. crepitans
No middorsal dark line or projecting prepollex . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
9.
Dorsum green with or without brown canthal stripe and brown spots or stripes
posteriorly, small species (less than 40
mm. snout-vent length) . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Dorsum not green, or, if so, large species
with heavy brown mottling dorsally and
dark flanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
10. Dark brown canthal stripe and brown spots
or stripes usually present posteriorly on
dorsum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Dorsum uniform green or marked with faint tan blotches or darker green reticulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .H. miotympanum
11. Posterior surfaces of thighs dark brown
with yellow spots . . . . . H. euphorbiacea
Posterior surfaces of thighs uniform tan . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .H. walker
12. Small species less than 30 mm. snout-vent
length with acuminate protruding snout,
dark longitudinal markings on gray or
tan dorsum, and webbing reduced between first and second toes (fig. 4D) . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .H. staufferi staufferi
Larger species lacking an acuminate protruding snout and having well-developed
web between first and second toes; dorsal pattern variable, not linear . . . . . . .13
13. Dorsum tubercular, flanks dark brown or
black with pale flecks, dorsum mottled
black or dark brown and dark green; size
large, to 80 mm. . . . . . . . . . H. chaneque
Dorsum smooth; flanks pale; dorsum tan,
pale brown, or gray, not boldly mottled,
size medium, les s than 50 mm. . . . . . 14
14. Extensive axillary membrane (fig. 4E);
webbing red in life . . . . . . . . . .H. loquax
No axillary membrane; webbing brown . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .H. salvadorensis
KEY TO THE SPECIES OF Pternohyla

Bony ridge extending from point between
nostrils to tip of snout; snout in dorsal
profile acutely rounded; tips of digits expanded into small discs; outer edge of inner metatarsal tubercle elevated (fig.
4C); vocal sacs connected medially in
breeding males . . . . . . . . . . . . P. fodiens
No bony ridge extending anteriorly from a
point between nostrils; snout bluntly
rounded in dorsal profile, tips of digits
not expanded, inner metatarsal tubercle
round in section; vocal sacs widely separated medially in breeding males . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P. dentata

OF PTYCHOHYLA
1.
A weak tarsal fold, outer fingers one-third

webbed; males having nuptial spines
(fig. 11C); color in life tan or brown with
blotches or reticulations; never green;
iris bronze or copper . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
No tarsal fold; outer fingers having; only
vestige of web; males lacking nuptial tuberosities; color in life green or brown,
iris red or bronze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
2.
5.
Chest, throat, and flanks usually having

black or brown spots; no distinct white
stripe on upper lip or on flanks; a faint
white line usually present above anus; a
rostral keel present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Chest, throat, and flanks usually unspotted;
distinct white line on upper lip and on
flank present or not; white line above
anus faint or well defined; no rostral keel
................................4
3.
4.
Interorbital distance much greater than width of eyelid; spots on throat and chest
black; spots only occasionally present on
belly, flanks marbled with black and
white; nuptial spines small, as many as
80 on one thumb . . .P. leonhardschultzei
Interorbital distance about equal to width
of eyelid; spots on chest and throat
brown or black; spots usually present en
belly, flanks having round brown or
black spots; nuptial spines moderate in
size, conical, seldom more than 60 on
one thumb . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. spinipollex
6.
A distinct, broad, white lateral stripe usually present; usually a distinct white line
above anus; a distinct white stripe on upper lip . . . . . P. euthysanota euthysanota
No white lateral stripe; faint white stripe
above anus; no distinct white stripe on
upper lip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . P. euthysanota macrotympanum
A distinct, broad, lateral stripe; a white
stripe on upper lip expanded to form a
large spot below eye; hidden surfaces of
thighs and webs of feet not orange to red
in life; internarial area slightly depressed; diameter of tympanum greater than
one-half diameter of eye . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
No lateral white stripe; no stripe on upper
lip; in life dorsum green; hidden surfaces
of thighs and webs of feet orange or red;
internarial area flat; diameter of tympanum less than one-half diameter of eye .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P. ignicolor
Webs of feet and posterior surfaces of
thighs cream, dorsum in life reddish
brown; iris bright red . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . P. schmidtorum schmidtorum
Webs of feet and posterior surfaces of
thighs pale brown; dorsum in life green;
iris reddish bronze . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . P. schmidtorum chamulae
KEY TO THE SPECIES OF Smilisca

1.
2.
3.
Larger frogs (males, 76 mm.; females, 90

mm.) having broad, flat heads and a
dark brown or black posterorbital mark
encompassing tympanum . . . . . . . . . . 2
Smaller frogs (males, 45 mm.; females, 84
mm.) having narrower heads and lacking
a dark brown or black postorbital mark
encompassing tympanum . . . . . . . . . . .4
Lips barred, flanks cream with bold brown
or black mottling in groin; posterior surfaces of thighs brown with cream flecks
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S. baudinii
Lips not barred; narrow white labial stripe
present; flanks not cream with bold brown or black mottling in groin, posterior
surfaces of thighs variable . . . . . . . . . . 3
Flanks and anterior and posterior surfaces
of thighs dark brown with pale blue
spots on flanks and blue spots on thighs
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .S. cyanosticta
4.
5.
Flanks cream with fine black venation;

posterior surfaces of thighs pale brown
with or without darker flecks of small
cream spots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S. phaeota
Fingers having only vestige of web; diameter of tympanum two-thirds that of
eye; dorsum tan with pair of broad brown stripes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .S. puma
Fingers about one-half webbed; diameter
of tympanum about one-half that of eye;
dorsum variously marked with spots or
blotches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Snout short, truncate, vocal sacs in breeding males dark gray or brown; blue spots
on flanks and posterior surfaces of thighs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .S. sila
Snout long, sloping, rounded; vocal sacs in
breeding males white; cream or pale
blue flecks on flanks and posterior surfaces of thighs . . . . . . . . . . . . .S. sordida

OF Triprion
1.
Tip of snout upturned: dermal sphenethmoid visible through skin; odontoids absent from palatines, vocal sac bilobate . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T. petasatus
Tip of snout not upturned; dermal sphenethmoid absent; odontoids present on palatines; vocal sac single and median . . .2
2.
Dorsum uniformly yellowish-tan to olivegreen or marked by minute flecks or dashes . . . . . . . . . . T. spatulatus spatulatus
Dorsum yellowish tan with dark brown reticulations and spots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .T. spatulatus reticulatus
NOTAS: Desde la publicacin de esta monografa se han descrito varias especies: H. juanitae (Snyder, D. H. 1972. Hyla
juanitae, a new tree frog from Southern Mexico and its relationship to H. pinorum. Jour. Herpetol. 6(1):5-15); H. mykter, e
H. trux (Adler, K. and D. M. Dennis. 1972. New tree frogs of the genus Hyla from the cloud forest of western Guerrero,
Mxico. Occas. Pap. Mus. Nat. Hist. Univ. Kansas 7: 1-19); Hyla cembra, Hyla cyanomma, e H. sabrina (Caldwell, J. 1974.
A re-evaluation of the Hyla bistincta species group, with descriptions of three new species (Anura: Hylidae). Occas. Pap.
Mus. Nat. Hist. Univ. Kansas 28:1-37.); H. chimalapa, e H. xera (Mendelson, J. R. y J. A. Campbell. 1994. Two new species
of the Hyla sumichrasti group (Arnphibia: Anura: Hylidae) from Mxico. Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash. 107(2):398-409) y se han
hecho varios cambios nomenclaturales a nivel de gnero como algunas especies de Ptychohyla a Duellmanohyla (Campbell,
J. A. and E. N. Smith. 1992. A new frog of the genus Ptychohyla (Hylidae) from the Sierra de Santa Cruz, Guatemala and
description of the new genus of middle american stream-breeding tree frogs. Herpetologica 48(2): 153-167) y una especie de
Ololygon (en sta clave se reconoce como Hyla) a Scinax (Duellman, W. E. and J. J. Wiens. 1992. The status of the hylid
frog genus Ololygon and the recognition of Scinax Wagler, 1830. Occas. Pap. Mus. Nat. Hist. Univ. Kansas. 151: 1-23.
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Plectrohyla

FUENTE: Duellman, W. E. and J. Campbell. 1992. Hylid frogs of the genus Plectrohyla: Systematics and
phylogenetic relationships. Misc. Publ. Mus. Zool. Univ. Mich. 181:1-32.
Se reproduce con permiso del primer autor.
1.
Prepollical process bifid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Prepollical process flat, blunt, or pointed, not bifid . . . . 6
2. Anterior and posterior surfaces of thighs with bold black
or dark green and cream markings . . . . . . . .P. hartwegi
Anterior and posterior surfaces of thighs not so marked .
............................................3
3. Dorsum with closely packed round tubercles . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. guatemalensis
Dorsum with scattered tubercles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
4. Tubercles on dorsum conical; dorsum dull olive-green or
gray with large olive-green spots . . . . . . P. acanthodes
Tubercles on dorsum round; coloration not as described .
............................................5
5. Tubercles on dorsum small; size large (>65 mm); webbing on feet dull green; vocal slits absent . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. teuchestes
Tubercles on dorsum large; size smaller <60 mm); webbing on feet bright red; vocal slits present in males . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. pokomchi
6. Prepollical process pointed, knifelike . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Prepollical process blunt, not knifelike . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
7. Size large (>70 mm); vocal slits absent; dorsum uniformly green, smooth except for tubercles on head . . P. avia
Size smaller <50 mm); vocal slits present in males; dorsum brown with variable tuberculation . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
8. Vertical rostral keel present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Vertical rostral keel absent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
9. Snout acuminate in dorsal view; small dark flecks on
flanks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. sagorum
Snout blunt in dorsal view; large brown spots on flanks . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. quecchi
10. Snout acuminate in dorsal view; broad pale lateral stripe
bordered below by narrow dark line usually present . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. ixil
Snout truncate in dorsal view; lateral dark line or series
of dark spots present, but broad pale lateral stripe absent
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. matudai
11. Dorsum strongly tuberculate, marked by bold, irregular,

dark spots; nuptial excrescences absent . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. tecunumani
Dorsum weakly tuberculate or smooth; pattern not as
described; nuptial excrescences present . . . . . . . . . . . 12
12. Dorsum bronze with black spots narrowly outlined with
lime-green; vocal slits present . . . . . . . . . . . P. dasypus
Dorsum not so marked; vocal slits absent . . . . . . . . . . 13
13. Dorsum tan with irregular brown markings (in preservative); inner tarsal fold flaplike . . . . . . . . . . .P. lacertosa
Dorsum not tan with irregular brown markings; inner
tarsal fold not flaplike . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
14. Dorsum greenish gray with or without darker markings;
outer tarsal fold present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .P. glandulosa
Dorsum (in preservative) grayish brown with bluish tan
flecks; outer tarsal fold absent . . . . . . . . P. pychnochila
KEY TO THE IDENTIFICATION OF TADPOLES

OF PLECTROHYLA
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Oral disc greatly expanded into a suctorial structure, as

wide as or nearly as wide as body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Oral disc smaller, not expanded into a suctorial structure .
............................................3
Lips extending late rally beyond side of snout; single row
of large, discrete papillae between fringing papillae and
first upper labial tooth row . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. hartwegi
Lips not extending laterally beyond side of snout; distinct
smooth, sharply raised fold between fringing papillae
and first upper labial toothrow . . . . . . . . . P. teuchestes
Upper jaw sheath with enlarged pointed serrations to
either side of midline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Upper jaw sheath with blunt or pointed serrations subequal in size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
One or two enlarged fanglike serrations on either side of
upper jaw sheath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. matudai
Three or four enlarged fanglike serrations on either side
of upper jaw sheath . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. ixil
Lips having two rows of small fringing papillae; lower
labial rows subequal in length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Lips having a single row of small fringing papillae; lower
labial tooth rows subequal in length or not . . . . . . . . . 7
Nostrils about midway between eyes and tip of snout

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. guatemalensis
Nostrils about one-third distance from eyes to tip of

snout. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. pokomchi
7. Lower labial tooth rows subequal in length . . . . . . . . . . 8
Third lower labial tooth row shorter than others . . . . . 10
8. Lateral processes of upper jaw sheath absent . .P. dasypus
Lateral processes of upper jaw sheath short, narrow . . . 9
9. Row of discrete, large papillae between fringing papillae
and outer tooth rows on both lips . . . . . . . . . . . . P. avia
Row of discrete, large papillae between fringing papillae
and outer tooth row only on lower lip . . . P. acanthodes
10. No papillae lateral to jaw sheaths . . . . . . . . . . P. quecchi
At least a few large papillae lateral to jaw sheaths . . . . 11
11. Lateral processes 011 upper jaw sheath weakly devel-
oped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. sagorum
Lateral processes on upper jaw sheath absent . . . . . . . 12
12. Numerous small papillae lateral to jaw sheaths . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. tecunumani
No more than two to four large papillae lateral to jaw
sheaths . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . P. glandulosa
CLAVE PARA LOS GENEROS DE LA FAMILIA LEPTODACTYLIDAE

FUENTE: Lynch, J. D. 1971. Evolutionary relationships, osteology and zoogeography of leptodactylid frogs. Univ.
Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Misc. Publs. 53: 1-238.
l. Cranial bones involved in dermostosis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

Cranial bones not involved in dermostosis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2. Toes fully webbed . . . Caudiverbera
Toes less than two-thirds webbed . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
3. Pupil horizontal; outer rnetatarsal
tubercle absent . . . . . . . Ceratophrys
Pupil vertical; outer metatarsal
tubercle present . . .Lepidobatrachus
4. Pupil vertical . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Pupil horizontal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
5. Sternum a broad cartilaginous
(sometimes calcified) plate . . . . . . .6
Sternum bearing a distinct bony or
calcified style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
6. Toes fully webbed . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Toes free of webbing . . . . .Hylorina
7. Parotoid gland present, digital tips
simple . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Telmatobufo
Parotoid gland absent, digital tips
pad-like . . . . . . . . . . . . Heleophryne
8. Toes fully webbed . . . .Hydrolaetere
Toes free or basally webbed . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Limnomedusa
9. Sternum with a distinct bony or
calcified style . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Sternum a cartilaginous, calcified, or
osseous plate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
10. Quadratojugal bone absent . . . . . 11
Quadratojugal bone present . . . . . 12
11. Antebrachial tubercles present . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pseudopaludicola
Antebrachial tubercles absent . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Pleurodema
12. Prevomerine teeth absent . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Physalaemus
Prevomerine teeth present, on well
defined processes . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
13. Eyelid bearing fleshy tubercles . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Edalorhina
Eyelid without fleshy tubercles . . 14
14. Sternal element style shaped . . . . 15
Sternal element irregular in outline,
plate-like . . . . . . . . Paratelmatobius
15. Sternal style bifurcate posteriorly . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Barycholos
Sternal style not bifurcate posteriorly
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
16. Terminal phalanges distinctly Tshaped; digital discs with circumferential groove . . . . . . . . Lythodites
Terminal phalanges knobbed or
weakly T-shaped; no circumferential
groove on digital discs . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Leptodactylus
17. Dorsal surface of each digital pad
bearing a pair of scute-like glands . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Dorsal surface of digital pad or tip
without distinct glands . . . . . . . . 20
18. Quadratojugal absent or present only
as a sliver-like bone, small frogs,
adults less than 40 mm. SVL . . . . 19
Quadratojugal massive; adults 50 to
110 mm. SVL . . . . . . . . Megaelosia
19. Males with median subgular vocal
sac; nuptial spines present; prevomerine teeth usually absent: quadratojugal bone absent . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Crossodactylus
Males with paired lateral vocal sacs

or none; nuptial spines absent;
prevomerine teeth usually present;
quadratojugal present . . . . . Hylodes
20. Tips of at least outer digits bearing
transverse, terminal groove along
edge of digital pad . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Tips of digits without terminal
grooves . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
21. Maxillary arch toothless . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sminthillus
Maxillary arch toothed . . . . . . . . 22
22. Lumbar gland present . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Tomodactylus
Lumbar gland absent . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . Eleutherodactylus and Syrrhophus
23. Terminal phalanges T-shaped or Yshaped . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
30. Tympanic annulus absent . . . . . . .31

Tympanic annulus visible externally
or concealed beneath skin . . . . . . 33
31. Fingers short, especially fourth
finger . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . Euparkella
Fingers of normal proportions to
long . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
32. Toes fully webbed . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Batrachophrynus
Toes free to two-thirds webbed . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eupsophus (part)
. . . . . . . . . . . and Niceforonia (part)
33. Tympanum visible externally . . . 34
Tympanum concealed beneath skin .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
34. Large frontoparietal crests present . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Amblyphrynus
Terminal phalanges knobbed . . . .26
No cranial crest . . Eupsophus (part)

24. Digital pads large, tympanum absent

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Crossodactylodes
35. Inner metatarsal tubercle spade-like

elevated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Digital pads relatively narrow; tympanum visible externally . . . . . . . 25
Inner metatarsal tubercle not

elevated or spade-like . . . . . . . . . 37
25. Quadratojugal bone present . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Thoropa
36. Large cranial crests present, parotid

glands absent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . Proceratophrys (part)
Quadratojugal bone absent . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Batrachyla
26. Quadratojugal bone absent . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pseudopaludicola
Quadratojugal bone present . . . . . 27
27. Sternum an osseous plate . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Paratelmatobius
Sternum cartilaginous . . . . . . . . . 28
28. Supernumerary plantar tubercles
large, numerous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
Supernumerary plantar tubercles
absent or small . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
29. Discoidal fold present . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Hylactophryne
Discoidal fold absent .. Ischnocnema
Frontoparietal region flat or edge of

frontoparietals slightly ridge-like,
parotoid glands present or absent . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Odontophrynus
37. Cranial crests present . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . Proceratophrys (part)
Cranial crests absent . . . . . . . . . . 38
38. Metatarsal tubercles flat, sub-equal
in size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Holoaden
Inner metatarsal tubercle at least
twice as large as outer . . . . . . . . . 39
39. Outer metatarsal tubercle minute,
less than one-fourth size of inner;
toes webbed . . . . . . . . . Telmatobius
Outer metatarsal tubercle larger,

about one-third to one-half size of
inner; toes free or webbed, if
webbed, outer tubercle one-half size
of inner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
40. Skin or dorsum uniformly pustular,
toes free or webbed: large inguinal
gland present . . . . . . Cycloramphus
Skin or dorsum smooth or with
scattered pustules, toes free of
webbing, inguinal gland absent . . 41
41. 1nner fingers and toes very short . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Scythrophrys
Fingers and toes of normal length . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
42. Tongue free all around, anterior
edge only slightly free; if appearing
adherent
anteriorly,
axillary
patagium present . . . . . . Zachaenus
Tongue firmly adherent anteriorly,
axillary patagium absent . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Eupsophus (part)
NOTAS: Esta clave incluye a varios gneros que no son Mexicanos.
CLA VE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Eleutherodactylus DE LOS GRUPOS mexicanus y hobartsmithi

FUENTE: Lynch, J. D. 1970. Taxonomic notes on some mexican frogs (Eleutherodactylus: Leptodactylidae).
Herpetologica, 26(2): 172-180.
1. Two palmar tubercles; relatively small frogs (adults less than

25 mm SVL) ... (hobartsmithi group) 2
Three palmar tubercles, larger frogs (adults 25-15 mm SVL)
..... (mexicanus group) 3
2. Tarsus bearing a row of tubercles along its outer edge
..... hobartsmithi
Tarsus lacking tubercles on outer edge... pygmaeus
3. First finger longer than second; inner metatarsal tubercle
compressed, vocal slits in males .. occidentalis
First finger as long as or slightly shorter than second finger;
inner metatarsal tubercle not compressed, males lacking
vocal slits ....... 4
4. Metatarsal tubercles subequal in size ... 5
Inner metatarsal tubercle about twice the size of the outer .. 6
5. Prevornerine teeth absent .... sartori
Prevomerine teeth present ........... greggi
6. Inner metatarsal tubercle nearly as long as first toe; skin of
venter areolate ................. omiltemanus
Inner metatarsal tubercle about one-half to two-thirds as long
as first toe, skin of venter smooth ..... 7
7. Outer edge of tarsus bearing a row of small tubercles, color
pattern polymorphic in most populations ... mexicanus
Outer edge of tarsus devoid of tubercles: color pattern
monomorphic ...... saltator
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DEL GRUPO rugulosus DE Eleutherodactylus

FUENTE: Savage, J. M. 1975. Systematics and distribution of the mexican and central american stream frogs
related to Eleutherodactylus rugulosus. Copeia, 1975(2):254-306.
Se reproduce con permiso del editor de Copeia.
1a.
1b.
2a.
2b.
3a.
3b.
4a.
4b.
5a.
5b.
6a.
Inner tarsal fold absent; dorsum extremely

tuberculate and pustular; a distinct para-anal
light bar on posterior surface of each thigh .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 2
Inner tarsal fold a distinct ridge or flap; dorsum smooth to rugose; no para-anal light
bar on posterior surface of thighs . . . . . . .. 3
Basal toe webbing only, much more than 4
phalanges on toe IV free of webs; tympanum indistinct in males, hidden in females;
adult males with vocal slits and nuptial pads
(Honduras) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . milesi
Moderate toe webbing, about 4 phalanges
on toe IV free of webs; tympanum distinct
in males, indistinct in females; adult males
without vocal slits but with nuptial pads
(Guatemala) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. matudai
Strong to extensive toe webbing, considerably less than 4 phalanges on toe IV free of
webs; a distinct fleshy toe fringe . . . . . . . . 4
Basal to moderate toe webbing, 4 or more
phalanges free of webbing on toe IV; usually no distinct fleshy toe fringes . . . . . . . .. 6
Toe disks definitely to strongly expanded,
at least 1.5 times width of digit; adult males
with vocal slits and nuptial pads . . . . . . . . 5
Toe disks weak, barely wider than digit;
adult males with vocal slits but lacking
nuptial pads (Costa Rica and Panama) . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . taurus
Canthus rostralis rounded; underside of tibial segment barred; venter white in life
(Honduras) . . . . . . . . . . . . .. merendonensis
Canthus rostralis sharp; underside of tibial
segment clear or reticulated; venter pale yellow in adults in life; dorsum strongly granulate to rugose (Costa Rica and Panama) . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . punctariolus
Throat, venter and underside of limbs without large discrete dark spots, although, often
marked with dark pigment; posterior thigh
surface without large light spots, although
small light spots rarely larger than toe disks,
often present; groin uniform, dark spotted
or mottled, never with a strong inner tarsal
fold . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 7
6b. Throat, venter and underside of limbs marked with distinct large dark spots; posterior
thigh surface marked with large clear light
spots on a "dark brown background, some
spots at least twice as large as toe disks; a
complex marking of dark with large light
spots in groin; a' weak inner tarsal ridge
(Guatemala) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . brocchi
7a. Moderate toe webbing, about 4 phalanges
free of webs on toe IV . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. 8
7b. Basal toe webbing, considerably more than
4 phalanges free of webs on toe IV . . . .. 11
8a. Posterior thigh surface usually with small
discrete light spots on a dark brown ground
color . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
8b. Posterior thigh surface mottled, blotched,
lineate, suffused or uniform . . . . . . . . . . 10
9a. Adult males with vocal slits but lacking
nuptial pads; dorsum uniform; venter pale
yellow in live adults; first finger usually
equal to or shorter than second (Panama) . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. azueroensis
9b. Adult males without vocal slits and nuptial
pads; dorsum usually spotted or blotched;
venter usually white in live adults, but
some populations have pale or golden
yellow venters; first finger usually longer
than second (Mexico to Panama) . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . rugulosus
10a. Toe disks definite, about 1.5 times width of
digit; venter white in life; dorsum obscurely blotched; adult males with vocal slits but
lacking nuptial pads (Mexico) . . . .. vocalis
10b. Toe disks weak, barely expanded; venter
pale yellow in adults in life; dorsum uniform or spotted; adult males with both vocal slits and nuptial pads (Costa Rica and
Panam) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . fleischmanni
11a. Toe disks definite; about 1.5 times width of
digits; posterior thigh surface usually suffused or uniform . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
11b. Toe disks weak, barely expanded; posterior
thigh surface usually mottled or blotched,
rarely lineate, suffused or uniform . . . . . 10
12a. Finger disks weak, barely expanded; dorsum brown to grey, spotted; venter in
adults in life pale yellow, bright orange or
red; adult males without vocal slits but
with nuptial pads (Costa Rica) . . angelicus

12b. Finger disk definite, about twice width of

digits on fingers III-IV;
IV; dorsum uniform
dark purple; venter bright tomato red in
adults in life; adult males with vocal slits
and nuptial pads (Costa Rica)) . . . . escoces
Fig. 2 Standards for amount and pattern of

dorsal pigmentation in the rugulosus group of
Eleutherodactylus.. A. Uniform; B. Spotted; C.
Blotched
Quijano y Gonzlez
Gonzlez-Porter
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DEL GRUPO Eleutherodactylus gollmeri

FUENTE: Savage, J. M. 1987. Systematics and distribution of mexican and central american rainfrogs of
Eleutherodactylus gollmeri group (Amphibia: Leptodactylidae). Fieldiana Zool. 33: 1-57.
Se reproduce con permiso del editor del Field Museum.
la.
Disks on fingers subequal .. 2
lb.
Disks on outer 2 fingers (III-IV) markedly larger than those on inner 2 (I-II); males to 53 mm in
standard length, females to 66 mm ... E. noblei
2a. (1a)
Toes with basal webbing, almost no fleshy lateral toe fringes .. 3
2b. (1a)
Toes moderately webbed, with web between toes III-IV extending nearly to distal subarticular
tubercle on toe III and halfway between the proximal and penultimate tubercle on toe IV; toes with
conspicuous lateral fleshy fringes continuous with webs; males to 37 mm in standard length,
females to 58 mm . E. mimus
3a. (2a) Heel with 1-4 distinct small pustular tubercles or 1-2 large calcars; a distinct dark line along outer
thigh margin; most finger disk covers slightly pointed to lanceolate, with swollen to cuspidate disk
pads; a distinct dark seat patch mark present 4
3b. (2a) Heel smooth to rugose; no distinct dark stripe along outer thigh margin; finger disk covers round,
with even disk pads; no distinct dark seat patch mark present, although sometimes some dark
pigment around anus; males to 47 mm in standard length, females to 80 mm .. E. laticeps
4a. (3a) 1-2 large heel tubercles (calcars) 5
4b. (3a) 1-4 more or less distinct small pustular tubercles on heel .. 6
5a. (4a) A distinct serrate dark longitudinal stripe along anterioventral surface of thigh; outer tarsal tubercles
weak; dark seat patch mark a pair of dark brown spots above and lateral to anus, sometimes fused
or extending ventral for a short distance and discontinuous with dark posterior thigh surface; males
to 36.5 mm in standard length, females to 54 mm E. gollmeri
5b. (4a) No distinct longitudinal stripe along anterior thigh surface; well-developed tarsal tubercles; dark
seat patch triangular and continuous with the dark area of the lower posterior thigh surface, and
darkest pigment along the upper margins; males to 32 mm in standard length, females to 47 mm
. E. lineatus
6a. (4b) Heel pustules weak; row of outer tarsal tubercles very weak or absent; males to 36 mm in standard
length, females to 58 mm .. E. rostralis
6b. (4b) Heel pustules well developed; row of outer tarsal tubercles distinct: males 10 27 mm in standard
length, females to 39 mm E. chac

Quijano y Gonzlez
Gonzlez-Porter

CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Syrrhopus

FUENTE: Lynch, J. D. 1970. A taxonomic revision of leptodactylid frogs genus Syrrhopus Cope. Univ. Kansas
Publs. Mus. Nat. Hist. 20(1): 1-45.
1. Three large, well-developed palmar tubercles ... 2

Two large palmar tubercles; outer (third) palmar tubercle reduced in
size or absent .. 9
2. Digital pads more than twice (usually three or more) times width of
digit 3
Digital pads less than twice width of digit . 4
3. Males having vocal slits; dorsum vermiculate; diameter of tympanum
in males about one-half diameter of eye ... S. dennisi
Males lacking vocal slits, dorsum flecked, spotted, or blotched; diameter of tympanum in male about three-fourths that of eye
. S. longipes
4. First finger longer than second .. 5
First finger shorter than or equal lo second ... 7
5. Venter smooth; dorsum spotted or vermiculate . S. leprus
Venter areolate, or if smooth, dorsum flecked and interorbital bar
lacking 6
6. Venter areolate; interorbital bar present; ground color yellowish
S. cystignathoides cystignathoides
Venter smooth; interorbital bar absent; ground color brown
... S. cystignathoides campi
7. First finger shorter than second; digital tips only slightly dilated;
green in life with darker green spots ... S. verrucipes
First finger equal to second, digital tips slightly to moderately
expanded 8
8. Dorsum vermiculate; interorbital bar present; ground color cream to
brown in life ...... S. guttilatus
Dorsum punctuate or flecked; interorbital bar absent; ground color
green in life .. S. marnockii
9. Dorsum dark with pale (red in life) spots; digital pads not expanded ..
.. S. rubrimaculatus
Dorsum pale with dark markings and digital pads slightly to widely
expanded .. 10
10. Digital tips not widely expanded, tympanum well-defined, outer metatarsal tubercle more than one-half size of inner ........ 11
Digital tips widely expanded, truncate in outline; tympanum poorly
delined; outer metatarsal tubercle less than one-half size of inner ... 12
11. Dorsum dark brown with large light spots or blotches; tympanum/eye
ratio usually greater than 43 percent . S. pipilans pipilans
Dorsum dark brown with small light spots; tympanum/eye ratio less
than 48 percent ... S. pipilans nebulosus
12. Light interorbital bar present ... 13
Light interorbital bar absent . 14
13. Adults small, less than 22 mm. snout-vent length with a broad
middorsal stripe; dark bands on shank narrower than light interspaces
S. nivicolimae
Adults larger, more than 22 mm. snout-vent length, dorsum vermiculate; dark bands on shank broader than light interspaces ..
. S. interorbitalis
14.
15.
Dorsum spotted with discrete black spots; pattern definite ... S. modestus
Dorsum reticulate or vermiculate, pattern poorly delined 15
Adults small, less than 21 mm. snout-vent length; upper arm not banded
.. S. pallidus
Adults larger, usually greater than 21 mm. snout-vent length; upper arm
banded S. teretistes
NOTAS: Todas estas especies actualmente se consideran dentro del gnero Eleutherodactylus.
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Tomodactylus

FUENTE: Dixon, J. R. 1995. Key to Tornodactvlus. En O. Flores V., F. Mendoza Q., y G. Gonzlez P. (comps.).
Recopilacin de claves para la determinacin de anfibios y reptiles de Mxico. Facultad de Ciencias, UNAM.
Elaborada por el autor para esta recopilacin.
1. Tips of two outer fingers conspicuously expanded and truncate,

one and one-half to twice the width of the narrowest part of
digit . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Tips of two outer fingers not conspicuously expanded and not
more than one and one-fourth times narrowest part of digit . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
2. Thigh color brown or black with spots of gold or red. . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Thigh color uniform brown or tomato red . . . . 6
3. Dorsum more or less unicolor (may be slightly mottled) . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Dorsum mottled with dark olive, brown or black on lighter
ground color . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
4. Upper lip dark brown with small white spots, dorsal and
posterior surfaces of thighs bright orange, dorsum gray with
obscure black mottling, venter heavily mottled with black . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .syristes (Sierra Miahuatlan, Oaxaca)
Upper lip brown with white or slivery line, dorsal and
posterior surfaces of thighs uniform brown with an orange-red to
red spot on its posterior surface and in the groin; dorsum
uniform
olive,
olive
brown
or
reddish
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . albolabris (lower pine-oak woodland
of sierra del Sur, Guerrero)
5. Large immaculate reddish brown spots on thighs, venter
pigmented with whitish subcircular spots, dorsum mottled gray or
brown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . dilatus (Sierra Madre del Sur,
Guerrero)
No enlarged immaculate spots on thighs, dorsum and thighs
heavily mottled with black on a gold background, venter white
.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . saxatilis (Sierra Madre Occidental
of western Durango)
6. Dorsum mottled with reddish brown, surface of thigh brown to
reddish brown . . . . . . . . . fuscus (Transverse Volcanic
mountains across Mexico and Michoacan)
Dorsum rusty red, surface of thigh and groin tomato red,
obscure, thin, middorsal silvery line from occiput to vent
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . rufescens (Sierra Coalcoman,
Michoacan)
7. Tips of fingers tapering, (narrowest at tip) . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . nitidus (western slopes, Sinaloa to
Oaxaca)
Tips of fingers as wide or wider than narrowest part of digit,
but not greatly expanded . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
8. Dorsum indistinctly mottled grayish brown to brown, thigh

with blackish bars on brown ground color, venter gray with
diffuse dark brown flecks, tympanum 56% of eye diameter . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . grandis (Lava beds south of Mexico
City)
Dorsum uniform brown or indistinctly spotted with darker
color, thigh brown, venter buff, tympanum 46% of eye diameter .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . angustidigitorum (mountains of NW
Michoacan)
NOTAS: Todas estas especies actualmente se consideran dentro del gnero Eleutherodactylus
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Gastrophryne

FUENTE: Nelson, C. 1973. Gastrophryne Fitzinger, Narrow-mouthed toad. Cat. Amer. Amphib. Rept. 134.1134.2.
Se reproduce con permiso del editor del Catalogue American Amphibians and Reptiles.
1. A single metatarsal tubercle; coloration variable . 2

Two metatarsal tubercles; venter light with pepper-. . . . .
fine dark spots forming a darker reticulum (may be . . . .
evident only with magnification); Mexico to El Salva-. . . .
dor . G. usta (123).
2. Tips of outer toes flattened and distinctly wider than . . . .
remainder of digit; usually a distinct rudiment of web-. . . .
bing between toes; venter black or dark brown with . . . .
white spots; southern Mexico to Costa Rica 3
Tips of toes not flattened and not wider than remainder . . .
of digits; no webs; venter faintly mottled or white. . .
United States and northern Mexico .. 4
3. A dark inguinal spot; ventral white spots separated by . . .
much less than their diameter; southeastern Mexico to . . .
Honduras ..G. elegans (121).
No inguinal spot; ventral white spots separated by more . .
than their least diameter; Nicaragua and Costa Rica . .
.. G. pictiventris (35).
4. Venter mottled; dorsum typically with a dark median . . .
wedge (broadest posteriorly); dorsum brown or tan. . .
Southeastern United States .. G. carolinensis (120).
Middle of abdomen (usually entire venter) white; . .
dorsum olive or gray, unmarked or with scattered dark . . .
spots; Nebraska, Missouri, and southern Arizana south . . .
to San Luis Potos and Nayarit .. G. olivacea (122).
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Rana
FUENTE: Prez-Ramos, E. y G. Casas A. 1995. Clave de las formas mexicanas del gnero Rana. En O. Flores
V., F. Mendoza Q., y G. Gonzlez P. (comps.). Recopilacin de claves para la determinaci6n de anfibios y
reptiles de Mxico. Facultad de Ciencias, UNAM.
Elaborada por los autores para esta recopilacin.
1. Pliegues dorsolaterales presentes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

1. Pliegues dorsolaterales ausentes o cuando estn presentes, normalmente poco
desarrollados (como en boylii y tarahumarae) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2. Con dos tubrculos metatarsales, pliegues dorsolaterales generalmente presentes
pero no prominentes. BCN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .boylii
2. Con un tubrculo metatarsal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
3. Tmpano visible, del tamao (en hembras) o mucho m{as grande (en machos) que
la rbita del ojo; macho sin sacos vocales externos; dorso sin pstulas
alargadas y sin pliegues dorsolaterales; tubrculos subarticulares grandes y
alargados. BCN, CHIH, DF, MICH, MOR, NL, PUE, SLP, SIN, SON, TAMPS,
VER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .catesbeiana
3. Tmpano presente y ms pequeo que el ojo; sin embargo, generalmente
indistinguible por su aspecto frecuentemente rugoso o granular . . . . . . . . . . .4
4. Tmpano indistinguible, zona tica lisa, pustular o granular . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
4. Tmpano presente, su dimetro menos de la mitad del dimetro del ojo; con una
lnea blanca que corre por debajo del ojo, a lo largo del labio superior, hasta la
insercin del brazo; sin pliegues dorsolaterales; longitud de la tibia muy corta;
tubrculos subarticulares muy alargados y afilados; puntas de los dedos en
forma de discos adhesivos bien desarrollados y libres de membrana
interdigital; sin franja obscura ventrolateral; cabeza larga y angosta HGO, SLP
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .johni
5. Longitud de la tibia muy corta, relacin de la longitud de la tibia entre la longitud
del cuerpo es de 0.408-0.444, promedio 0.423; franja labial ausente; tmpano
indistinguible; la textura de la membrana timpnica es lisa; sin pliegues
dorsolaterales; tubrculos subarticulares grandes y alargados; sin franja
obscura ventrolateral; cabeza corta y ancha. PUE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pueblae
5. Longitud de la tibia corta, relacin de la longitud de la tibia entre la longitud del
cuerpo 0.418-0.522, promedio 0.486; franja labial ausente; tmpano
indistinguible;
la
textura
de
la
membrana
timpnica
es
rugosa
diminutamente pustulosa; comnmente carece de pliegues dorsolaterales,

cuando los presenta son muy tenues; tubrculos subarticulares grandes y
alargados; sin franja obscura ventrolateral; cabeza corta y ancha. AGS, CHIH,
JAL, NAY, SIN, SON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . tarahumarae
6. Extremidades posteriores largas, la articulacin tibiotarsal (taln), alcanza la punta
o ms all del hocico (excepto montezumae) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
6. Extremidades posteriores cortas, el taln llega a un punto entre el tmpano y la
punta del hocico . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
7. Los talones se traslapan ampliamente cuando las patas posteriores son plegadas
(excepto montezumae), el fmur forma un ngulo recto con el cuerpo;
pliegues dorso laterales continuos hasta el femur, con estrangulacin o
interrupciones posteriores desplazadas al centro del cuerpo . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
7. Los talones se tocan cuando las patas posteriores son plegadas, longitud de la
tibia larga; con un pliegue de piel por encima y detrs del tmpano, tmpano
distinguible, su dimetro 2/3 o menos del dimetro del ojo; franja labial
distinguible; pliegues dorso laterales blancos y distinguibles, interrumpidos
antes de la ingle; la piel de la superficie dorsal con pstulas y tuberculos
diminutos y numerosos, rasposa al tacto; tubrculos subarticulares grandes y
alargados; puntas de los dedos de las extremidades posteriores dilatadas o
expandidas; con una franja obscura ventrolateral; cabeza larga y angosta.
COL, DGO, JAL, NAY, SIN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .pustulosa
8.
Pliegues
dorsolaterales
angostos,
discontinuos
desplazados
posteromedialmente; superficie dorsal de la regin del sacrum con grnulos

blancos; superficie ventral posterior y las patas posteriores sin coloracin
amarilla; franja supralabial incompleta; las puntas de los dgitos redondeadas
o expandidas; el primer dgito de las patas anteriores ligeramente ms largo
que el segundo; los machos poseen sacos vocales externos, evidentes
durante la poca de apareamiento. CHIH, DGO, JAL, NAY, SIN, SON, ZAC . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . magnaocularis
8. Pliegues dorsolaterales gruesos o angostos; dorso con numerosos dentculos o

pliegues pustulares alargados longitudinalmente entre los pliegues dorso
laterales; puntas de los dedos de las patas posteriores terminando en punta o
expandidas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
9. Machos sin sacos vocales externos ni aberturas internas; pliegues dorsolaterales

angostos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20
9. Machos con sacos vocales externos; punta del hocico generalmente sin mancha
blanca; pliegues dorsolaterales continuos hasta la ingle o discontinuos en la
parte posterior y con la discontinuidad desplazada hacia la parte media dorsal;
piel dorsal verrugosa . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
10. Dorso con grnulos blancos; pliegues dorsolaterales generalmente ausentes; las
patas anteriores carecen de tubrculos palmares y de tubrculos subarticulares distales sobre los dgitos tercero y cuarto; el primer dgito ligeramente ms
corto o casi del mismo tamao que el segundo; las patas posteriores presentan tubrculos subarticulares redondeados y relativamente pequeos; la membrana interdigital es amplia; punta de los dgitos redondeada; patrn de
coloracin del vientre reticulado de claro y obscuro. JAL, GTO, MICH, NAY . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . megapoda
10. Dorso con pliegues pustulares alargados entre los pliegues dorsolaterales
(excepto montezumae) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
11. Pocas manchas obscuras dorsales, grandes, redondeadas, oblongas, elpticas o
formando franjas longitudinales irregulares entre los pliegues dorsolaterales12
11. Numerosas manchas obscuras dorsales, pequeas, redondeadas o casi
cuadrangulares. GRO . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . omiltemana
12. Manchas obscuras dorsales, oblongas o elpticas fusionadas o formando franjas
longitudinales irregulares; pliegues dorsolaterales continuos llegando al nivel
del acetabulum o cerca de la ingle, o discontinuos pudiendo estar o no

desplazados posteromedialmente . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
12. Manchas obscuras dorsales, irregularmente redondeadas, raramente fusionadas
o formando franjas longitudinales; pliegues dorsolaterales discontinuos o no,
desplazados posteromedialmente o no . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
13.
Pliegues
dorsolaterales
interrumpidos
posteriormente,
desplazados
posteromedialmente; piel sobre la superficie dorsal y costados generalmente

rugosa; muchos tubrculos en la regin cloacal y superficie posterior del
muslo, cada uno de los cuales est asociado con un punto pequeo
blanquizco; pronunciado melanismo sobre la superficie ventral; lnea
supralabial incompleta, difusa en la parte anterior del ojo; la membrana
interdigital de las patas posteriores alcanza la falange distal de cada dgito.
AGS, CHIH, DGO, JAL, NAY, SIN, SON, ZAC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . chiricahuensis
13.
Pliegues
dorsolaterales
interrumpidos
posteriormente,
desplazados
posteromedialmente; el rea inmediata que rodea a la cloaca con muchos

tubrculos; pigmentacin amarilla sobre la ingle, frecuentemente se extiende
sobre la parte posterior del vientre y de la superficie ventral de las patas
posteriores; patrn reticulado obscuro sobre la superficie posterior de los
muslos; vientre blanquizco, exceptuando la regin de la mandbula inferior
con
pigmentacin
griscea;
franja
supralabial
incompleta,
difusa
anteriormente al ojo; la membrana interdigital de las patas posteriores

extendindose hasta la falange distal de cada dgito, exceptuando el dedo
KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK.
ms largo; carece de oviductos vestigiales y de sacos vocales externos

prominentes. BCN, SON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . yavapaiensis
14. La articulacin tibiotarsal llega a la punta del hocico; las puntas de los dedos de
las patas posteriores expandidas, ms anchas que los dgitos; tmpano pequeo, mucho ms pequeo que el dimetro del ojo; sacos vocales y aberturas internas presentes; franja supralabial presente; mscara facial negra presente; la superficie dorsal presenta dentculos; borde negro a lo largo de los
pliegues dorsolaterales; barras transversales de caf obscuro sobre las patas
posteriores, aproximadamente tan anchas como los interespacios y con inervaciones; con un tubrculo metatarsal; tamao de los adultos en hembras de
60-113 mm y en machos de 50-75 mm; coloracin en vida- dorsalmente vara
de caf a verde brillante uniforme o con manchas de caf a verde brillante, lateralmente caf claro y comnmente con manchas de caf obscuro; vrtebras
sacral y presacral fusionadas. OAX, CHIS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .maculata
14. La articulacin tibiotarsal hasta la punta del hocico o sobrepasndola . . . . . . . 15
15. Articulacin tibiotarsal entre el ojo y la punta del hocico; tubrculos subarticulares
de las patas posteriores grandes y alargados, excepto aurora; puntas de los
dedos ms o menos dilatadas o expandidas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
15. Articulacin tibiotarsal no ms all del extremo anterior del ojo (como dunni y
spectabilis), o sobrepasando la punta del hocico (como neovolcanica y tlaloci);
tubrculos subarticulares pequeos y redondeados; puntas de los dedos no
dilatadas ms bien redondeadas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
16. Articulacin tibiotarsal entre el ojo y el nostrilo; puntas de los dedos de las patas
posteriores expandidas; tmpano grande, igual a o mayor que el dimetro del
ojo; sacos vocales y aberturas internas, generalmente presentes; franja
supralabial ausente o presente solamente en la parte posterior del ojo;
mscara facial negra ausente; cantus caf obscuro y verde; la piel de la
superficie dorsal presenta dentculos; los pliegues dorsolaterales con un borde
negro a todo su largo; marcas femorales transversales variables pero
generalmente distinguibles; con un tubrculo metatarsal; tamao de los
adultos en hembras de 76-125 mm, en machos de 67-94 mm; coloracin en
vida, el campo de la superficie dorsal posterior de caf y generalmente va
cambiando hacia la parte anterior de verde, frecuentemente con algunas
marcas caf obscuras esparcidas posterodorsal y lateralmente; el vientre con
una coloracin variable de blanquizco a amarillo; vrtebras sacral y presacral
fusionadas. CAMP, CHIS, OAX, TAB, VER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vaillanti
16. Articulacin tibiotarsal al nostrilo o entre el nostrilo y la punta del hocico; primer
dedo de la pata anterior ms largo que el segundo; patas posteriores con
menos de 3/4 de membrana interdigital; con pliegues dorsolaterales
prominentes. BCN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . aurora
17. Tibia corta, la articulacin tibiotarsal no pasa ms all del hocico . . . . . . . . . . . 18
17. Tibia larga, la articulacin tibiotarsal sobrepasa ms all del hocico . . . . . . . . . 19
18. Tibia corta, relacin entre la longitud de la tibia y la longitud de la cabeza- cuerpo
de 0.36-0.40 en ejemplares mayores de 80 mm, de 0.41-0.44 en ejemplares
menores de 80 mm; superficie dorsal con numerosas pstulas redondeadas y
pequeas. MICH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . dunni

18. Longitud de la tibia relativamente corta; patas cortas, la parte distal de la tibia no
alcanza el hocico; pliegues dorso laterales aplanados, anchos, generalmente
caf rojizos; la seccin posterior de los pliegues, pequea e insertada
posteromedialmente; tmpano caf rojizo; sin franja supralabial; hocico verde;
coloracin de la superficie dorsal variable, de verde brillante a verde
amarillento brillante; dieciocho manchas dorsales obscuras pequeas,
generalmente sin aureolas claras; superficie ventral de las patas posteriores y
la porcin posterior del vientre de amarillo claro; mientras que en la porcin
anterior con numerosas marcas obscuras sobre la barba, garganta y pecho;
cabeza corta y redondeada; sacos vocales pequeos y eversibles. HGO,
MEX, MICH, MOR, OAX, PUE, TLAX, VER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . spectabilis
19. Patas relativamente largas, el extremo distal de la tibia se extiende ms all del
hocico; pliegues dorsolaterales prominentemente realzados, generalmente
blancos o blanquizcos; con una franja supralabial blanco-amarillenta,
terminando en la parte anterior del ojo; coloracin del fondo de la superficie
dorsal, generalmente con una mezcla de colores entre caf obscuro, caf y
verde claro; con veintiun manchas dorsales obscuras, rodeadas por una
aureola verde clara, entre los pliegues dorsolaterales; superficie ventral
blanca; cabeza ms larga que ancha; hocico relativamente puntiagudo; sacos
KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK
vocales externos, prominentes y obscurecidos fuertemente. GTO, JAL, MICH .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . neovolcanica
19. Patas relativamente largas, el extremo distal de la tibia se extiende ms all del
hocico; pliegues dorsolaterales prominentemente realzados, caf rojizos;
evidentes estriaciones sobre las superficies dorsal y lateral' del cuerpo;
coloracin de la superficie dorsal caf obscura, las manchas dorsales
obscuras sin aureolas claras a su alrededor; superficie ventral de las patas y
el vientre vara de blanquizco a blanco, pero anteriormente est obscurecida;
tmpano caf rojizo; franja supralabial indistinguible, terminando debajo del
ojo; hocico corto y redondeado; sacos vocales externos, prominentes y
obscurecidos fuertemente. DF, MEX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .tlaloci
20. Pliegues dorsolaterales angostos, con un borde negro a todo lo largo de los
pliegues; la superficie dorsal presenta dentculos; puntas de los dedos de las
patas posteriores expandidas; tmpano pequeo e indistinguible; franja
supralabial presente; mscara facial negra presente; barras transversales
femorales angostas, los interespacios de 3-5 veces lo ancho de las barras y
con intrincadas inervaciones; presenta un tubrculo metatarsal; el tamao de
los adultos en hembras de 60-98 mm y en machos de 60-100 mm; coloracin
en vida, el campo de la superficie dorsal es caf rojizo o caf uniforme, con
una franja cantal negra, una barra negra postimpnica y una barra negra
ventrolateral desde la axila hasta la ingle; superficies posteriores de los
muslos moteadas de negro y amarillo enegrecido; amplio melanismo
KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK.
generalmente extendido sobre la superficie ventral; en la poca de

reproduccin a los machos se les desarrollan amplias zonas con dentculos
blancos sobre la parte anterior del vientre y en las patas anteriores; vrtebras
sacral y presacral fusionadas. GRO, OAX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . sierramadrensis
20. Pliegues dorsolaterales bien desarrollados, ligeramente ms claros que el color
del fondo del cuerpo; superficie dorsal del cuerpo cubierta de pstulas
pequeas, siendo ms evidentes y numerosas lateralmente; tmpano
distinguible y liso, ampliamente separado del ojo; franja labial indistinguible o
ausente en adultos (particularmente en la parte anterior); coloracin del
cuerpo caf claro sobre un fondo caf verdoso obscuro, numerosos puntos
obscuros difusos sobre el cuerpo; barras transversales obscuras sobre la tibia
y las patas posteriores; membrana y superficie ventral de las patas
posteriores marcadas con reticulaciones claras y obscuras; franja ventrolateral
ausente; las barras transversales sobre los muslos son generalmente tan
anchas como los interespacios claros; superficie posterior de los muslos con
reticulaciones claras; longitud de la tibia relativamente corta; segundo dedo de
las patas anteriores distinguiblemente ms corto que el primero o el tercero;
cabeza relativamente corta y ancha. COL, GRO, JAL, MEX, MICH, MOR,
OAX . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .zweifeli
21. Puntas de los dgitos expandidas; superficie dorsal con grnulos blancos; tibia
larga, la relacin entre la tibia y la longitud de la cabeza-cuerpo es de 0.420.48 en ejemplares mayores de 80 mm,y de 0.38-0.48 en ejemplares
menores de 80 mm; pliegue tarsal bien desarrollado; primer dgito de las
patas anteriores ligeramente ms largo que el segundo; pliegue supralabial

presente. DF, GTO, HGO, JAL, MEX, MICH, ORO, TLAX . . . . . . montezumae
21. Puntas de los dgitos no expandidas, terminando en punta; superficie dorsal con
verrugas o pliegues pustulares alargados; manchas dorsales obscuras
grandes, redondeadas, oblongas, elpticas o formando franjas longitudinales
irregulares entre los pliegues dorsolaterales; la articulacin tibiotarsal ms all
de la punta del hocico . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
22. Manchas dorsales obscuras, grandes, redondeadas o cuadrilongas . . . . . . . . .23
22. Manchas dorsales obscuras, formando bandas o franjas longitudinales,
irregularmente distribuidas en la superficie dorsal y que a su vez, estn
asociadas a arrugas dorsales; pliegues dorsolaterales hasta el nivel del
acetabulum o cerca de la ingle, no desplazados posteromedialmente. CAMP,
CHIS, TAB, VER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .brownorum
23.
Manchas
dorsales
fusionadas;
obscuras,
pliegues
dorso
irregularmente
laterales
redondeadas,
discontinuos,
raramente
desplazados
posteromedialmente. CAMP, COAH, CHIH, CHIS, DGO, HGO, NL, OAX,

PUE, QROO, SLP, TAB, TAMPS, VER, YUC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . berlandieri
23. Manchas dorsales obscuras, grandes, oblongas (cuadrilongas), frecuentemente
fusionadas;
pliegues
dorsolaterales
continuos,
pero
con
un
ligero
estrangulamiento al nivel de la regin iliaca. COL, CHIS, GRO, JAL, MICH,

NAY, OAX, SIN, SON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . forreri
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Ambystoma

FUENTE: Tihen, J. A. 1969. Ambystoma. Mole salarnanders. Cat. Amer. Amphib. Rept , 75.1-75.4.
Se reproduce con permiso del editor del Catalogue Arnerican Amphibians and Reptiles.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
Tongue with a median furrow, from which the plicae

diverge ... (subgenus, Lnguaelapsus)
No median furrow on tongue; plicae longitudinal,
nearly parallel or radiating slightly from posterior
portion of tongue ...... (subgenus Ambystoma) 6
Multiple rows of maxillary teeth .... 3
Single row of maxillary teeth or almost indistinct and
incomplete suggestions of an additional row ... mabeei
Dark brown to black with conspicuous, narrow yellow
buff or whitish cross bands (some of which may be
incomplete or interrupted) ... annulatum (19)
No conspicuous cross bands in pattern .. 4
Ground color chocolate to black; grayish light markings forming a "frosted" or reticulated pattern, or
series of light rings, over most of back and sides
. cingulatum (57)
Light markings lacking, or in the form of small spots,
flecks, or lichen-like blotches 5
Small, total length about 90 mm; small, scattered,
cream-colored spots on sides of head, body and tail;
venter yellowish . schmidtii
Variable in size and color, but usually over 90 mm
total length; light markings in form of flecks or lichenlike gray blotches, but not spotted; venter usually not
yellowish . texanum (37)
Dorsum boldly marked with contrasting black and
light gray or white; light markings basically cross
hands but may coalesce to enclose dark spots
............... opacum (46)
Dorsum not so marked ... 7
Integumentary glands in region back of eye very numerous and concentrated to form a parotoid gland; a
prominent glandular ridge along top of tail, at least in
proximal one-half or one-third ... 8
No parotoid gland or prominent glandular ridge along
top of tail 9
Palmar tubercles lacking; parotoid gland prominent;
glandular ridge along most of length of tail ..
.. gracile (6)
No palmar tubercles; parotoid gland less prominent;
glandular ridge tends to be limited to proximal portion
... rosaceum
A broad, conspicuous, yellowish to tan or orange
middorsal stripe on body, extending onto tail ...
.. macrodactylum (11)
No conspicuous broad middorsal stripe ... 10
One or no palmar tubercles; adpressed limbs often
overlap by less than two costal folds 11
Two palmar tubercles; adpressed limbs usually overlap by at least two costal folds . 16
Pattern of moderately large yellowish to orange spots,
arranged in an irregular dorsolateral row on each
side maculatum (51)
Pattern without yellow or orange spots; often with
grayish or bluish to white flecks or lichen-like blotches
along sides 12
Costal grooves 10 or 11; relatively short (usually
uuder 100 mm. maximum 125 mm. total length) and
very stout-bodied; head broad (width more than 22%
of snout-vent length) talpoideum (8)
Costal grooves usually more than 11; body and head
relatively slender (head width 14-18% al snout-vent
length); usual1y over 100 mm. total length . 13
Snout-vent length usually less than 69 mm in mature
males, 75 mm in mature females; internarial distance
usually less than .062 of snout-vent length in males,
less than .059 of snout-vent length in females;
adpressed limbs of males overlap by 1 costal folds or
less; black to gray, often with light flecks, venter only
slightly lighter than dorsum . 14
Snout-vent length usually 69 mm or more in mature
males, 75 mm or more in mature females; internarial
distance .062 or more of snout-vent length in males,
.059 or more in females; adpressed limbs of males
usually overlap by more than 1 costal folds or less;
brownish gray, sometimes with light flecks, venter
decidedly lighter than dorsum .. 15
14. Diploid; bisexual; erythrocyte area less than 850 2

... laterale (48)
Triploid; males unknown; erythrocyte area greater than
850 2 tremblayi (50)
15. Diploid; bisexual; erythrocyte area less than 890 2
... jeffersonianum (11)
Triploid; males extremely rare; erythrocyte area more
than 8902 ... platyneum (41)
16. Color pattern consisting of a dark background with
prominent (though not necessarily large) yellowish,
olive, orange or cream-colored blotches on back or
sides, or both (spots to form a prominent ventrolateral
light side) ...
Dorsum nearly uniform in color, or with dark markings
on lighter background
17. Light markings confined to lower portion i.e., lateral or
ventrolaleral, or both .
Light markings not confined to sides; some or a dorsal
or dorsolateral in position ..
18. Light spots moderately large, confined to a ventral
lateral row on each side; individual spots may te to
coalesce to form a ventrolateral light line
. amblycephalum
Light markings consist of flecks, dots, or small spots,
irregularly distributed on sides ... mexicanum
19. Body and limbs slate black, with numerous small
bright yellow spots scattered over dorsal surface of
head, body, tail and limbs; venter with broad black
stripe enclosing two longitudinal, broken yellow lines
... flavipiperatum
Color pattern variable, but not as above ... 20
20. Pattern of irregular blotches, or of fairly numerous
yellowish to olive spots irregularly distributed on body
and tail ... tigrinum (part) (52)
Four or five pairs of large buff or cream-colored spots
on body, tending to be arranged into a dorsolateral
row; a similar number of spots on tail ... subsalsum*
21. Uniformly dark above, or dark with scattered light
flecks that tend to disappear in preservative 22
Not uniformly dark above; often with blackish
markings on a lighter background 25
22. Fewer than 50 premaxillary-maxillary teeth on each
side; black or grayish black above; venter nearly
uniform dull creamy gray ... ordinarium
More than 50 premaxillary-maxillary teeth on each
side; color variable ... 23
23. Grayish brown to lavender brown above; skin appears
exceptionally smooth and shining; a diastema between
palatine and vomerine teeth bombypellum
Dark gray to blackish above; skin not exceptionally
smooth and shining; usually no diastema between
palatine and vomerine teeth . 24
24. Venter mottled or blotched; usually at least 24 teeth on
each side in vomeropalatine series
... tigrinum (part) (52)
Venter dark and relatively uniform; fewer than 24 teeth
on each side in vomeropalatjne series ..
... lermaensis*
25. Dorsal caudal fin high; fewer than 24 teeth on each
side in vomeropalatine series; yellowish olive to olive,
with scattered dark spots that may become obsolete on
body, but remain distinct on tail granulosum
Caudal fin represented only by a low ridge; usually at
least 24 teeth on each side in vomeropalatine series;
color and pattern variable . 26
26. Dull olive above, with a few scattered dark spots or
flecks on head and back; lighter (yellowcream) color
of venter extends halfway up sides . lacustris
Pattern variable, but light color of venter not extending
halfway up sides tigrinum (part) (52)
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Bolitoglosa

FUENTE: Smith. H. M. and E. H. Taylor. 1948. An annotated checklist and key to the amphibia of Mexico. Bull. U. S. Natn.
Mus. 194: 1-118.
Se reproduce con permiso del 1er. autor.
1. Teeth absent on maxilla; diminutive form; tail much shorter than head and body
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . rufescens
Teeth present on maxilla, arising from a flat surface, not from edge of jaw . . . . . . . . 2
2. Diminutive species; tail much shorter than head and body . . . . . . . . . . . . . occidentalis
Large species, the tail in adults as long as, nearly as, or little longer than head and body
......................................................................... 3
3. Sides and belly blackish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Belly cream, immaculate (or rarely with slight pigmentation) . . . . . . . . . . . . flaviventris
4. Vomerine teeth in a single series usually . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Vomerine teeth in several short series ("patch) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . yucatana
5. Dorsum orange to orange-brown with usually a dark triangular occipital spot and often a
few irregular or rounded, small, dorsal, black marks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . platydactyla
Dorsum yellowish or cream with numerous dark spots occasionally or continuous lines,
or rows of black spots; belly and sides with small cream flecks . . . . . . . . . . . . moreletti
NOTAS: Desde la publicacin de sta clave se han descrito varias especies: Bolitoglosa veracrucis (Taylor, E. H. 1951. A
new Veracrucian salamander. Kansas Univ. Sci. Bull. 34(2): 189-193); Bolitoglosa riletti (Holman, J. A. 1964. New and
interesting amphibians and reptiles form Guerrero and Oaxaca, Mexico. Herpetologica 20(1): 48-54); Bolitoglosa hartwegi y
B. stuarti (Wake D. B. y A. H. Brame. 1969. Systematics and evolution of neotropical salamanders of Boliloglosa helmrichi
group. Contr. Sci. Los Angeles Co. Mus. 175: 1-40); Bolitoglosa hermosa (Papenfuss , T. J., D. B. Wake, y K. Adler. 1984.
Salamanders of the genus Bolitoglossa from the Sierra Madre del Sur of southern Mexico. J. Herpet. 17(4): 295-307) y se han
hecho varios cambios nomenclaturales a nivel de gneros (ver Flores-Villela, O. 1993. Herpetofauna Mexicana. Spec. Publs.
Carnegie Mus. Nat. Hist. (17): 1-73.
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Chiropterotriton

FUENTE: Smith, H. M. and E. H. Taylor. 1948. An annotated checklist and key to the amphibia of Mexico. Bull. U. S.
Natn. Mus.194:1-118.
Se: reproduce con permiso del ler. Autor.
1. Nostrils large in adults; limbs separated by 4 to 5 costal folds; parasphenoidtooth

groups close together; diminutive species, maximum size 28 mm. snout to vent;
terrestrial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . dimidiata
Nostrils small in adults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2. Skull poorly ossified in adults; adpressed limbs separated by two costal folds;
maxillary-premaxillary teeth about 20 on each side in females, 16 to 18 in
males on each side; tail longer than head and body; parasphenoid teeth closely
approximated; terrestrial . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . chondrostega
Skull normally well ossified in adults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
3. Maxillary-premaxillary series of teeth not greatly reduce in males (more than half);
tails distinctly longer than head and body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Maxillary-premaxillary teeth greatly reduced in adult males, usually less than half
number of teeth in females . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
4. Teeth larger, curved; arms touch or overlap when adpressed; digit more dilated at
tips; maxillary-premaxillary series about 21 on each side; females darker on
venter than males; arboreal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . arborea
Teeth not especially large or curved . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
5. Digits less dilated at tips; maxillary-premaxillary tooth series about 34 in females,

25 in males; teeth not elongate or noticeably curved; males and females white
below; terrestrial or arboreal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . multidentata
Maxillary-premaxillary tooth series 25 to 31, vomerine teeth 8 to 13, limbs overlap
width of 2 costal folds; second finger longer than fourth; terrestrial . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . mosaueri
6. Adpressed limbs touch or overlap in both sexes: maxillary-premaxillary teeth 25 in
adult females, 5 to 8 in adult males; vomerine teeth about 6; arboreal . . . . lavae
Adpressed limbs separated usually in both sexes (may touch in xolocalcae males)
...................................................................7
7. Surface of head not roughened, not flattened especially; terrestrial . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Head flattened, the surface somewhat roughened; adpressed limbs separated by
about one costal fold in females, may touch in males; vomerine teeth 13 on
each side; maxillary-premaxillary teeth 36 on each side in females;
arboreal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xolocalcae
8. Adpressed limbs separated by from 2 to 4 costal folds; females about 24
maxillary-premaxillary teeth on each side, males 6 to 8; vomerine teeth 6 or 7;
larger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . chiroptera
Adpressed limbs separated by from 1 1/2 to 3 costal folds; females 25 to 27
maxillary-premaxillary teeth, males 13 or 14; vomerine teeth 4 or 5; smaller . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . terrestris

NOTAS: Desde la publicacin de sta clave se han descrito varias especies: Chiropterotriton priscus (Rabb, G. B. 1956. A new
plcthodontid salamander from Nuevo Len, Mexico. Fieldiana Zool. 39(3): 11-20); Chiropterotriton magnipes (Rabb. G. B. 1965.
A new salamander of the genus Chiropterotriton (Caudata: Plethodontidae) from Mexico. Breviora 235: 1-8) y se han descrito
otros gneros como Nototriton (Papenfuss, T. J. and D. B. Wake. 1987Two new species of plethodontid salamanders (genus
Nototriton) from Mexico. Acta Zool. Mex. N. S. 21: 1-16; y se han hecho varios cambios nomenclaturales a nivel de gneros
(ver Flores-Villela. O. 1993. Herpetofauna Mexicana. Spec. Publs. Carnegie Mus. Nat. Hist. (17): 1-73) y Darda, D. M. 1994.
Allozyme variation and morphological evolution among mexican salamanders of the genus Chiropterotriton (Caudata:
Plethodontidae). Herpetologica 50(2): 164-187).
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Pseudoeurycea

FUENTE: Smith, H. M. and E. H. Taylor. 1948. An annotated checklist and key to the amphibia of Mexico. Bull. U. S. Natn.
Mus. 194:1-118.
1. Body black or lead color in life, with paired series of red or orange markings; very
large forms . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Body without dorsal red or red-orange markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2. A pair or large red marks on occiput; adpressed limbs in males separated by three
costal folds; teeth less numerous . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . belli
No pair of red or orange spots on head; adpressed limbs of males touch or are
separated by a single costal fold; teeth more numerous . . . . . . . . . . . . . gigantea
3. Premaxillary teeth of males large, bifid, the outer section elongate, curved,
clawlike . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Premaxillary teeth of males lacking and elongate clawlike terminal part . . . . . . . . . 7
4. Paired series of small yellow spots on back and one lateral series, more or less
distinct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
No series of dorsal of lateral light spots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
5. Lavender above, yellow cream below; limbs proportionally shorter, teeth fewer in
all series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . gadovi
Black above, gray-black below, limbs proportionally longer; teeth more numerous
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . melanomolga
6. Usually uniform olive or gray-olive above; limbs longer, touching or overlapping

somewhat in adults; hands and feet larger . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . unguidentis
Olive to gray or brownish with some dark-brown or reddish-brown flecks, the costal
grooves usually with the dark line; limbs shorter, the adpressed limbs separated
by two or more costal folds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . smithi
7. Web including none to about half or proximal phalanx of middle digits . . . . . . . . . 8
Web between middle toes including entire phalanx; toes broad, narrowing toward
tip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
8. Maxillary-premaxillary teeth less than 30 on each side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Maxillary-premaxillary teeth 40 or more on each side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
9. Tail short, about 70 percent of head-body length; adpressed limbs separated by
two costal folds; body dark or blackish brown with numerous small, regular
dark spots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cochranae
Tail longer, about 90 to 100 percent of head-body length; adpressed limbs
separated by one costal fold or touch, in adults . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
10. Teeth less numerous (22-24); body brownish to brownish gray with cream flecks
(rarely darker flecks) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . altamontana
Teeth 19-20; a red-brown, fawn, or orange dorsal stripe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . robertsi
11. Teeth small with reddish-brown tips; toes not widened terminally; maxillarypremaxillary teeth about 40 on each side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . leprosa
Teeth not tipped with red-brown; teeth large, about 50 in maxillary-premaxillary
series; toes widened at tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . nigromaculata
12. Large (70 mm. snout to vent); maxillary-premaxillary teeth 59 on one side; vomerine
teeth 18-20; tail, rarely body, spotted white; terminal pads under digit tips well
developed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . galeanae
Smaller, not exceeding 60 mm. snout to vent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
13. Body dark, limbs red; tip of tail red or lighter colored than body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cephalica rubrimembris
Limbs not red, tail usually colored like body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
14. Body in life lead-colored, flecked and clouded with cream-white, especially on
venter; central western plateau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cephalica manni
Body uniformly colored, lacking light flecks; eastern plateau . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cephalica cephalica
NOTAS: Desde la publicacin de sta clave se han descrito varias especies: Pseudoeurycea werleri (Darling, D.M. and H. M.
Smith. 1954. A collection of reptiles and amphibians from eastern Mexico. Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci., 57(2): 180-195);
Pseudoeurycea brunata (Bumzahem, C. B. y H. M. Smith. 1955. Additional notes and description of plethodontid salamander
from Mexico, Herpetologica 11(1): 73-75); Pseudoeurycea firscheini (Shannon, F. A. y J. E. Werler. 1955. Report on a
small collection of amphibians from Veracruz with a description of a new species of Pseudoeurvcea. Herpetologica 11(2):
81-85); Pseudoeurycea praecellens (Rabb, G. B. 1955. A new salamander of the genus Parvimolge from Mexico. Breviora
42: 1-8); Pseudoeurycea scandens (Walker, C. F. 1955. A new salamander of the genus Pseudoeurycea from Tamaulipas.
Occ. Pap Mus. Zool. Univ. Michigan 567: 1-8); Pseudoeurycea juarezi (Regal, P. J. 1966. A new plethodontid salamander
from Oaxaca, Mexico. Am. Mus. Novit. 2266:1-8); Pseudoeurycea anitae, P. conanti, y P. mystax (Bogert, C. M. 1967. New
salamanders of the plethodontid genus Pseudoeurvcea from the Sierra Madre del Sur of Mexico, Am. Mus. Novit. 2314: 127); Pseudoeurycea longicauda (Lynch, 1. F., D. B. Wake, y S. Y. Yang. 1983. Genic and morphological differentiation in
Mexican Pseudoeurycea (Caudata: Plethodontidae), with a description of a new species. Copeia, 1983(4): 884-894);
Pseudoeurycea parva y P. saltator (Lynch, 1. F. Y D. B. Wake. 1989. Two new species of Pseudoeurycea (Amphibia:
Caudata) from Oaxaca, Mexico. Nat. Hist. Mus., Los Angeles CO. Contr. Sci. 411: 11-22) y se han hecho varios cambios
nomenclaturales a nivel de gneros (ver Flores- Villela, O. 1993. Herpetofauna Mexicana. Spec. Publs. Carnegie Mus. Nat.
Hist. (17): 1-73.
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Siren

FUENTE: Martof, B. S. 1974. Siren Linnaeus. Sirens. Cat. Amer. Amphib. Rept. 151.1-151.2.
1. Adults large, total length more than 500 mm; costal

grooves 36 to 40, usually 38; hatchlings and young inconspicuously marked, light yellow stripe on snout 2
Adults srnall, total length usually much below 500 mm;
costal grooves usually 32 to 35; hatchlings and young conspicuously marked, broad reddish band over snout ..
.. intermedia. (in part)
2. Body stocky, maximum length 950 mm; tip of tail
rounded; light markings usually absent or form lateral
or ventrolateral rows of narrow short bars lacertian
Body slender, maximum length 686 mm; tip of tail
pointed; light spots usually present, restricted to venter
.. intermedia (in part)
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Dermophis Y Gymnophis

FUENTE: Savage, J. M. and M. H. Wake. 1972. Geographic variation and systematics of the Middle American caecilians,
genera Dermophis and Gymnophis. Copeia, 1972(4): 680-695.
A. Tentacle and tentacular foramen located well
posterior to nostril on side of head or just
anterior to eye.
B. Tentacle just anterior to eye, tentacular
foramen at or near center of maxillary bone;
orbit roofed by squamosal bone; a single
splenial tooth on each ramus of lower jaw
so that there are two tooth series (dentary
and splenial); primary folds 112-133,
secondaries 61-117, total 193-250 ...
Gymnophis multiplicata (Guatemala to
western Panama on the Caribbean slope and
Costa Rica and western Panama on the
Pacific coast).
BB. Tentacle about halfway between eye and
nostril, tentacular foramen in anterior
margin of maxillary bone; orbit not roofed
by bone; no splenial teeth so only one tooth
row in each lower jaw .. Dermophis.
C. Primary folds 121-137, secondaries 101121. total 222-258 .. D. oaxacae
southern Pacific Mexico).
CC. Primary folds less than 120, secondaries less than 100, total less than 220.
D. Total number of folds usually less
than 145; adults less than 360 mm
total length; secondary folds less
than 50 D. parviceps
(both slopes of southern Costa Rica,
northwestern Panama, south into
northern Colombia).
DD. Total number of folds usually
more than 144; adults 300-600 mm
total length; secondary folds usually
more than 50 ............. D. mexicanus
(both coasts of Mexico, south to
Honduras on the Atlantic and
Nicaragua on the Pacific; Atlantic
slopes of Costa Rica and Pacific
western Panama).
AA. Tentacle and tentacular foramen immediately
below nostril.
E. Orbit roofed over by bone; primary folds
169-189, secondaries 16-31, total length
200-218 ... Oscaecilia ochrocephala
(eastern Panama to northern Colombia).
EE. Orbit not roofed over by bone .
... Caecilia.
NOTA: En Mxico solo hay especies del gnero Dermophis.
G. Primaries 150-192, secondaries 28-62,

total 209-252 . C. nigricans
(extreme eastern Panama south to
northwest Ecuador).
GG. Primaries less than 149.
H. Primaries 131-147, secondaries 1221, total length 143-168 ..
.. C. tentaculata
(extreme eastern Panama south to
Surinam and Peru).
HH. Primaries 112-124, secondaries 1431, total 126-156 C. volcani
(El Valle de Anton, Panama).
F. Primaries 226-231, no secondaries
C. elongata (extreme eastern Panama)
FF. Primaries less than 200, at least 14
secondaries.
CLAVES PARA LA DETERMINACION

DE LOS REPTILES DE MEXICO
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Anniella

FUENTE: Hunt, L.E. 1983. A nomenclatural rearrangement of the genus Anniella (Sauria: Anniellidae). Copeia,
1983(1): 79-89.
Se reproduce con permiso del editor de Copeia; adaptada y traducida por Walter Schmidt Ballardo.
1. Escama rostral puntiaguda de perfil; cuarta supralabial de mayor tamao . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pulchra
2. Escama rastral redondeada de perfil; segunda supralabial de mayor tamao . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . nigra
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Ophisaurus

FUENTE: Holman, J.A. 1971. Ophisaurus . Glass lizards. Cat. Amer. Amphib. Rept. 110.1-110.3
Se reproduce con permiso del editor del Catalogue of American Amphibians and Reptiles, adaptada y traducida por Walter
Schmidt Ballardo.
1.
Sin rayas o pigmentacin oscura debajo del pliegue lateral. Una banda oscura medio
dorsal distintiva; frontonasal dividida; puntos blancos en el dorso ausentes .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ceroni
2.
Banda oscura medio dorsal indistinta o ausente; frontonasal no dividida usualmente;

puntos blancos en el dorso presentes; barras blancas ausentes en el cuello .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . incomptus
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Bipes

FUENTE: Papenfuss, T. J. 1982. The ecology and systematics of the amphisbaenian genus Bipes. Occ. Pap. California Acad.
Sci. 136: 1-42.
1a. Preanal pores at least six . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

1b. Preanal pores two . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . biporus
2a. Three claws on each limb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . tridactylus
2b. Four, rarely five claws on each limb . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . canaliculatus
CLAVE PARA LOS GENEROS Y ESPECIES DE GERRONOTINOS

FUENTE: Good, D. A. 1988. Phylogenetic relationships among gerrhonotine lizards: an analysis of external morphology.
Univ. California Publs. Zool. 121:1-139.
Se reproduce con permiso del autor
l. Arboreal lizards with relatively long, well-clawed limbs; lateral fold lacking
between the forelimb and ear; vertical temporal scale rows 4 or fewer; transverse dorsals
fewer than 40; nuchals 6 or fewer (except in Abronia bogerti and A. chiszari, each with 8)
......... 2
1. Primarily terrestrial lizards with relatively short limbs; lateral fold between
forelimb and ear present; vertical temporal scale rows 5; transverse dorsals more than 40
(except in Barisia imbricata and B. rudicollis); nuchals 8 or more (except in B. rudicollis,
with 4-6) ... 20
2. Postmental 1; suboculars usually 3; contact of penultimate supralabial with the
orbit through loss of the posterior supralabial usually present; high elevation species east
of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec ... 3
2. Postmentals 2; suboculars usually 2; posteriormost supralabial usually not lost;
species west of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec .. 9
3. Protuberant supra-auriculars; pre-auriculars granular ... 4
3. Supra-auriculars not protuberant; pre-auriculars not granular ... 8
4. Lateral longitudinal ventrals expanded to almost twice the width of the other
ventrals ... 5
4. All longitudinal ventral rows more-or-less equal in width 6
5. Longitudinal dorsal scale rows 16; primary temporals 3; Volcn Tacan and
Volcn Tajumulco, Mexico and Guatemala . Abronia matudai
5. Longitudinal dorsal scale rows 14; primary temporals 4-5; Sierra Madre de
Chiapas, Mexico . Abronia ochoterenai
6. Posterior infralabial expanded to almost twice the length of the other infralabials .
. 7
6. Posterior infralabial more-or-less equal 10 the other infralabial . Abronia aurita
7. Anterior canthal usually (?) lacking; labials blood red; Chiapas, Mexico
... Abronia lythrochila
7. Anterior canthal present; labials not blood red; south-central Guatemala
... Abronia vasconcelosii
8. Interoccipitals more than 1; longitudinal ventrals 12; superciliary-cantholoreal
contact present; 3 large and 1 small pair of chinshields . Abronia montecristoi
8. Interoccipital 1; longitudinal ventrals 14; supercilary-cantholoreal contact lacking;
4 pairs of large chinshields ... Abronia salvadorensis
9. Nasal often contacting the third supralabial; posterior internasals approximately
twice the size of the anterior; anterior canthal lacking; postoccipitals rugose; dorsal
crossbands 6-8 .. 10
9. Nasal-third supralabial contact lacking; anterior and posterior internasals
approximately equal in size; anterior canthal present; postoccipitals relatively smooth;
dorsal crossbands 10-11 ... 14
10. Strongly knoblike posterior head scales; 4 pairs of large chinshields; longitudinal
dorsals 10- l3; longitudinal dorsals at hind limbs 6; lateral dorsals posteriormedially
rounded and in rows oblique to the lateral fold; osteoderms reduced or lacking on the
dorsum; lateral fold reduced; scales on the trailing edges of the limbs not granular or
subgranular ... 11
10. Posterior head scales not strongly knoblike; 3 pairs of large and 1 pair of small
chinshields; longitudinal dorsals 14; longitudinal dorsals at hind limb 8; lateral dorsals
not posteromedially rounded, in rows perpendicular to the lateral fold; osteoderms present
on the dorsum (in adults); lateral fold stronger; scales on trailing edge of limbs granular
or subgranular ... 13
11. Fourth temporal row often lost; third primary temporal often lost; interoccipitals
3; postmentals reduced in size; suboculars 2; lowermost primary temporal not fused with
the penultimate supralabial .. 12
11. Fourth temporal row present; third primary temporal present; interoccipital 1;
postmentals not reduced; subocular 1; lowermost primary temporal fused with the
antepenultimate supralabial .. Abronia deppii
12. Frontonasal large; tertiary temporals 4; antepenultimate supralabial usually
contacting the orbit; nuchals 6 ... Abronia mixteca
12. Frontonasal small or absent; tertiary temporals 2; penultimate supralabial
contacting the orbit; nuchals 4 .. Abronia oaxacae
13. Color bright green in the male, duller green in the female; crossbands faint or
lacking in the adult; nuchals often 4; Veracruz and Puebla, Mexico . Abronia graminea
13. Color white or off-white with 6-8 very distinct bluish to black dorsal crossbands;
Sierra Madre Oriental from Hidalgo to Tamaulipas, Mxico ... Abronia taeniata
14. Subocular-temporal contact present; supranasals at least somewhat expanded;
fourth temporal row unreduced; secondary temporals 4 .. 15
14. Subocular-temporal contact lacking; supranasals unexpanded; fourth temporal
row reduced; secondary temporals 3 17
15. Midline contact of the supranasals; 3 primary temporals contacting the orbit;
interoccipital 1; postoccipital rows 2 ... 16
15. Midline contact of the supranasals lacking; 2 primary temporals contacting the
orbit; interoccipitals 2; postoccipital row 1 .. Abronia mitchelli
16. Prefrontal-superciliary contact present; osteoderms reduced on the dorsum;
anterior canthal lacking .. Abronia reidi
16. Prefrontal-superciliary contact lacking; osteoderms present; anterior canthal
present ... Abronia ornelasi
17. Anterior superciliary almost twice the length of the other superciliaries; lower
primary temporals expanded so that only 2-3 primary temporals are present; nuchals 8;
longitudinal ventral rows 12 . 18
17. Anterior superciliary more-or-less the length of the other superciliaries; lower
primary temporals not expanded; primary temporals 4; longitudinal ventral rows 14
... 19
18. Anterior internasals may be longitudinally divided; primary temporals 2; south
western Oaxacan highlands, Mexico .. Abronia bogerti
18. Anterior internasals not divided; primary temporals 3; supposedly Sierra de los
Tuxtlas, Veracruz, Mxico Abronia chiszari
19. Midline contact of the frontoparietals present; partial fusion of the frontoparietals
and frontal; midline contact of the second pair of chinshields; dorsal osteoderms reduced;
bright turquoise color; Cerro Peln, Oaxaca, Mexico ... Abronia kalaina
19. Frontoparietal contact absent; frontoparietal-frontal fusion absent; chinshield
contact absent; dorsal osteoderms not reduced; green color; Cerro Zempoaltepec, Oaxaca,
Mexico ... Abronia fuscolabialis
20. Anterior internasals absent ... 21
20. Anterior internasals present . 27
21. Longitudinal dorsals 16; venter immaculate or with longitudinal stripes between
the scale rows ... 22
21. Longitudinal dorsals 14; venter with longitudinal stripes or speckles in the middle
of the scale rows ... 23
22. Body size very small; keels lacking; infralabials 11-12; suffuse dark pigmentation
between dorsal crossbands; Nuevo Len, Mexico Elgaria parva
22. Body size moderate to fairly large; keeling strong or reduced, but always present;
infralabials 8-10; dorsal crossbands lacking or, if present, without suffuse pigmentation
between; western United States and Canada . Elgaria coerulea
23. Lower subocular somewhat triangular; dorsal crossbands extending into the
lateral fold; keeling weak, lacking on the limbs .. 24
23. Lower subocular not triangular; dorsal crossbands not extending into the lateral
fold; keeling strong, present on the limbs . Elgaria multicarinata
24. Suffuse dark pigmentation between prominent dorsal crossbands; United States
and mainland Mexico ... 25
24. Dorsal crossbands usually weak and always lacking suffuse pigmentation; Baja
California .. 26
25. Body elongate, limbs relatively short: labials with distinct black-and- white
markings; venter spotted; New Mexico, Arizona, and western Mexico Elgaria kingii
25. Body not elongate, limbs not short; labials without distinct markings; venter with
longitudinal stripes; southeastern California .. Elgaria panamintina
26. Crossbands often indistinct; ventral stripes distinct; Cedros Island .
... Elgaria cedrosensis
26. Crossbands usually relatively distinct; ventral stripes often indistinct; mainland
Baja California .. Elgaria paucicarinata
27. Suboculars differentiated from pre- and postoculars; 3 large and 1 small pair of
chinshields present; sublabials 4-5; caudal whorls fewer than 100; scales per whorl (near
base of tail) 15-17; species usually sexually dichromatic; high-elevation species .. 28
27. Suboculars undifferentiated from pre- and postoculars; 4-5 pairs of large
chinshields; sublabials 5-7; caudal whorls more than 100; scales per whorl 20-24; not
sexually dichromatic; low- to moderate-elevation species .............. 36
28. Supranasal and upper post nasal fused; frontonasal lacking; superciliaries 3 or
fewer; snout short and deep; lateral fold strong ... 29
28. Supranasal and upper postnasal not fused; frontonasal usually present;
superciliaries 5 or more; snout not short and deep; lateral fold somewhat reduced 31
29. Nasal-rostral contact present; keeling very strong, scales acuminate; postoccipitals
keeled; nuchals 4-6; longitudinal ventrals 14; limbs relatively long and well clawed;
possibly arboreal .. Barisia rudicollis
29. Nasal-rostral contact lacking; keeling present but scales not acuminate; postoccipitals not keeled; nuchals 8; longitudinal ventrals 12; limbs shorter; terrestrial ... 30
30. Superciliary 1; longitudinal dorsals 16; transverse dorsals more than 40
Barisia levicollis
30. Superciliaries 3; longitudinal dorsals 14; transverse dorsal s fewer than 40
.. Barisia imbricata
31. Postmental 1; lateral supraoculars often 2 ... 32
31. Postmentals 2; lateral supraoculars 3 ... 34
32. Longitudinal dorsals 18-20; nuchals 10 .. Mesaspis moreleti
32. Longitudinal dorsals 1416; nuchals 8 . 33
33. Longitudinal dorsals 14; frontonasal usually absent; anterior internasals often
longitudinally divided; canthal-cantholoreal fusion Mesaspis viridiflava
33. Longitudinal dorsals 16; frontonasal present; anterior internasals not
longitudinally divided; canthal and cantholoreal separate ... Mesaspis monticola
34. Body size small; keeling reduced or absent; supranasal somewhat expanded;
suboculars 2; postrostral present; frontal-parietal contact broad; anterior superciliary
almost twice the length of the other superciliaries ... 35
34. Body size moderate; keeling present; supranasal unexpanded; subocular 1;
postrostral absent; frontal-parietal contact narrow; superciliaries more- or-less equal in
length Mesaspis gadovii
35. Posterior internasal divided; cantholoreal sometimes partially fused to preocular;
male much more robust than female; Pico de Orizaba, Veracruz .. Mesaspis antauges
35. Posterior internasal not divided; cantholoreal and preocular not fused; male
similar to female in robustness; Sierra de Jurez, Oaxaca Mesaspis juarezi
36. Postrostrals probably usually 2; 5 pairs of large chinshields; scales per vertical
temporal row 5; nuchals 12; keeling lacking; longitudinal ventrals 10; suboculars more
than 3 .. Coloptychon rhombifer
36. Postrostrals 0-1; 4 pairs of large chinshields; scales per vertical temporal row 4;
nuchals 10; keeling present; longitudinal ventrals 12-14; suboculars 3 or fewer 37
37. Body size small; keeling reduced: longitudinal ventral s 14; postrostral absent;
suboculars 3 Gerrhonotus lugoi
37. Body size large; keeling strong; longitudinal ventrals 12; postrostral present;
suboculars 2 .. Gerrhonotus liocephalus
NOTAS: Revisiones recientes en los gneros Abronia (Campbell, J. A. y D. R. Frost. 1993. Anguid lizards of the genus
Abronia: Revisionary notes, descriptions of four new species, a phylogenetic analysis, and key. Bull. Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist.
216:1-121) y Gerrhonotus (Good, D. A. 1994. Species limits in the genus Gerrhonotus (Squamata: Anguidae). Herp.
Monogr. 8: 180-202) ofrecen un mejor tratamiento taxon6mico de las especies que los componen.
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE LA FAMILIA CORYTHOPHANIDAE

FUENTE: Lang, M. 1989. Phylogenctic and biogeographic patterns of Basiliscine Iguanians (Reptilia, Squamata "lguanidae").
Bonner Zoologische Monographien 18:1-171.
la. Ventral scales keeled; 1-2 chin shields contact an infralabial. Head crest of adult
male and large juvenile males single, triangular in outline. Ground color brown to
olive, often with a distinct reddish to yellow dorsolateral stripe from eye to shoulder or
beyond . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Basiliscus vittatus
lb. Ventral scales smooth; 3-4 chin shieds almost always contacting infralabials. Head
crest of adult males rounded in outline or with a posteriorly directed lobe. Ground color often bright to dull green . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2a. Middorsal scale row consisting of an alternation of a large and small scales (2-4);
adult males without prominent dorsal and caudal crest . . . . . . . . . Basiliscus galeritus
2b. Middorsal scale row of females and juveniles uniform in size; adult males with
prominent dorsal and caudal crests supported by elongated neural spines . . . . . . . . . . 3
3a. Head crest single in adult and large juvenile males. Throat of juveniles with three
distinct longitudinal lateral stripes. Ground color of adults brown, olive or bronze. Juveniles are pale green, lacking the series of distinet large light spots along sides. Two
pairs of lateral stripes usually present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Basiliscus basiliscus
3b. Head crest of adult males and large juveniles comprised of two lobes; a small
anterior lobe and a pronounced posterior lobe. Adult females and juveniles have only a
single small parietal extension. Throat of adults and juveniles uniform, usually dark.
Ground color of adults dark bluish-green, with one or two series of large light spots
along sides. Dorsum of juvenile bright green . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Basiliscus plumifrons
Key to species of Corytophanes
1a. Nuchal crest interrupted, not continuous with dorsal crest, but following the outline
of the parietal blade.Supraorbital semicircles with a distinct lateral keel. The adpressed
hind limb reaches considerably beyond the tip of the snout . Corytophanes hernandezi
lb. Nuchal crest continuous with dorsal crest. Supraorbital semicircles lacking longitudinal keels. The adpressed hind limb reaches the tip of the snout or a little beyond . . 2
2a. Upper head scales distinctly keeled or rugose, prominent lateral squamosal spine
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Corytophanes percarinatus
2b. Upper head scales smooth, no lateral squamosal spine . . . . Corytophanes cristatus
Key to species of Laemanctus
la. Anterior dorsal head scales large and regular, consisting of paired or both paired
and azygous scales. Posterior edge of head serrated, consisting of a series of conical
scales. Middorsal scale row forming a serrated crest . . . . . . . . . . Laemanctus serratus
lb. Anterior dorsal head scales small and irregular. Posterior edge of head smooth
lacking serration. No distinct middorsal scale row . . . . . . . . . . . . Laemanctus longipes
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Crotaphytus

FUENTE: Smith, N. M. y W. W. Tanner. 1974. A taxonomic study of the western collared lizards, Crotaphytus collaris and
Crotaphytus insularis, Brigham Young Univ. Sci. Bull. 29(4):1-29.
Se reproduce con permiso del 2do. autor.
1. Collars on neck absent dorsally and ventrally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Collar or collars present on neck dorsally and/or ventrally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2. Supraorbital semicircles absent; body pattern with spots but not reticulated . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . wislizenii
Supraorbital semicircles present; occasionally with a vertical black bar on
shoulder; body pattern boldly reticulated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . reticulates
3. Two collars present on dorsum of neck, first collar often incomplete dorsally and
with spotting in the dorsum between the two lateral arms of collar . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . collaris
Collars present or absent; when present reduced, usually incomplete dorsally
and without dorsal spots in the first collar; body pattern with distinct light cross
bands, often with light elongate spots between the cross bands . . . . insularis
CLAVE PARA LAS SUBESPECIES DE Crotaphytus

FUENTE: Smith, N. M. y W. W. Tanner. 1974. A taxonomic study of the western collared lizards, Crotaphytus collaris and
Crotaphytus insularis, Brigham Young Univ. Sci. Bull. 29(4):1-29.
Se reproduce con permiso del 2do. autor.
1. One or more spots in dorsum on the first collar; adult males lack a dark pigmented
gular and groin; first collar not united ventrally; second collar usually extends
onto upper arm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Spots absent in dorsum of first collar; adult males have a dark pigmented gular
and groin and first collar unites ventrally or nearly so; second collar not
extended onto upper arm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2. Interorbitals form two rows, usually without a fusion of the scales in these two
rows; supralabials usually 11 or more; gular region of adult males boldly
reticulated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Interorbitals have one to four scales fused in the interorbital series;supralabials
usually 10 or less; gular region of adult males not boldly reticulated . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. c. collaris
3. Sody dorsum brown with no trace of green, head cream colored with no trace of
yellow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .C. c. fuscus
Sody dorsum green or blue; head yellow or light . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
4. Head yellow or white; if yellow, not extending under the chin or caudally past
supraorbital semicircles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. c. baileyi
Head yellow with yellow extending under the chin and caudally to or just past
the second collar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. c. auriceps
5. Body dorsum blue, green or gray, with large light dorsal elongate spots; second
collar lenght/snout-vent averages from 0.13 to 0.19; number scales from
interparietal to anterior border of first collar 37-43 . . . . . . . . . C. c. dickersonae
Body dorsum brow or tan, with transverse bands of yellow, orange, or white;
second collar length/snout-vent length usually less than 0.14 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
6. Second collar meets, or nearly meets dorsally, usually never more than 10 scales
separate the two dorsal arms of the second collar; first collar separated by 1-9
scales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. c. bicinctores
Second collar reduced or absent, usually with distinct white transverse dorsal
bands; first collar separated by 16 to 40 plus scales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
7. Second collar very reduced or absent; fourth toe subdigital lamellae 39-45 . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. i. insularis
Second collar less reduced and usually a portion of it present; fourth toe
subdigital lamellae 33-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C. i. vestigium
NOTAS: Esta clave considera a la especie wislizenii, aunque actualmente dicha especie est incluida en el gnero Gambelia.
Se han descrito nuevas especies, Crotaphytus grismeri (McGuire, J. A. 1994, A new species of collared lizard (Iguania:
Crotaphytidae) from northeastern Baja California, Mxico; y Crotaphytus nigromaculatus (McGuire, J. A., F. Mendoza
Quijano, y R. R. Montanucci. 1995. A new species of collared lizard (lguania: Crotaphytidae) from southern Coahuila,
Mxico. Herpetologica. En Prensa) en este gnero, no contempladas en ninguna clave.
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Coleonyx

FUENTE: Dixon, 1. R. 1995. Key to Coleonyx. En O. Flores V., F. Mendoza Q. y G. Gonzlez P. (comps.). Recopilacin de
claves para la determinacin de anfibios y reptiles de Mxico. Facultad de Ciencias, UNAM.
Modificada y actualizada por el autor para esta recopilacin.
1. Dorsum with uniform granular scales .............2

Dorsum with enlarged tubercles scattered among the
granules ........................................4
2. Dorsal scales on the proximal portion of the limbs
imbricate and plate-like ................fasciatus
Dorsal scales on the proximal portion of the limbs
granular, similar to dorsum .....................3
3. Preanal pores in males separated medially by one
or more small scales, distal end of cloacal spur
flat .......................................brevis
Preanal pores in males not separated medially,
distal end of cloacal spur pointed .....variegatus
4. Dorsal pattern of adults with bold black bands ..5
Dorsal pattern of adults spotted or reticulated .6
5. Scales of claw sheath short, claw conspicuously
exposed ..................................mitratus
Scales of claw sheath long, claw hidden or only
tip exposed ...............................elegans
6. Nuchal loop present, dorsum reticulated, no well
defined spots arranged in dorsal bands.reticulatus
Nuchal loop absent, dorsum spotted with dark
and/or light spots, occasionally arranged in a
banding pattern ...........................switaki
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Hemidactylus

FUENTE: Peters, J. A. and R. Donoso-Barros. 1986. Catalogue of the Neotropical Squamata. Part l. Lizards and
Amphisbaenians. Smithsonian Institution Press. 1-293 p.
Se reproduce con permiso de la Smithsonian Institution.
l. Cuerpo cubierto por grnulos y tubrculos;

dedos fuertemente dilatados-----------------2
Cuerpo cubierto por grnulos iguales; dedos
ligeramente dilatados--------------peruvianus
2. Tubrculos separados; ligeramente deprimidos;
hilera transversal formada por menos de 15
tubrculos----------------------------------3
Tubrculos aproximados, grandes, quillados;
lnea transversal de tubrculos dorsales
mayor que 15--------------------------------4
3. Lados de la cabeza sin tubrculos fila transversal de tubrculos con menos de ocho
tubrculos---------------------------frenatus
Lados de la cabeza con tubrcul~s fila transversal de tubrculos con ms de ocho tubrculos---------------------------------mabouia
4. Ocho a diez tubrculos sobre la base de la
cola cada tubrculo dorsal rodeado de diez
grnu1os------------------------------brookii
Seis tubrculos sobre la base de la cola;
cada tubrculo dorsal rodeado por 15-20
grnulos-----------------------------turcicus
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Phylladactylus

FUENTE: Dixon, J. R. 1995. Key to Phyllodactylus of Mexico (exclusive of Baja California and associated islands). En O.
Flores V., F. Mendoza Q. y G. Gonzlez P. (comps.). Recopilacin de claves para la determinacin de anfibios y reptiles de
Mxico. Facultad de Ciencias, UNAM.
Actualizada por el autor para esta recopilacin
1.
Distal three-fourths of tail without enlarged rows of

tubercles, rows of dorsal tubercles reduced in size ..... 2
Distal three-fourths of tail with two to four, rows of
tubercles (at least to middle of tail), rows of dorsal
tubercles not reduced in size ........................... 6
2.
Paravertebral tubercles 60 or more from head to tail, dorsal

tubercle rows 12-16, tubercles greatly reduced in size, SVL
to 9 cm ............................... delcampi (Guerrero)
Paravertebral tubercles 50 or less from head to tail, dorsal
tubercle rows 10-18, SVL to 7 cm (usually 55 or less).... 3
3.
Enlarged rows of dorsal tubercles 10-12, scales across belly

22-27 ................................................... 4
Enlarged rows of dorsal tubercles 12-18, scales across belly
26-35 ........................................ 5
4.
Paravertebral tubercles between axilla and groin 20 or more,

SVL
to
4.3
cm,
juveniles
with
orange
tails
..................................... duellmani (Michoacan)
Paravertebral tubercles between axilla and groin 16 or less,
(occasionally absent) SVL to 7 cm, juveniles with gray to
grayish black tails ......... paucituberculatus
(Michoacan)
5.
Scales across snout between third labials 20-29 (m = 24),

interorbital scales 1~~24 (M = 19) ...................
.......................... davisi (Colima and Michoacan)
Scales across snout between third labials 18-21 (M = 19.5),
interorbital scales 14-19 (M = 15)
.............................. bordai (Guerrero)
6.
Belly (at least sides) yellow to yellowish brown in life,

interorbital scales 15-30, paravertebral tubercles between
axilla and groin 15-42 .................................. 7
Belly white or flesh color in life, interorbitral scales 1227, paravertebral tubercles between axilla and groin 14-23
......................................................... 8
7.
Two to four rows of tubercles at second proximal tail whorl

............................
homolepidurus (Sinaloa to
Nayarit)
Six to eight rows of tubercles at second proximal tail whorl
........................... tuberculosus (Guerrero to Costa
Rica)
8.
Six rows of tubercles on proximal one-fourth of tail,

interorbital scales 12-19 (M=15) lanei (Nayarit to Guerrero)
Two to four rows of tubercles on proximal one-fourth of
tail, interorbital scales 17-27 (M=22) muralis(Oaxaca and
Puebla
FUENTE: Dixon, J. R. 1995. Key to Phyllodactylus of Baja California. En O. Flores V., F. Mendoza Q. y G. Gonzlez P.
(comps.). Recopilacin de claves para la determinacin de anfibios y reptiles de Mxico. Facultad de Ciencias, UNAM.
Actualizada por el autor para esta recopilacin
1.
Enlarged dorsal tubercles absent ........... unctus

Enlarged dorsal tubercles arranged in rows ..............
2.
Dorsal surface of thigh with enlarged tubercles intermixed

among smaller scales .................................... 6
Dorsal surface of thigh without enlarged tubercles ...... 3
3.
Postmental in 84% contact with two labials .. tinkle

Postmental in 75% or more contact with one labial .......
4.
Tibia tubercles present .................................

Tibia tubercles absent ..................... apricus
5.
Paravertebral tubercles 33-39 (35) head to tail

............................................ nocticolus
............................................ angelensis
6.

............................................ santacruzensis
Paravertebral tubercles less than 39 head to tail ....... 7
7.
Scales across snout at level of third labial 23-28 (25)

............................................ partidus
Scales across snout at level of third labial 16-21 (19)
............................................ xanti
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Sphaerodactylus

FUENTE: Harris, D. M. and A. G. Kluge. 1984. The Sphaerodactylus (Sauria: Gekkonidae) of Middle America. Occ. Pap.
Mus. Zool. Univ. Michigan 706:1-59.
Se reproduce con permiso del 2o. Autor.
l. Narrow middorsal row of fine granules separates large, tectiform, dorsal ........
scales. To 39 mm. SVL (see Wilson and Hahn, 1973: 106). Islas de la ............
Bahia, Honduras .............. rosaurae
Without a middorsal zone of small scales between large tectiform scales ..... 2
2. Large species, adult SVL exceeding 40 mm.; supranasals single, small
with wide gap in-between (separated by 2-4 small scales). Also, dorsals
strongly keeled; escutcheon abdominal; small (10-16 scales); median
subcaudals alternate; dorsal pattern crudely blotched in adults plain in
juveniles. Endemic to Isla del Coco, Costa Rica pacificus
Small species, not exceeding 34 mm. SVL, pattern not as described ...
above ... 3
3. Snout strongly protuberate, dorsally convex in profile; eye spine behind ...
mideye. Also, dorsal scales keeled, large (30-36 axilla-groin); subcaudals ..
arranged alternately; two supranasals or one when anterior supranasal is ..
fused to rostral. Northern Honduras .. dunii
Snout flat, sloping straight from eyes to rostral; eye spine lies anterior to .
mideye ..................................................................................................................... 4
4. Supranasal single; escutcheon abdominal ... 5
Two supranasals; escutcheon abdominal or abdominal and subfemoral . 8
5. Median subcaudals aligned in series; no dark bands in dorsal pattern. ..
Also, dorsals and parietals keeled; dorsal count 51-63; escutcheon ab- .
dominal with 22-61 total scales. Southern Costa Rica to Pacific western ..
Panam graptolaemus
Subcaudals not in straight series; young banded . 6
6. Dorsals smooth; six dark bands or their remnants on head and body. ..
Also, subcaudal scales alternate; dorsal count 70-81. Northwestern ..
Ecuador to southwestern Colombia .. scapularis
Dorsal keeled; four dark bands on head and body of juveniles especially . 7
7. Dorsal scales strongly keeled, knobby; parietal scales keeled; subcaudals ..
alternate; dorsal count 48-67; escutcheon with 38-79 total scales; bands ..
of juveniles persist in adult, faded but define. Caribbean versant of ..
southern Nicaragua to western Panam homolepis
Dorsal scales moderately keeled, parietals usually without keels; dorsal ....
count 62-81; subcaudals arranged in the repeating sequence of a small, a ........
large and a pair of small scales;) escutcheon with 20-52 total scales; broad .............
dark of juveniles become indefinite and are replaced by variegation in .
adults. Pacific western Panam to northwestern Colombia . lineolatus
8. Dorsal scales smooth. Dorsal count 46-71; median subcaudals aligned in ....
series; escutcheon of 19-97 total scales, extending to knees. Southern ....
Mxico to extreme northwestern Honduras .. glaucus
Dorsal scales keeled 9
9. Space between anterior supranasals as wide as a supranasal; rostral ..........
deeply notched behind, counting 1-3 small scales; escutcheon abdomi- ..
nally confined 10
Space between anterior supranasals much narrower than a supranasal; ..
rostral notch shallow or absent; escutcheon may extend to knee .. 11
10. Subcaudals alternate; escutcheon small (13-38 total scales; dorsal count ...
63-83; continuous light dorsolateral stripes present, faded in males with ...
black and yellow-white striped heads: Venezuela, Trinidad, Tobago, and ...
Guyana .. molei
Median subcaudals aligned in series, escutcheon huge (94-154 total ...
scales), dorsal count 62-80; Dorsolateral series of spots in females; in ...
male, trunk and tail reticulated, head orange. Lowlands immediately ...
west of the Santa Marta Mountains in northern Colombia ... heliconiae

11. Dorsal scales large (18-36 axilla-groin); three supralabials to below eye; ........
dorsum brownish gray with small brown spots; nape with large dark ....
brown spots between smaller light spots. Cuba, Bahamas, Florida, pan- .
Caribbean. One specimen recorded from northwestern Colombia
(Harris, 1982) notatus
Dorsals small to moderate (38-74 axilla-groin); four supralabials to .
below eye ... 12
12. Dorsals 38-50 axilla-groin; young with six distinctive; light stripes on .
head and nine running length of body, changing to rows of ocellar spots
on a densely dark-spotted dorsum in adults; five spotting on limbs. ..
Coastal sites in northern Yucatn, Mxico; Bocas del Toro and San
Blas, Panam, besides Jamaica and other Caribbean islands ... argus
Dorsals 47-71 axilla-groin; young usually with prominent dark markings ...
on body near forelimbs, a large, round, dark spot above pelvis, and
feeble head lines on a uniform tan background; adults finely speckled to
strongly variegated with dark color; head of male may become boldly
marked, but never with rows of ocellar spots; three large, light spots on
each limb. Isthmus of Tehuantepec to northern Costa Rica, and
Cozumel, and Roatn, Guanaja, and Maiz Grande islands millepunctatus
NOTAS: Solo tres especies ocurren en Mxico, argus, glaucus y millepunctatus.
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Heloderma

FUENTE: Bogert, C. M. and R. Martn del Campo. 1956. The gila monster and its allies. The relationships, habits, and
behavior of the lizards of the family Helodermatidae. Bull. Am. Mus. Nat. Hist. 109(1): 1-238.
Se reproduce con permiso del ler autor.
I. Posterior portion of maxilla (all represented)

with outer surface granular (known only from
Oligocene deposits in Logan County,
Colorado). . . .Heloderma matthewi Gilmore
II. Posterior portion of maxilla with outer surface
of maxilla relatively smooth, with slight striations (osteoderms firmly ankylosed conceal
surface in adults).
A. Tail comprising from 41 to 55 per cent of
snout-to-vent length; 48 to 62 transverse
rows of scales on under side of tail posterior to vent; a pair of enlarged preanal
scales (fig. 2); one pair of infralabials
reaching chin-shields (fig. 6); juveniles
with four or five black bands (inc1uding
black terminus on tail); eight or nine maxillary teeth; upper posterior process of
splenial extended onto inner surface of
coronoid. . . . . . . . . . .H. suspectum Cope
a. Adult with dorsal pattern consisting of
four "saddles" or irregular, double
black bands (each containing a row of
pink or yellow circular areas), few or
none of which are confluent with adjacent saddles; tail with five distinct
black bands (including black terminus), sparsely if at all dotted with
yellow, which alternate with pink or
yellowish bands that may contain a few
isolated clumps or short rows of black
scales, with the black bands approximately the same width as the intervening light areas. Range: Extreme southeastern Nevada, southwestern Utah,
southward through western Arizona. . .
. . . . . . . .H. s. cinctum, new subspecies
a. Supranasal in contact with postnasal (fig.

10); eight scales separating posteriormost superciliaries across the
head; pattern on body of adults consisting of a black reticulum (sometimes a
black ground color) enclosing lighter
(yellowish, reddish, or pinkish) areas
that equal or exceed the black in extent; irregular but discernible light and
dark bands on tail narrow, one or two
scale rows wide, roughly equal in
width. Range: The Ro Fuerte drainage
basin of southeastern Sonora and
northern Sinaloa in Mxico. . . . . . . . . .
. . . H. h. exasperatum, new subspecies.
b. Adult with dorsal body pattern consisting
of a black (or dark brown) reticulum
enclosing pink or yellowish areas, the
darker color predominating; tail with
four or five irregular dark bands
mottled or streaked with pink or
yellow, which alternate with pink or
yellowish bands streaked or mottled
with black or dark brown. Range:
Central Arizona southeastward along
the edge of the Plateau to southwestern
New Mexico, southward through the
Mexican state of Sonora at least as far
as Guayrnas. . . . H. s. suspectum Cope.
B. Tail comprising at least 65 per cent of
snout-to-vent length; 72 or more transverse rows of scales on under side of tail
posterior to vent; no pair of enlarged preanal scales present (fig. 3); usually two
pairs of infralabials reaching chin-shields
(fig. 7); juveniles with six or seven black
bands (including black terminus) on tail;
six or seven maxillary teeth; upper posterior process of splenial reaching, but not
overlapping, coronoid. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . H. horridum Wiegmann
b. Supranasal separated from postnasal by

first canthal (fig. 11); usually six or
seven scales separating superciliaries
across crown of head.
1. Pattern of adult with black color predominating, but enclosing blotches,
bars, or dots (usually with all three
present); six or seven pairs of light
bands on tail, with or without a light
bar or band in the intervening black
band. Range: The Pacific slope of
Mxico from southern Sinaloa
southeastward to eastern Oaxaca. . .
. . . . . . . . H. h. horridum Wiegmann
2. Pattern on dorsum almost uniformly
black in the adult, with faint vestiges
of bars or a few dots sometimes present, vestiges of six pairs of light
bands on tail usually discernible on
under side only. Range: The Atlantic drainage of central Chiapas,
principally the headwaters of the
Ro Chiapa in extreme southern
Mxico, possibly eastward into
Guatemala. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . .H. h. alvarezi, new subspecies
H. h. alvarezi
FIG. 11. Diagram showing the position of the
scales on the snout of Heloderma horridum
alvarezi, with the supranasal separated from the
postnasal by the first canthal, and the second
supralabial excluded from contact with the nasal
and prenasal by a lorilabial.
H. h. exasperatum
FIG. 10. Diagram showing the position of the
scales on the snout of Heloderma horridum exasperatum, with the supranasal in contact with
the postnasal and the second supralabial reaching
the prenasal. Compare with figure 11.
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE IGUANAS

FUENTE: De Queiroz, K. 1995. Key lo the extant species of Mexican iguanas. Publ. esp. Mus. Zool. No. 9 (En Prensa).
Sc reproduce con el permiso del autor.
DICHOTOMOUS KEY
1a. Rostral scale frequently subdivided so that no median scale is evident, or if median
scale present, subequal to surrounding scales; superciliarv scales quadrangular
and nonoverlapping; 2-5 anterior auricular scales greatly enlarged, projecting
posteriorly more than 1/2 distance across tympanic recess; no discernable
longitudinal row of mid-dorsal scales; body strongly depressed; tail short (tail
length/snout vent length 1.25), never with whorls of large, spinous scales;
pedal subdigital scales
weakly keeled and roughly symmetrical about
longitudinal axis of digits (i.e., anterior and posterior keels subequal) . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sauromalus 4
1b. An unpaired, median rostral scale several times larger than surrounding scales;
superciliary scales elongated and overlapping to various degrees; anterior
auricular scales not or only slightly enlarged and not projecting posteriorly more
than 1/3 distance across tympanic recess; a longitudinal row of mid-dorsal
scales (scales may be enlarged and differentiated from adjacent scales to
various degrees and row may be interrupted in the lumbosacral region); body
slightly depressed to laterally compressed; tail long (TL/SVL 1.25), or if short
(TL/SVL 1.25), with whorls of enlarged spinous scales; pedal subdigital
scales (especially those of digits II-IV) strongly keeled and asymmetrical (i.e.,
anterior keels distinctly larger than posterior ones). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2a. Cephalic scales of dorsal midline and snout few and large, 2-4 sea les between
posterior canthals, strongly differentiated from supraoculars; subocular scales
subequal in size or largest less than 2 times longer than next largest;
nonextensible gular fan (dewlap) with row of large, pointed, compressed scales
forming crest along anterior margin; maxillary and dentary teeth serrated, with
numerous (at least some teeth with 10) small cusps; one row of labiomental
scales distinctly larger than postmentals; a large (diameter 80% tympanic
diameter), subcircular scale at posterior end of lower jaw ventral to tympanum;
nape with enlarged, tubercular scales surrounded by smaller scales . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Iguana iguana
2b. Cephalic scales of dorsal midline and snout numerous and small, 6-9 scales
between posterior canthals, weakly differentiated from supraoculars; largest
subocular scale 2-3 times longer than next largest; gular fan and crest absent;
maxillary and dentary teeth tricuspid to polycuspate, but with fewer than 8
cusps per tooth; labiomental scales subequal to or smaller than postmentals;
scales at posterior end of lower jaw ventral to tympanum subequal in size and
all much smaller than tympanum (largest < 20% tympanic diameter); nape
scales subequal in size, enlarged, tubercular scales absent. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
3a. Head moderately to strongly elongate (distance from snout to anterior edge of
tympanum/maximum
head
width
1.20
in
adults),
superciliaries
only
moderately elongate and overlapping; tail with whorls of large, spinous scales
KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK
KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK
at least anteriorly; 4-13 femoral pores (one thigh); species from 155 mm to 489
mm maximum SVL (de Queiroz 1987b) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Ctenosaura) 11
3b. Head short (snout-anterior edge of tympanum/maximum head width < 1.20 in
adults), superciliaries greatly elongate and strongly overlapping; tail without large,
spinous scales; 16-26 femoral pores (one thigh); 145 mm maximum SVL
(Mayhew 1971). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Dipsosaurus dorsalis
4. Sauromalus 1
4a. Dorsal body scales relatively small, largest nuchals smaller than scales in frontal
region, usually more than 20 dorsal scales in the length of the head (measured
halfway between fore and hind limbs on mid-dorsal line; range 20-42); scales
on dorsal surface of limbs and tail weakly to moderately keeled; except for S.
varius, maximum SVL 223 mm (Van Denburgh 1922; Shaw 1945; Case,
1982). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
4b. Dorsal body scales relatively large, largest nuchals equal to or larger than scales in
frontal region, usually less than 20 dorsal scales in the length of the head
measured halfway between fore and hind limbs on mid-dorsal line; mean 18,
KK.
1
Subsequent to the revision of Sauromalus by Shaw (1945) and the description of S. shawi by Cliff (1958),
several taxonomic changes have been proposed for the southern insular taxa ater, klauberi, shawi , and slevini, and
those inhabiting the peninsular mainland of Baja California, australis and obesus--all of which were recognized as
separate species by Shaw and Cliff (Soul and Sloan 1966; Robinson 1972, 1974; Seib 1980; Case 1982; Etheridge
1982; Murphy 1982, 1983a, b; Murphy and Ottley 1984; Stebbins 1985). Although some of these changes may be
warranted, they have not been adopted here because no evidence has been presented to support them, and I do not
wish to perpetuate this practice.
range 16-21); scales on dorsal surface of limbs and tail spinous and strongly
carinate; large animals, 304 mm maximum SVL (Case 1982). . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sauromalus hispidus
5a. Dorsal color pattern variable, often consisting of 2 to 5 dark-brown or black
transverse bands on a lighter background, but may be grey with fine spots of dark
brown or black, red flecked with yellow and black spots, or more or less
uniform black; moderate-sized animals, maximum SVL 223 mm (Case
1982). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
5b. Dorsal color pattern consisting of large, irregular, dark-brown or black blotches on
a yellowish or orange-brown background; large animals, maximum SVL = 324
mm (Case 1982). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sauromalus varius
6a. Ventral scale rows between gular fold and vent 125 or more (mean for each
species 130, range 125-220) (Shaw 1945; Cliff 1958). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
6b. Ventral scale rows between gular fold and vent fewer than 125 (mean 116, range
107-123) (Shaw 1945). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sauromalus slevini
7a. Transverse body bands, if present, with light centers and dark-brown or black
borders giving a double-banded effect; if absent, dorsal pattern of small,
dark-brown or black spots on a gray background. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
7b. Transverse body bands, if present, more or less uniform; if absent, dorsal color
pattern highly variable but not as above (some possibilities are yellow spotted
with brown, yellowish-gray spotted with black and red, and more or less
uniform black). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sauromalus obesus
8a. Ventral scale rows between guiar fold and vent usually fewer than 151 (mean for
each species ~ 140, range 125-151) (Shaw 1945; Cliff 1958). . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
8b. Ventral scale rows between gular fold and vent 151 or more (mean 164, range
151-186) (Shaw 1945). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sauromalus australis
9a. Dorsal color pattern of body consisting of small dark brown or black spots on a
grey background. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sauromalus klauberi
9b. Dorsal color pattern consisting of 4-5 dark brown or black transverse bands with
lighter centers on a yellowish-brown or grayish-brown background with brown
or black spots. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
10a. Isla San Marcos. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sauromalus shawi2
10b. Islas Danzante, Santa Cruz, San Diego, San Jos, San Francisco, Partida Sur, or
Espritu Santo. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Sauromalus ater
11. Ctenosaura
11a. Usually four postmental scales in contact with mental; scales on dorsal surface
of hindlimb weakly differentiated, smooth or keeled but not spinous, subequal
in size; at least some of proximal (first ten) whorls of large, spinous caudal
scales separated dorsally by two or more rows of intercalary scales; relatively
large body size (large adults 200 mm SVL). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
2
The presence of large, acutely pointed scales in the lateral neck fold, almost equal in size to the largest
scales on the top of the head, and [an] especially pronounced lateral neck fold" were used by Cliff (1958: 259) to
distinguish S. shawi from S. ater in his diagnosis. Neither of these characters appears to be diagnostic (Shaw 1945;
personal observation).
11b. Usually two postmental scales in contact with mental; scales on dorsal surface
of hindlimb strongly differentiated with patch of large, strongly keeled or
spinous scales on shank or shank and thigh; proximal (first ten) whorls of large,
spinous caudal scales separated dorsally by no more than one row of intercalary
scales; relatively small body size (maximum SVL < 175 mm). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Enyaliosaurus 15
12a. Mid-dorsal scale row broadly discontinuous in lumbosacral region (terminates
slightly anterior to level of groin or as little as 2/3 the distance from back of
head to that level); scales of mid-dorsal row of adult males tail (height
length) and pointed on neck and shoulders only. . . . . . . . Ctenosaura hemilopha
12b. Mid-dorsal scale row continuous from neck to tail or only narrowly interrupted in
sacral region (terminates posterior to level of groin); scales of mid-dorsal row
of adult males tall (height length) and pointed on neck, shoulders, and most
of back. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
13a. Parietal roof of skull remains deeply notch posteriorly throughout ontogeny so
that braincase remains broadly exposed in dorsal view; central Veracruz (east)
and Isthmus of Tehuantepec (west) southward and eastward. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ctenosaura similis
13b. Parietal roof of skull extends posteriorly during postembryonic ontogeny so that
braincase comes to be largely covered in dorsal view; Isthmus of Tehuantepec
northward. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
14a. At least some whorls of large, spinous caudal scales separated dorsally by a
single intercalary scale row; Atlantic Coast of Mxico north of Isthmus of
Tehuantepec. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ctenosaura acanthura
14b. AII whorls of large, spinous caudal scales separated dorsally by at least two
intercalary scale rows; Pacific Coast of Mxico north ct Isthmus of
Tehuantepec. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ctenosaura pectinata
15. Enyaliosaurus
5a. Scales of mid-dorsal row tall (height > length) and compressed, strongly
differentiated from adjacent body scales, at least in neck region of adult males;
mid-dorsal scale row extends about to level of sacrum; marginal teeth with
maximum of 3 cusps; (unregenerated) tail strongly spinose proximally but not
distally and always longer than SVL (tail length/SVL 2! 1.30); spinous dorsal
caudal scales forming 5 rows, one mid-dorsal row and two on each side
separated by 3-4 rows of flat or weakly keeled scales at sixth whorl. . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ctenosaura (Enyaliosaurus) quinquecarinata
15b. Scales of mid-dorsal row short (height < length) and depressed, scarcely
differentiated from adjacent body scales, even in neck region of adult males;
middorsal scale row extends to about level:of groin or as little as 1/3 distance
from back of head to that level; marginal teeth with maximum of four or more
KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK.
cusps; tail strongly spinose throughout length and usually shorter than SVL
(TL/SVL 1.10); spinous dorsal caudal scales usually not forming 5 distinct
rows, adjacent scales of enlarged caudal whorls subequal, those on either side
of mid-dorsal row not markedly less spinous than others or, if in 5 rows, the
lateral and mid-dorsal rows separated by 2-3 rows of les s spinous scales at
sixth whorl. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
16a. Usually 7 (range 5-9) premaxillary teeth; marginal teeth with maximum of four
cusps; parietal eye visible externally; a patch of large, spinous scales on dorsal
surface of shank, but not of thigh; anterior surfaces of subdigital scales at base
of pedal digit III unfused basally; intercalary scales between whorls of large,
spinous caudal scales conspicuous throughout length of tail; enlarged dorsal
caudal scales forming 9-11 longitudinal rows at sixth whorl; 4-6 femoral pores
(one thigh). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ctenosaura (Enyaliosaurus) clarki
16b. Less than seven (range 5-6) premaxillary teeth; marginal teeth with maximum of
five or more cusps; parietal eye inconspicuous or absent; a patch of large,
spinous scales on dorsal surface of both shank and thigh; anterior surfaces of
subdigital scales at base of pedal digit III fused basally to form a
comb; intercalary scales between whorls of large, spinous caudal scales absent
or inconspicuous (confined to mid-dorsal region) proximally; enlarged dorsal
caudal scales forming 7 longitudinal rows at sixth whorl; 5-11 femoral pores
(one thigh). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ctenosaura (Enyaliosaurus) defensor
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Phrynosoma

FUENTE: Reeve, W. L. 1952. Taxonomy and distribution of the horned lizards, genus Phrvnosoma. Kansas Univ. Sci. Bull.
34(14): 817-960.
Se reproduce con permiso del editor de la Universidad de Kansas.
1. Four large occipital spines on posterior periphery of the head con-...
tinuous with the temporal spines to form a continuous crown ...
Southern Arizona and Northern Sonora solare
1. Two occipital spines or occipital spines absent or reduced and not ...
continuous with the temporal spines. 2
2. Occipital and temporal spines absent; replaced by low rounded ...
protuberances, lower jaw greatly expanded vertically; five or
six small sublabials separating chinshields and infra-
labials..ditmarsi
2. Two occipital spines present; lower jaw less expanded sublabials ..
five or less. 3
3. Ventral abdominal scales keeled. 4
3. Ventral abdominal scales smooth 7
4. Temporal area prolonged, terminating in a large spine three or ....
more times the length of the occipital spines taurus
4. Temporal area not prolonged, less than three times the length of ....
the occipital spines, temporal spines same size as, or smaller
than occipitals 5
5. Tail reduced (usually shorter than head); Puebla and Oaxaca, ..
Mxico.. braconnieri
5. Tail not reduced (usually two to three times the length of the ...
head).............................................................................................. 6
6. Superciliary spines well developed, equaling, or nearly equaling, ..
the occipital spines; ventral abdominal scales large, 30-40 ...
across widest part of belly, three or four rows of enlarged
scales on each side of gular area; one row enlarged soft spines
in lateral abdominal fringe, Colima to Guatemala... asio
6. Superciliary spines reduced, smaller than occipital spines, ventral ...
abdominal scales small, 50-60 across widest part of belly, one ...
row of enlarged gular scales on each side; two rows of soft ...
spines in lateral abdominal fringe, Kansas, south and south- ..
west through Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico and northeastern
Mexico. cornutum
7. Three or more rows of enlarged scales on each side of gular area; ...
chinshields serrate and visible from above .. coronatum group 8
7. One or no row of enlarged scales, on each side of gular area, ..
chinshields not serrate, not visible from above or if visible only ...
the most posterior ones showing. 13
8. Frontal scales large, flat, platlike, dark brown or black with dis- ..
tinct light narrow spaces between them; postrictal scales small ...
or absent; subrictal scales usually in line with chinshields but ...
sometimes slightly above.. 9
8. Frontal scales small, convex, rugose (or if large convex and ....
smooth and color the same as remaining portion of head); ..
postrictal scale large; subrictal scale always distinctly above
row of chinshields... 11
9. Postrictal scale absent or small; subrictal in direct line with chin-...
shields. Cape area of Baja California.. coronatum coronatum
9. Postrictal scale present and large; subrictal in line or slightly above
row of chinshields... 10
10. Chinshields four on each side; subrictal in line with chinshields, ..
four temporal spines on each side. Cedros Island cerroense
10. Chinshields five on each side; subrictal slightly above row of ..
chinshields; five temporal spines on each side. Between lat. .
2620' and 2810' Baja California... coronatum jamesi

11. Frontal scales large, convex, smooth. Southern California and the ....
northwestern part of Baja California. coronatum blainvillii
11. Frontal scales small, convex, rugose. 12
12. Head as wide as long or slightly wide than long; temporal spines ,..
curving posteriorly. Central to southern California, ..
.. coronatum frontale
12. Head slightly longer than wide; temporal spines projecting lat-....
erally, appearing serrate. Between lat. 2850 to near 3150....
Baja California. coronatum schmidti
13. Length of occipital spines three or four times their basal diameter.. 14
13. Length of occipital spines less than two and one-half times their ..
basal diameter.. 17
14. Two rows of soft spines in lateral abdominal fringe; tail markedly ...
flattened; dark mid-dorsal streak; ventral abdominal scales im-....
maculate white. Southeastern California, southwestern Ari-....
zona and northeastern Baja California mcallii
14. One row of soft spines in lateral abdominal fringe; tail rounded or ...
only slightly flattened; dark mid-dorsal streak absent; dark ..
flecks usually present on the ventral abdominal scales... 15
15. Three long temporal spines, occipital spines tend to curve later-
ally; usually only the last three chinshields greatly enlarged. ..
Southern Arizona and northwestern Sonora.. platyrhinos goodie
15. Five medium sized temporal spines; occipital spines usually ...
straight; chinshields enlarging gradually from first to last.. 16
16. Occipital spines long (48-60% of length of head) and broad, .
giving them a heavy appearance; tail often slightly flattened .
posteriorly. Southern Utah, Arizona, southern Nevada, Cali-..
fornia into northeastern Baja California. platyrhinos ordinarium
16. Occipital spines short (45% or less length of head), tail rounded..
posteriorly. From Washington to southern Utah and southern..
Nevada platyrhinos platyrhinos
17. No lateral abdominal fringes; gular scales subequal. Southern..
Texas, New Mexico and northern Mexico.. modestum
17. One row of soft spines in lateral abdominal fringe; one row of..
slightly enlarged gular scales usually present on each side. 11
18. Head not strongly notched in occipital area; occipital spines one and...
one-half to two times as long as their basal diameter.. 19
18. Head distinctly notched, occipital spines usually less than one and ...
one-half times their basal diameter.. 22
19. Frontal area of head concave; occipital spines nearly erect;
temporal spines nearly horizontal; gular scales faintly keeled.
Guanajuato and Hidalgo.. boucardii
19. Frontal area flat; occipital and temporal spines both horizontal;....
gular scales smooth.. 20
20. Temporal spines extending backward farther than occipital .
spines; femoral pores usually in single series. Veracruz.....
... orbiculare cortezii
20. Temporal spines equal to or shorter than occipital spines; femoral ...
pores in single or double series 21
21. Occipital spines extending posteriorly beyond temporal spines; ..
femoral pores often forming a double series mesially; ventral ...
abdominal scales often covered with a dark reticulate pattern. ..
Plateau of Mexico. orbiculare orbiculare
21. Occipital spines and temporal spines projecting posteriorly an ..
equal distance; femoral pores 14-14 confined to a single row; ...
ventral abdominal scales not greatly darkened. Colima.
orbiculare dugesii

22. Length of tail approximately equal to width of head; gular scales ..
convex; chest scales faintly keeled. Durango and south central ...
Chihuahua douglassii brachycercum
22. Length of tail considerable more than width of head; gular scales ...
flat or slightly concave; chest scales smooth... 23
23. Temporal area convex; lateral profile of temporal forming .
a curved line if projected to near tip of jaw; length of occipital ...
and temporal spines less than their basal diameter, usually ..
projecting vertically. Width of head at angle of jaw greater ...
than across temporal area; temporal area and spines similar in
color to remainder of head... 21
23. Temporal area flattened; lateral profile of temporal spines forming ...
a straight line, if projected to angle of jaw; occipital and tem-....
poral spines usually as long as, or longer than, their basal ...
diameter, and generally projecting horizontally; width of ..
head at angle of jaw less than at temporal area; temporal area
and spines often lighter colored than rest of head... 25
24. Dorsal dark spots edged mesially and posteriorly in light cream; ..
nostrils always piercing the snout laterally. New Mexico, .
southeastern Utah and southwestern Colorado.........................
.. douglassii ornatissimum
24. Dorsal dark spots edged only posteriorly in cream; nostrils often ..
piercing snout anterolaterally. Western Kansas and Nebraska, .
eastern Colorado, Wyoming and Montana... douglassii brevirostre
25. Size large. Temporal spines one to one and one-half times as ..
long as their basal diameter, usually projecting horizontally. .
Southern Utah, Arizona and northern Mexico. douglassii hernandesi
25. Size small, temporal spines as long as their basal diameter; often .
projecting vertically. 26
26. Ground color pale, and pattern often only vaguely discernible; .
central and northern Utah, and northeastern Nevada....
.. douglassii ornatum
26. Ground color generally dark; pattern distinct. Eastern Washing-
ton and Oregon, northeastern part of California, Idaho and
northeastern corner of Nevada... douglassii douglassii
NOTAS: La clave incluye a especies que se distribuyen en USA.
CLAVE PARA LOS GRUPOS y ESPECIES DE Sceloporus
FUENTE: Smith, H. M. and E. H. Taylor. 1950. An annotated checklist and key lo the reptiles of Mexico exclusive of the
snakes. Bull. U. S. Natn. Mus. 199:1-253.
Se reproduce con permiso del 1er autor
1.
Postfemoral dermal pocket present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Postfemoral dermal pocket absent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.
Postrostral scales absent; nasals and internasals in contact with rostral . . . . . . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . maculosus
Postrostral scales present; internasals and nasals separated from rostral . . . . . . 3
3.
Tail strongly compressed in males, rounded and light pink in females; femoral pores
24 or more on each side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pyrocephalus
Tail rounded in both sexes, not pink in females; femoral pores 20 or less . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . variabilis
4.
Lateral body scales not imbricate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Lateral body scales imbricate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
5.
Preanal scales keeled in females; males with poorly developed postanals; no distinct
belly patches in males; tail over twice length of body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . utiformis
Preanal scales smooth in females; males with well-developed postanals; lateral belly
patches distinct in males; tail less than twice length of body . . . . . . . . . . merriami
6.
No postrostrals; nasals and internasals in contact with rostral . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Postrostrals present; nasal and internasals separated from rostral . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
7.
Dorsal scales 50 or more; femoral pores 17 or more; preanals smooth in females . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . scalaris
Dorsal scales 46 or less; femoral pores 16 or less; preanals keeled in females . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . siniferus
8.
Ventral scales, at least laterally, pointed, not notched; preanal scales keeled in
females; no lateral belly markings in males; femoral pore series widely separated
medially; two postrostrals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . siniferus
Ventral scales notched, or, if pointed, femoral pore series closely approximated
medially (separated by four scales or less); preanal sea les smooth in females.
............................................................... 9
9.
Males uniform white below; anterior section of frontal longitudinally divided;

femoral pore series widely separated medially . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . chrysostictus
Males with lateral belly patches distinct or, if not, anterior section of frontal
entire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
10. Femoral pores series closely approximated medially; two postrostrals; lateral
scales rows parallel or nearly so; scales on posterior surface of thigh granular;
small species . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . scalaris
Femoral pore series widely separated medially, or, if closely approximated
scales on posterior surface of thigh not granular; lateral scale rows strongly
divergent; typically four postrostrals, sometimes three, rarely two . . . . . . . . . . . 11
11. Scales on posterior surface of thigh granular . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Scales on posterior surface of thigh not granular . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
12. Dorsal scales highly irregular in size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . grammicus
Dorsal scales subequal in size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
13. Lateral nuchal scales much smaller than and well differentiated from dorsal
nuchal scales; scales of lateral row of dorsal nuchals enlarged, strongly keeled
and mucronate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . grammicus
Lateral nuchal scales not well differentiated from dorsal nuchal scales . . . . . . . . . 14
14. Throat light blue, barred or mottled with white; lateral belly parches confluent
medially; preanal scales large, about seven in a row from a line between femoral
pore series to anus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . grammicus
Throat not as described or, if so, lateral belly patches not confluent medially
and preanal scales smaller . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
15. Scales on posterior surface of thigh granular, femoral pore series widely
separated medially, the folds defining the preanal area passing between the
femoral pore series; throat mottled with blue and white, never with a distinct,
blue spot medially or on either side posteriorly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . graciosus
Scales on posterior surface of thigh not granular or, if so, femoral pore series more
closely approximated medially, the folds defining preanal area not or barely
passing between femoral pore series . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
16. Dorsal, ventral, and lateral scales subequal in size; small species . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . megalepidurus
Dorsal, ventral, and lateral scales distinctly differing in size; large or small
species . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
17. A distinct, dark, light-bordered nuchal collar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . torquatus
No distinct, dark, light-bordered nuchal collar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
18. Gular region mottled, not barred nor with a median or two lateral blue spots
posteriorly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . torquatus
Gular region not mottled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
19. Gular region barred in males and lacking a median posterior dark blue or
black spot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . spinosus
Gular region not barred; or if barred, with a median posterior dark blue or
black spot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
20. Gular region barred in males, with a median posterior dark blue or black
spot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . undulatus
Gular region not barred . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
21. Supraoculars large, separated from superciliaries by no more than one complete
and one incomplete row of small scales; and one or more of the posterior
supraoculars in contact with median head scales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Supraoculars large or small, if any of the posterior supraoculars are in contact with
median head scales, the supraoculars are separated from superciliaries by three
or more complete or incomplete rows of small scales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
22. Males lacking lateral belly patches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . undulatus
Males with lateral belly patches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
23. A pair of dark blue or black spots on posterior part of gular region . . . . . . . undulatus
No pair of dark spots on posterior part of gular region . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
24. Three or more rows of small scales between supraoculars and superciliaries; or,
if two, the scales of inner row considerably larger than those of outer row . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
One complete and one incomplete row of small, subequal scales between
supraoculars and superciliaries . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
25. One canthal, or. if two, the first forced above canthal ridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . formosus
Two canthals, the first not forced above canthal ridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
26. A broad, black nuchal collar complete about neck dorsally, or anterior section of
frontal longitudinally divided . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . formosus
Neither true . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . undulatus
27. Frontal ridges present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . formosus
Frontal ridges absent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . spinosus
28. Adult males a uniform bright green above . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . formosus
Not so . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . spinosus
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES MEXICANAS DE Sceloporus DEL GRUPO FORMOSUS
1. Median frontonasal separated from lateral frontonasals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Median frontonasal in contact with lateral frontonasals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2. Dorsals about 31; internasals large, keeled, 3 from rostral to median frontonasal
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . prezygus
Dorsals 37 to 45; internasals smaller, not keeled, rugose or not . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
3. A complete nuchal collar, sometimes narrowly interrupted medially . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . malachiticus salvini
Nuchal collar incomplete . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . malachiticus taeniocnemis
4. Anterior section of frontal usually longitudinally divided; canthals sharply ridged;
no nuchal collar; ventrals a fourth, laterals not more than two-thirds, size of
dorsal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . asper
Anterior section of frontal rarely longitudinally divided; canthals rounded; a nuchal
collar or not; ventrals a half, laterals three-fourths size of dorsals . . . . . . . . . 5
5. A broad, nearly or quite complete, nuchal collar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Collar, if present, restricted to sides of neck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
6. Femoral pores 12-16; one or more supraoculars generally in contact with median
head scales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . malachiticus acanthinus
Femoral pores 16-21; supraoculars not in contact with median head scales . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . stejnegeri
7. Males without yellow on throat; dorsal scale rows black edged; dorsal head sea
les with a light blue center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . formosus scitulus
Males with yellow or orange on throat; dorsal surface uniform blue; head scales
not light spotted . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . formosus formosus
CLA VE PARA LAS ESPECIES MEXICANAS DE Sceloporus DEL GRUPO SPINOSUS
1. Femoral pores on both thighs total 7 or more . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Femoral pores on both thighs total 6 or less . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2. Ventral surfaces immaculate in adults of both sexes . . . . . . . . horridus alviventris
Sides of belly blue, frequently dark-bordered, in males; gular region barred in males,
sometimes in female . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . horridus oligoporus
3. Supraoculars completely in contact with superciliaries, or with one to four very small
scales between; posterior superciliary greatly enlarged; venter immaculate
in both sexes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . edwardtaylori
Supraoculars separated from superciliaries by at least one row of small scales;
posterior superciliary not enlarged; venter with distinct markings in males . . . . . 4
4. Femoral pores on both thighs total 12 or less; 4 supraoculars, the fourth in contact
with median head scales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . horridus horridus
Femoral pores on both thighs total 13 or more; or, if 12, al! supraoculars separated
from median head scales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
5. Femoral pores (one side) 17 or more . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Femoral pores (one side) 16 or less . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

6. A black shoulder patch present, with a light posterior border . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
No black shoulder patch; or. if present, without a light posterior border . . . . . . . . . . . 7
7. Snout black; a broad, black bar across head at middle of supraocular region; chest
and middle of belly orange in males; gular region in females white with
irregular, black marks; first canthal not in contact with lorilabials; ventral scales
44-54 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Snout not black, similar in color to rest of head; no black bar across head; chest
and middle of belly not orange; gular region in both sexes bluish, with light lines
following scale rows at anterior part of throat; first canthal in contact with
lorilabials; ventral scales 38-42 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . magister lineatulus
8. Femoral pores usually (84 percent) 20 or less on each side; total pore counts
usually (80 percent) 40 or less . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Femoral pores usually (78 percent) 21 or more on each side; total pore counts
usually (83 percent) 41 or more; lateral belly patches usually not confluent
medially in males . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . melanorhinus melanorhinus
9. Lateral nuchal pocket greatly reduced, with very few if any granules, and very little
if any bare skin, shallow . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . melanorhinus stuarti
Lateral nuchal pocket with numerous granules, considerable bare skin, and
considerable depth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . melanorhinus calligaster
10. One or more supraoculars in contact with median head scale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
None of supraoculars in contact with median head scales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
11. Gular region barred . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Gular region not barred . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
12. Dorsal scales usually more than 30; femoral pores usually more than 9 (one side);
supraoculars usually 5 to 7 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . spinosus caeruleopunctatus
Dorsal scales usually 30 or less; femoral pores usually 9 or less (one side);
supraoculars usually 4. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . spinosus
13. Belly patches in males continuous across chest; prefrontals never in contact; no
dorsolateral light lines in males; posterior surface of thigh mottled or with a
broad light line, dark-bordered . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Belly patches small, confined to sides of belly in males; prefrontals usually in
contact; dorsolateral light lines present in males; posterior surface of thigh
nearly immaculate or with a narrow, short black line near insertion of hind leg
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . olivaceus
14. Gular region barred . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Gular region not barred . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
15. Femoral pores 13 or more (one side) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . orcutti licki
Femoral pores 12 or less (one side) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . spinosus spinosus
16. Femoral pores (one side) 12 or less . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Femoral pores (one side) 13 or more . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
17. Outer row of labiomental scales in contact with mental . . . . . . . . . . magister magister
Outer row of labiomental scales separated from mental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
18. First canthal in contact with lorilabials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . orcutti orcutti
First canthal separated from loriabials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

19. Lateral scales about one-half size of dorsal scales; median frontonasal not in
contact with frontal; lateral belly patches in males not passing over chest . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Lateral scales considerably more than one-half size of dorsal scales; median
frontonasal usually in contact with frontal; lateral belly patches in males passing
over chest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
20. Dorsal markings absent or very dimly visible; a broad, light line on posterior
surface of thighs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . lundelli gaigeae
Dorsal markings present and distinct at least in females, consisting of narrow, dark
cross bars; posterior surface of thigh mottled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . lundelli lundelli
21. Femoral pores (one side) 10 or less . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Femoral pores (one side) 11 or more . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
22. First canthal rarely in contact with lorilabials; gular region never barred; outer row of
labiomentals rarely in contact with mental . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . clarkii boulengeri
First canthal usually in contact with lorilabials; guiar region barred, or outer row of
labiomentals sometimes in contact with mental (not in o. orcuttii) . . . . . . . . . . . 23
23. First canthal separated from labiomentals; femoral pores 16 or less; lower
fore-Iegs distinctly barred; guiar region never barred . . . . . . . . . . . . . clarkii clarkii
First canthal in contact with lorilabials, lower forelegs not barred distinctly . . . . . . . 24
24. Outer row of labiomentals in contact with mental; guiar region not barred;
shoulder patch distinct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Outer row of labiomental scales separated from mental; gular region barred or
shoulder patch indistinct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
25. Dorsal scales 32 to 40; femoral pores 13-19; usually one or more scales in
contact with both subocular and supralabials; a distinct, light-bordered black
shoulder patch Dorsolateral light lines present, indistinct posteriorly, the medial
edge sometimes indistinct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . orcutti licki
Dorsal scale s 28 to 36; femoral pores 10-15; usually 2 complete rows of lorilabials
below subocular; shoulder patch indistinct; no dorsolateral light lines . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . orcutti orcutti
26. Supraoculars usually 5; femoral pores (one side) usually 15 or less . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . magister magister
Supraoculars usuallv 6 or 7; femoral pores usually 16 or more . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
27. No dark lines in adult males on sides of lateral scale rows; femoral pores (one
side) usually less than 19; lateral belly patches confluent medially in adult males
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . magister rufidorsum
Dark lines on sides of lateral scale rows present in adult males; lateral belly patches
not confluent medially in adult males . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
28. A distinct, narrow dorsal stripe about 11/2 scale rows wide; females and young
with 2 rows of dark spots, one on each side of middorsal stripe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . magister monserratensis
A broad, light-colored dorsal area about 6 scale rows wide; dark spots on back
absent or indistinct . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . magister zosteromus
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES MEXlCANAS DE Sceloporus DEL GRUPO UNDULATUS
1. Supraoculars large, entire; femoral pore series separated by 9 or more scales; gular
patches small, widely separated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cautus
Supraoculars smaller, divided; femoral pore series separated by 8 or fewer scales, or,
gular patches large, often covering entire throat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2. Femoral pore series separated by 9 sea les or more; scales on posterior surface of
thigh abruptly differentiated from dorsal sea les of same member, the median
posterior scales not distinctly larger than adjacent lateral posterior scales . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . occidentalis biseriatus
Femoral pore series separated by 8 scales or less; sea les on posterior surface of
thigh gradually merging with larger dorsals of same member, at least the median
posterior sea les distinctly larger than the adjacent lateral posterior scales . . . . 3
3. Males without lateral belly patches; dorsolateral and lateral light stripes very clearly
defined . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . undulatus virgatus
Males with lateral belly patches; dorsolateral and lateral light stripes poorly defined
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . undulatus consobrinus
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES MEXICANAS DE Sceloporus DEL GRUPO GRAMMICUS
1. Dorsal scales unequal; a series of enlarged scales on each side of middorsal line,
separated from each other by small, flat scales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . heterolepis
Dorsal scales more or less uniform in size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2. Scales on sides of neck not abruptly differentiated from dorsal nuchal scales; no
enlarged series of scales on sides of neck; dorsal scales 48-66 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . grammicus grammicus
Scales on sides of neck abruptly differentiated from dorsal nuchal scales; two
series of enlarged scales on sides of neck posterior to ear; dorsal scale 5293 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
3. Dorsal scales usually less than 70 (52-74) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . grammicus disparilis
4. Dorsal scales usually 70 or more (68-93) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . grammicus microlepidotus
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES MEXICANAS DE Sceloporus DEL GRUPO MEGALEPIDURUS
1. Dorsal scales 44 to 56; scales between femoral pore series 2 to 5; basal

sub-caudals keeled in females; males with distinct blue are as on sides of
belly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . pictus
Dorsal scales 54 to 62; scales between series of femoral pores 4 to 8; basal
sub-caudals smooth in females; males immaculate below . . . . . . . megalepidurus
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES MEXICANAS DE Sceloporus DEL GRUPO TORQUATUS
1. Supraoculars in a single series, with no sea le divided . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Supraoculars in 2 series; or, if in one series, with one or more scales divided . . . . . 9
2. Femoral pores 8-14; dorsal scales 25-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Femoral pores more than 14; or dorsal scales more than 35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3. Dorsal nuchal collar broadly interrupted medially by a space about 5 scales wide;
throat mottled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . torquatus binocularis
Dorsal nuchal collar broad, complete; throat not mottled . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
4. Femoral pare counts on both sides usually total more than 21; dorsal scales usually
31 or more . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . serrifer plioporus
Femoral pare counts on both sides usually total les s than 22; dorsal scales generally
less than 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . serrifer serrifer
5. Dorsal scales 31 or less . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Dorsal scales more than 31 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
6. Nuchal collar divided on each side of neck, the area between lighter in color; dorsal
color light, with dark and light spots irregularly placed; size large (maximum
snout-vent measurement 129 mm.); dorsal scales more strongly keeled and
mucronate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . torquatus melanogaster
Nuchal collar broad, complete; dorsal color dark, without light spots; maximum
snout-vent measurement 98 mm.; dorsal scales more weakly keeled and
mucronate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . torquatus torquatus
7. Lateral scales about one-half as large as median dorsals . . . . . . . . . . . . lineolateralis
Lateral scales as large as or larger than dorsals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
8. Dorsal scales 40 or more; nuchal collar narrow, with light borders broken; a light
line on side of head and another on side of neck; each dorsal scale usually with
a light median spot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jarrovii jarrovii
Dorsal scales usually less than 40; nuchal collar broad, with unbroken light borders;
no light lines on sides of head and neck; no spots on dorsal scales . . . . . . bulleri
9. Lateral scales with the terminal point arising well within the free posterior margin;
dorsal scales 41 or more . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Lateral scales with the terminal point arising at or very near the free posterior
margin; head scales not microscopically rugose; no oblique dark blue lines on
throat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
10. Dorsal scales 47 to 54; throat with very distinct, oblique, dark blue lines; head
scales not microscopically rugose; oblique dark bands on sides of body distinct;
maximum snout-vent measurement 79 mm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . dugesii intermedius
Dorsal scales 41 to 50; throat without or with very faint oblique lines; head scales
microscopically rugose; oblique dark bands on sides of body indistinct or
absent; maximum snout-vent measurement 87.5 mm; femoral pores not over
13 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . dugesii dugesii
11. Dorsal scales 55 or more . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ornatus ornatus
Dorsal scales less than 55 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
12. Dorsal scales 47 to 53 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ornatus caeruleus
Dorsal scales less than 47 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
13. Tail with very distinct, broad, alternating dark and light bands, most distinct
toward tip, where they are complete; supraoculars in 2 complete rows; head
scales very irregular; light borders of nuchal collar broad; a broad light band
across neck behind occiput; preocular usually entire; inner row of labiomental
scales generally terminating at a point posterior to suture between second and

third infralabials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . poinsettii
Tail without distinct alternating dark and light bands of nearly equal width; bands
about tail not complete toward tip: dorsal scales 40 or less . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
14. Dorsal scales 31 or less . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Dorsal scales 32 or more . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
15. A middorsal series of very large, dark blotches, sometimes fused bandlike; all
except males with a pair of parallel, closely placed dark lines down middle of
throat; collar 4 scales long or less . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . mucronatus mucronatus
No middorsal series of dark blotches; parallel throat lines absent; collar involving
4 scale lengths or more . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . mucronatus omiltemanus
16. Each dorsal scale row, in adult males, with a longitudinal light line; dorsals 30 to
38 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . mucronatus aureoles
Scale rows not with continuous lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
17. Nuchal black collar 4 or 5 scales wide, bordered anteriorly and posteriorly by a
light band 1 or 11/2 scales wide; each border interrupted medially by a light
scale; snout-vent length often more than 100 mm., reaching 143 mm . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cyanogenys
Not so; maximum snout-vent length 100 mm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
18. Lateral body scales distinctly decreasing in size laterally, at a point halfway
between axilla and groin, distinctly smaller than dorsal scales . . . . . . . . . . 19
Lateral body scales not decreasing in size laterally at least up to a point halfway
between axilla and groin, where they are still subequal to, or even a little larger
than, middorsal scales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
19. Dorsal scales on lower foreleg about half size of those on upper foreleg; dark
transverse streaks in lateral belly patches; nuchal collar covering six scales
medially, or more . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jarrovii sugillatus
Dorsal scales on lower foreleg but little if any smaller than those on upper foreleg;
no dark streaks in lateral belly patches; nuchal collar less than four scales long
middorsally . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jarrovii immucronatus
20. Supraoculars essentially in 1 row; if an outer row is evident, it is composed of
scales much smaller than those of inner row, and usually number no more than
two . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jarrovii jarrovii
Supraoculars in 2 rows, those of outer row a little smaller than those of inner,
usually numbering 3 or more . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
21. Adult males black above and below, with orange areas and spots on sides of
head, belly, and tail; only throat, underside of tail, and posterior surface of hind
leg not black; females somewhat similar, very dark above, the collar poorly
defined, young with poorly defined, narrow, light borders on neckcollar; dorsal
scales average 37.5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jarrovii oberon
Adult males light brown above, with very broad, very well defined nuchal collar;
a median area on belly white except in very largest males; sides of abdomen
blue, black-edged; females and young with more distinct light borders on nuchal
collar; dorsal scales average 40.6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jarrovii minor
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES MEXICANAS DE Sceloporus DEL GRUPO VARIABILIS
1. Series of femoral pores separated medially by no more than 6 scales . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Series of femoral pores separated medially by 10 or more scales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2. Dorsal scales 69 to 76; scales around body 70 to 81; dorsal scales rows at nape
18 to 21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . parvus scutulatus
Dorsal scales 58 to 69; scales around body 61 to 69; dorsal scales rows at nape
15 to 18 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . parvus parvus
3. Ventral interfemoral scales separated from ventral thigh scales by a group of small
scales one-third or one-fourth size of adjacent scales; a rudimentary gular fold;
lateral scales much less than half size of ventral scales; dorsal scales 69 to
83 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . couchii
Ventral interfemoral scales more or less continuous with ventral thigh scales; no
rudimentary gular fold; lateral scales more than one-half size of ventral scales;
dorsals usually less than 69 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
4. Dorsal 36 to 47; subnasal usually absent; shank and posterior surface of lower
foreleg distinctly banded; spots on back distinct in both sexes; preocular usually
divided; frontoparietals usually in contact medially . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . teapensis
Dorsal scales 47 or more . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
5. Males and females immaculate below; femoral pores usually 9 or less on each side
(occasionally more in females); dorsal sea les 48 to 55; frontoparietals usually
separated by an azygous scale; preocular usually entire; subnasal rarely
present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Males white red, blue-bordered areas on sides of abdomen, sub nasal usually
present; frontoparietals usually to contact medially; preocular usually divided
............................................................... 7
6. Postrostrals usually 2, never 4; scales around body usually 53 to 58 . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cozumelae (mainland)
Postrostrals usually 4, rarely 2 or 3; scales around body usually 59 to 54 . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cozumelae (typical)
7. Dorsal scales 59 or more . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Dorsal scales usually less than 59; Dorsolateral light lines 1 and 2 half scales rows
wide posteriorly; maximum snout-vent measurement about 74 mm . . . . . . . . . . 9
8. Dorsolateral light stripes very distinct, 2 and 2 half scales rows wide posteriorly;
females with sides of belly marked as in males, but less distinctly; maximum
snout-vent measurement 71 mm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . variabilis smithi
Dorsolateral light stripes not so distinct, 1 and 2 half scale rows wide posteriorly;
spots between dorsolateral light stripes very distinct; females with sides of belly
immaculate; maximum snout-vent measurement 53 mm . . variabilis marmoratus
9. Femoral pores 12 or more . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . variabilis variabilis
Femoral pores 11 or less . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . variabilis olloporus
CLA VE PARA LAS ESPECIES MEXICANAS DE Sceloporus DEL GRUPO MERRIAMI
1. Anterior section of frontal usually divided; frontoparietals usually divided; outer row
of labiomental scales rarely terminating with the first scale wedged between
first infralabial and first postmental; head scales rugose; subcaudal surface
distinctly banded; gular bars extensive, confluent medially . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . merriami annulatus
Anterior section of frontal rarely divided; frontoparietals rarely divided; outer row
of labiomentals terminating with the first scale wedged between first infralabial
and first postmental; head scales smooth; subcaudal surface nearly or quite
immaculate, not barred; gular bars short, usually separate medially . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . merriami merriami
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES MEXICANAS DE Sceloporus DEL GRUPO SINIFERUS
1. Nasals and anterior internasals broadly in contact with rostrals; no postrostrals;

postanals enlarged in males; ventral scales notched . . . . . . . . . . . . . ochoterenai
Nasal and anterior internasals separated from rostral by two or more postrostrals;
ventral scales not notched . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2. One canthal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Two canthals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3. Femoral pores 11-12; dorsal scales 38-44 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . carinatus
Femoral pores 3-6; dorsal scales 28-37 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . squamosus

4. Femoral pores 3-11; postanals not or slightly enlarged in males . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . siniferus siniferus
Femoral pores 12-14; postanals distinctly enlarged in males . . . . . . siniferus cupreus
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES MEXICANAS DE Sceloporus DEL GRUPO SCALARIS
1. Nasal and internasals in contact with rostral; no postrostrals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . jalapae

Nasal and internasal separated from rostral by two postrostrals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2. Dorsal scales 50 or more; lateral scales in slightly, although distinctly, oblique
rows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . goldmani
Dorsal scales less than 50; lateral scales in parallel rows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
3. One canthal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Two canthals, the first occasionally forced above canthal ridge by contact of
second canthal and subnasal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
4. Males with much black in ventral coloration; females suffused with black below;
gular region never barred; black shoulder spot with a light blue spot, if present,
on its anterior edge; tail with a continuous dark median dorsal stripe; tibia/head
proportion usually less than 0.95; maximum snout-vent measurement 58
mm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . aeneus aeneus
Black, if present of ventral surface, confined to bars in guiar region, and a few
dark, transverse bars on sides of abdomen; black shoulder spot with the light
blue spot in its middle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
5. Tibia/head proportion usually less than 0.90; scales of second pair of postmentals
separated medially; dorsal scales usually more than 40; maximum snout-vent
measurement 61 mm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . scalaris slevini
Tibia/head proportion usually more than 0.90; scales of second pair of postmentals
usually in contact medially; dorsal scales usually less than 40; maximum snoutvent measurement 65 mm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . scalaris unicanthalis
6. Males with much black in ventral coloration; black shoulder spot with the light blue
spot, if present, on its anterior edge; tail with a continuous dark median dorsal
stripe; tibia/head proportion usually less than 0.90; maximum snout-vent
measurement 56 mm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . aeneus bicanthalis
Black, if present on the ventral surface, confined to bars in gular region, and a few
dark transverse bars on sides of abdomen; black shoulder spot with the light
blue spot in its middle; tail with dark chevron-shaped bars; tibia/head proportion
usually more than 0.90; maximum snout-vent measurement 78 mm . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . scalaris scalaris
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES MEXICANAS DE Sceloporus DEL GRUPO PYROCEPHALUS
1. Scales on posterior surface of thigh granular; postfemoral dermal pocket present . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . gadoviae
Scales on posterior surface of thigh larger, imbricate; no postfemoral dermal
pocket . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2. Dorsal scales larger, 36-41; females not red-headed; males with unbroken lateral
belly patches; dark spot on interparietal not enclosing or touching light pineal
spot . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . nelsoni
Dorsal scales smaller 41-50; females red-headed, conspicuously barred below on
throat; males (and usually females) with a series of broad dark bars on each
side of belly; a dark spot surrounding light pineal spot . . . . . . . . . . . .pyrocephalus
NOTAS: No se incluyen claves para las especies de los grupos maculosus, chrysostictus y utiformis que los autores consideraban
como monotpicas (otros autores ubicaron a stas especies en otros grupos). Se han descrito varias especies desde la publicacin
de esta clave como S. macdougalli (Smith, H. M. and C. B. Bumzahem. 1953. A new lizard of the genus Sceloporus from the
Isthmus of Tehuantepec. Herpetologica 9: 185-188); S. internasalis (Smith, H. M. and C. B. Bumzahem. 1955. The identity
of the transisthmic populations of the malachite tree-lizard (Sceloporus malachiticus Cope). Herpetologica 11: 118-120.); S.
subpictus (Lynch, J. D. and H. M. Smith. 1965. New or unusual amphibians and reptiles from Oaxaca, Mxico l. Herpetologica
21: 168-177); S. cryptus (Smith, H. M. and J. D. Lynch. 1967. A new cryptic lizard (Iguanidae: Sceloporus) with comments
on other reptiles from Oaxaca, Mexico. Herpetologica 23: 18-29); S. insignis (Webb, R. G. 1967. Variation and distribution
of the iguanid lizard Sceloporus bulleri, and the description of the related new species, Copeia 1967: 202-213); S. exsul (Dixon,
J. R., C. A. Ketchersied , and C. S. Lieb. 1972. A new species of Sceloporus (undulatus group; Sauria, Iguanidae) from Mexico.
Proc. Biol. Soc. Wash. 84: 307-312); Sceloporus adleri (Smith, H. M. and A. H. Savitzky. 1974. Another cryptic associated
of the lizard Sceloporus formosus in Guerrero, Mexico. J. Herpetol. 8: 297-303); S. tanneri (Smith, H. M. and K. R. Larsen.
1975. A new species of the formosus group of the lizard genus Sceloporus, Copeia 1975: 47-50); S. hunsakeri (Hall, W. P. and
H. M. Smith, 1979. Lizards of the Sceloporus orcutti complex of the Cape region of Baja California. Breviora 452: 1-26); S.
anahuacus y S. palaciosi (Lara Gngora, G. 1983. Two new species of lizards genus Sceloporus (Reptilia, Sauria, Iguanidae)
from the Ajusco and Ocuilan Sierras, Mxico. Bull. Maryland Herpetol. Soc. 19: 1-14); S. chaneyi (Liner E. A. y J. R. Dixon.
1992. A new species of the Sceloporus scalaris group from Cerro Pena Nevada, Nuevo Len, Mxico (Sauria: Iguanidae). Texas
Jour. Sci. 44(4): 421-427); as mismo varios taxones han cambiado su estatus taxonmico a nivel de especie y subespecie (FloresVillela, 1993.
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Sceloporus DEL SUR DE MEXICO

FUENTE: Peters, J. A. and R. Donoso-Barros. 1986. Catalogue of the Neotropical Squarnata. Part II. Lizards and
Amphisbaenians. Smithsonian Institution Press. 1.293 p.
Se reproduce con permiso de la Smithsonian lnstitution.
1. Bolsillo posfembral presente-------------------2

Bolsillo posfemoral ausente--------------------3
2. Escamas dorsales (desde el occipucio hasta
.encima del margen posterior del fmur) usual.mente menos de 48---------------------teapensis
Escamas dorsales usualmente ms de 48-----------------------------------------------variabilis
3. Diseo dorsal da la impresin de una lnea
.dorsolateral clara----------------------------4
Diseo dorsal extremadamente variable que nunca
.da la impresin de una lnea dorsolateral
.clara-----------------------------------------7
4. Poros femorales en total menos de 25-----------5
Poros femorales ms de 25----------chrysostictus
5. Una sola cantal--------------------------------6
Dos escamas cantales-------------------siniferus
6. Poros femorales en total ms de 12-----carinatus
Poros femorales menos de 12------------sguamosus
7. Con collar oscuro a los lados del cuello, en
.algunos casos completo a travs de los hom.bros; no quebrado mediodorsalmente------------8
Sin collar oscuro; con conspicuo parche oscuro
.en la nuca-------------------------melanorhinus
8. Una sola cantal--------------------------------9
Dos cantales----------------------------------10
9. Supraorbitales en dos filas---------malachiticus
Supraorbitales en una fila------------acanthinus
10. Ms de 35 escamas dorsales entre la interparie.tal y el nivel posterior del fmur------------ll
Menos de 35 escamas dorsales entre la inter
.parietal y nivel posterior del fmur---------12
11. Supraorbitales en una fila------------acanthinus
Supraorbitales en dos filas---------malachiticus
12. Parietales y frecuentemente frontoparietales

.separadas del supraorbital posterior por una
.fila de pequeas escamas-----------------------l3
Parietales en contacto con supraorbitales
.posteriores------------------------------lundelli
13. Fila inferior de labiomentales extendindose
hasta contactar con segunda posmental-----prezygus
Fila inferior de labiomentales extendindose
slo hasta tercera posmental--------------serrifer
CLAVE PARA ALGUNAS ESPECIES DEL GRUPO formosus DE Sceloporus

FUENTE: Stuart. L. C. 1971. Comments of the malachite Sceloporus of southern Mexico and Guatemala. Herpetologica
27(3): 235-250.
Se reproduce con permiso del editor de Herpetclogica.
1. Generally a single canthal 2

Generally two canthals . 3
2. Dorsal scales usually 40 or fewer, supraoculars generally in a
single row .. acanthinus
Dorsal scales usually more than 40; supraoculars in a double
row . Smaragdinus
3. Supraocular formula generally less than 4/3 4
Supraocular formula generally 4/3 or more .. 5
4. Nasal generally in contact with loreolabials; collar broken middorsally by 7 or more scale rows .. lunaei
Nasal generally separated from loreolabials, collar broken middorsally by fewer than 7 scale rows . Internasalis
5. Dorsal scales generally fewer than 44; collar broken middorsally
generally by no more than 6 scale rows . t. taeniocnemis
Dorsal scale rows generally 44 or more; collar broken middorsally
generally by more than 6 scale rows . t. hartwegi
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Uma

FUENTE: Smith, H. M. and E. H. Taylor. 1950. An annotated checklist and key to the reptiles of Mexico exclusive of the
snakes. Bull. U. S. Natn. Mus. 199: 1-253.
1. Two strongly enlarged auricular lobules; a black bar on rear of femur; dorsal pattern
with 3 median rows of spots and black chevrons with reticulum outlining whitish
dots or blotches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . exsul
Four strongly enlarged auricular lobules; no black bar on femur . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2. Ventrolateral blotch smaller; femoral pores 20-31, usually fewer than 26 . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . notata notata
Ventrolateral blotch larger; femoral pores 23-32, usually more than 26 . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . notata cowlesi
NOTAS: Esta clave no incluye la especie Uma paraphygas, descrita posteriormente (Williams, K. L., P. S. Chrapliwy, and
H. M. Smith. 1959. A new fringe-footed lizard (Uma) from Mexico. Trans. Kansas Acad. Sci. 62(2): 166-172).
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Urosaurus

FUENTE: Smith, H. M. and E. H. Taylor. 1950. An annotated check list and key to the reptiles of Mexico exclusive of the
snakes. Bull. U. S. Natn. Mus. 199: 1253.
1. Enlarged anterodorsal femoral scales smooth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . auriculatus

Enlarged anterodorsal femoral scales strongly keeled auriculatus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2. Enlarged dorsals in a single broad band, uninterrupted by an intervening series of
small scales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Enlarged dorsals separated into two or more parallel series by the presence of a
vertebral series of smaller scales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3. Tail two or more times length of head and body combined . . . . . . . . . . . . . . graciosus
Tail less than twice length of head and body combined . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
4. Dermal folds, when present, not heavily crested with tubercles; blue abdominal
patches only in males; enlarged dorsals comparatively small . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Dermal folds present, always crested with tubercles of fairly large size; abdominal
blue patches sometimes in females as well as males . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
5. Enlarged dorsals larger, from 17 to 24 in length of head from tip of snout to
posterior edges of interparietal; gular region in males deep yellow or orange
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . nigricaudus
Enlarged dorsals smaller, 32 to 36 in length of head from tip of snout to posterior
edges of interparietal; gular region in males usually blue . . . . . . . . microscutatus
6. Four to sevcn rows of enlarged dorsal scales; abdomen of both sexes with a blue
wash and/or blue patches; dorsolateral folds not converging in sacral region
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . gadovi
About three rows of enlarged dorsal scales; only males with a blue abdomen;
dorsolateral folds converging in the sacral region to form prominent ridges .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . irregularis
7. Three or fewer rows of lateral tubercles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Four or more rows of lateral tubercles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
8. Enlarged dorsal commencing caudad of a line joining the anterior point of insertion of
the
forelimbs;
dorsals
weakly
keeled,
rounded
posteriorly,
prominently
pavemented; general habitus not at all rugose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . unicus

Enlarged dorsal commencing craniad of a line joining the anterior point of insertion
of the forelimbs, for else equal with such a line; dorsals prominently keeled,
usually mucronate or spinose, imbricate; ventrals imbricate; general appearance
rugose . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
9. Form rugose; enlarged dorsals strongly carinate and prominently mucronate;
tubercles of lateral and dorsolateral folds well developed; ventrals mucronate;
gular surface generally stippled, with a light median area; blue abdominal
patches of males quite extensive . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bicarinatus bicarinatus
General appearance somewhat less rugose; enlarged dorsals not so often mucronate;
tubercles smaller; sometimes absent; ventrals less mucronate, occasionally
rounded; gular surfaces evenly stippled; abdominal blue of males sometimes
restricted 10 small sternal patches . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
10. Ventrals rounded; dorsolateral and lateral tubercles very poorly developed; enlarged
dorsals commencing on the nape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bicarinatus nelsoni
Ventrals submucronate to mucronate; dorsolateral and lateral tubercles well
developed; enlarged dorsals commencing on the shoulders just craniad of a line
joining the anterior points of the insertion of the forelimbs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
11. Ventrals
mucronate,
prominently
carinated
laterally;
gular
scales
with
the
tendence toward pavementation, especially anteriorly; gular surfaces evenly

stippled; abdominal blue of males restricted to small sternal patches . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bicarinatus anonymorphus
Ventrals submucronate (occasionally rounded only faintly keeled on the lateral
portions of the belly, or else not at all; gular scales imbricate; gular region with an
even blue wash, an only barely flecked it at all; abdominal blue of males evenly
distributed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bicarinatus tuberculatus
12. Enlarged dorsals commencing on nape . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Enlarged dorsals commencing on shoulders or caudad of them . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
13. Enlarged dorsals strongly keeled; scales of primary and secondary series almost
equal in size; postfemoral dermal pocket absent or rudimentary; no prominent
lateral pattern of dark whorls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . clarionensis
Enlarged dorsals not so rugose, sea les of primary series prominently larger than
those of the secondary series; postfemoral dermal pocket regularly present; a
distinct lateral pattern of dark whorls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ornatus schottii
14. Tail two or more times length of head and body combined . . . . . . . . . . . . . . graciosus
Tail less than twice length of head and body combined . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

15. Enlarged dorsals extending onto basal portion of tail for a distance equal to length
of femur, or more; entire gular region, including sublabials, a uniform bright
blue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ornatus caeruleus
Enlarged dorsals extending onto basal portion of tail for a distance equal to less
than length of femur; entire gular region including sublabials never completely
blue . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
16. Enlarged dorsals often irregularly arranged; lateral tubercles not affecting diagonal
arrangements; average size less than 45 mm. from snout to vent . . . . . . . . . . 17
Enlarged dorsals regularly arranged in parallel series on either side of the
vertebrals; tubercles in parallel diagonal series; average size greater than 45
mm. from snout to vent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
17. Scales of primary series not twice as large as those of the secondary series;
largest of the dorsals inferior in size to enlarged femorals and tibials; ventral
interhumeral and interfemoral areas immaculate, or but slightly stippled . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ornatus schmidti
Scales of primary series almost twice as large as those of secondary series;
largest of dorsals equal to, or larger than, enlarged femoral and tibial scales;
ventral interhumeral and interfemoral areas heavily maculated . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ornatus ornatus
18. Largest of dorsals equal to, or larger than enlarged femoral; vertebral extending
onto basal portion of tail for a distance equal to half, or slightly more, of length
of femur; entire gular region in males, except sublabials, an intense blue; head
length/head width ratio averaging 81 percent . . . . . . . . . . . . . ornatus chiricahuae
Largest of dorsals inferior in size 10 enlarged femorals; vertebrals extending only
onto rump, or but slightly farther; no uniform intense blue color present in male
gular region; head length/head width ratio averaging 75 percent or less . . . . . . 19
19. Enlarged dorsals separated into 2 parallel series by width of vertebral series,
which is greater in width than broadest of enlarged dorsal; prefrontals and
frontonasals usually 3 each; general coloration pallid. light tan above, whitish
below, males with bright-blue abdominal parches: average head length/width
ratio 75.4 percent; average length, snout to vent 55.1 mm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ornatus symmetricus
Enlarged dorsals separated by vertebral series whose with is less than that of
largest of dorsal scales; prefrontals 2, rarely 3 (by inclusion of an azygous);
frontonasals 5; general color variable, but usually dark brown or gray with dark
cross bands, and heavily stippled, spotted, or blotched ventrally; abdominal
patches in males dark blue 10 indigo; average head length/head width ratio 70.6
percent; average length, snout to vent 46.4 mm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ornatus linearis
NOTAS: Recientemente Wiens (1993. Phylogenetic systematics of the tree lizards (genus Urosaurus). Herpetologica 49(4):
399-420) analiza la filogenia de este gnero y no reconoce subespecies.
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Uta

FUENTE: Ballinger, R. E. and D. W. Tinkle. 1972. Systematics and evolution of the genus Uta (Sauria: Iguanidae). Misc.
Publs. Mus. Zool. Univ. Michigan (145): 1-83.
1a
1b
2a
2b
3a
3b
4a
4b
5a
5b
6a
6b
7a
7b
8a
8b
9a
9b
Ventrals 75 or more, gulars generally more than 38 ...... 2

Ventrals 74 or fewer, gulars generally fewer than 37 3
Dorsals 103 or more ..... palmeri
Dorsals fewer than 95 ...... antiqua
Auricular lobules poorly developed (width at base equal to or greater
than length), usually 2-3; dorsals not imbricate, widely spaced
with intervening granules conspicuous ... stellata
Auricular lobules well developed (width at base less than length),
usually more than 3, dorsals varied but not as above ... 4
Venter completely dark; dorsal pattern unicolor; superciliaries 6
(60%) 0r 5 (40%), dorsals always more than 95 ...... nolascensis
Venter light; dorsal pattern not unicolor; superciliaries 4-5, rarely 6
(1%); dorsals variable in number, but commonly fewer than 95 ..... 5
Two scales between posterior canthal and supralabial; scales between
enlarged supraocular and third superciliary 1-2; ventrals more
than 65 antiqua
Scales between posterior canthal and supralabial usually more than 2;
scales between enlarged supraocular and third superciliary usually
more than 2; ventrals varied but usually fewer than 65 6
Prefrontals not in contact, separated by an anterior projection of the
frontal dorsals usually 80 or fewer and never more than 84; nonkeeled dorsals 10 or fewer, scales at tail base predominantly
green squamata
Prefrontals in contact or separated by a small scale, rarely separated
by an anterior projection of the frontal; dorsals more than 83,
rarely fewer than 80 (except Angel de la Guarda where non-keeled
dorsal, usually more than 10); non-keeled dorsals averaging more
than 10 .. 7
Dorsal color pattern generally composed of dorsolateral light stripes
at least just behind head; body size of adult males greater (maximum 58 mm); males rarely spotted .. 8
Dorsal color pattern never composed of dorsolateral light stripes; body
size of adult males less (maximum 54 mm (9a), 56 mm (9b)); males
spotted ... 9
Interfemorals usually fewer than 8 (average 6.8) stansburiana stejnegeri
Interfemorals usually more than 8 (average 12.4) . stansburiana elegans
Dorsal scales weakly keeled not conspicuously imbricate nor spinose;
non-keeled dorsals usually more than 30 and as many as 70; spotted
pattern in males (spots small); female pattern of small dark pots over
lighter background ... stansburiana stansburiana
Dorsal scales keeled to strongly keeled, imbricate, mucronate to spiny;
non-keeled dorsals usually fewer than 30, never more than 38, mean
number varying from 12 to 26; spots on males conspicuously
larger; female pattern variable but not as above stansburiana taylori

NOTAS: Se han descrito nuevas especies (Grismer, L. L. 1994. Three new species of intertidal side-blotched lizards (genus
Uta) from the Gulf of California, Mxico. Herpetologica 50(4): 451-474) en este gnero, no contempladas en ninguna clave.
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Anolis

FUENTE: Lieb, C. S. 1995. Preliminary key to the anole lizards of Mexico. En O. Flores V., F. Mendoza Q. y G. Gonzlez
P. (comps.). Recopilacin de claves para la determinacin de anfibios y reptiles de Mxico. Facultad de Ciencias, UNAM.
Production of a key to the anole lizards of Mxico is an

insidiously reckless task. Because many of the species of anoles
in Mxico are poorly diagnosed, I have been reluctantly forced to
employ many male throat fan as well as "geographic" characters.
Consequently, this key will work best (only?) when one has in
hand a live adult male of known geographic provenance. Where I
am reasonably confident of the distribution of a nominal taxon, a
summary of the taxon's ecological and geographic range has been
set in brackets at the end of the couplet.
An astute student of Mexican herpetological nomenclature
will note that not all the species considered part of the Mexican
anole fauna (as listed in Flores-Villela, 1993: Herpetofauna
Mexicana, Carnegie Mus. Nat. Hist. Spec. Pub. 17:26-17) are
included in the key. I have attempted herein to keep only
available names currently in use and as can be applied to
populations of anoles in Mxico that either still exist or were
known to exist in the previous half century. Therefore excluded
from the key are nominal taxa that have yet not been studied
enough to be allied with any extant population in Mxico. These
taxa are: Anolis baccatus Bocourt, Anolis cumingii Peters,
Anolis cymbops Cope, Anolis schiedii (Wiegmann), and Anolis
utowanae Barbour. Eventually these names may be applied to "rediscovered" populations, or they will be shown to be synonyms
(junior or senior) of more well-used names. I have been very
liberal in the inclusion of other named taxa, with the sole
exception of Anolis breedlovei Smith and Paulson (the subject of
work that should be completed by the time this key appears).
Nevertheless, several of the anole species ostensibly recognized
here may not be considered valid in the future, and there are
additionally two unnamed species known to me that could not be
included. Forthcoming individual works by myself and others, and
an eventual checklist and taxonomic review of the Mexican anole
fauna, will address these matters in some detail.
I have eschewed the recognition of subspecies where only one
is recognized as occurring in Mxico, as well as for three races
that I perceive at this writing to be poorly differentiated from
their nominal forms: Anolis pentaprion beckeri Boulenger, Anolis
rodriguezi microlepis Alvarez del Toro and Smith, and Anolis
tropidonotus spilorhipis Alvarez del Toro and smith. However,
the I have included couplets for two subspecies for which there
is strong morphological or behavioral evidence suggesting they
are distinct species from other Mexican populations allocated to
the nominal subspecies. These two are Anolis lemurinus bourgeaei
Bocourt, Anolis pentaprion cristifer smith.
la.
Axillary pit present; head scales strongly keeled............ 2
lb.
Axillary pit absent; head carination variable................ 4
2a.
Maximum snout-vent length 45mm; enlarged dorsals to a

snout-ear head length 20 or more [Atlantic lowlands of
Chiapas, Oaxaca, and southern Veracruz].............. uniformis
2b.
Size larger, maximum snout-vent length greater than 50mm;

enlarged dorsals to a head length 19 or fewer................ 3
3a.
Throat-fan reddish purple; ear opening at least twice the

size of interparietal scale [inland areas of Atlantic
versant from the Isthmus of Tehuantepec to west-central
Chiapas]....................................... compressicaudus
3b.
Throat fan orange with dark spots; ear opening usually less
than 1.5 times the size of the interparietal [inland areas
of Atlantic Versant from central Veracruz to Chiapas]
.................................................. tropidonotus
4a.
Lateral scales subequal, without scattered enlarged, conical

scales; ventral body scales smooth or keeled; head scales
variable..................................................... 5
4b.
Enlarged, conical scales scattered among flat, granular

lateral scales; ventral body scales strongly keeled and
leaf-imbricate; head scales keeled to rugose; anoles from
montane coniferous forest of Chiapas........................ 45
5a.
Tail strongly compressed, with an enlarged crest or a

serrated middorsal ridge composed of enlarged scales......... 6
5b.
Tail round, ovoid or slightly compressed in cross-section;

tail crest or serrated middorsal ridge absent, or with only
a slightly enlarged middorsal row of scales.................. 9
6a.
Ventral scales smooth........................................ 7
6b.
Ventral scales strongly keeled, or mixed of smooth and

weakly keeled scales......................................... 8
7a.
Hind limbs long, Cozumel Island (historically); throat-fan

yellowish or greenish, sometimes with orange border...........
.................................................. cristatellus
7b.
Hind limbs short; not; from Cozumel Island; throat fan of

males reddish............................................... 22
8a.
Middorsal ridge of tail formed by a single row of enlarged

keeled scales; throat fan of adult males orange; maximum
snout-vent length to 65 mm [coastal Caribbean areas in
edificarian, beach or disturbed habitats; widely distributed
on offshore islands].................................... sagrei
8b.
Middorsal ridge of tail formed by two parallel or

alternating rows of subequal keeled scales; throat-fan of
adult males reddish with black suffusionsi maximum
snout-vent length to over 100 mm (semi-aquatic in Atlantic
versant foothills of Chiapas and Oaxaca, disjunct population
in Tuxtlas region of Veracruz.......................... barkeri
9a.
Anoles from the valley of the Rio Bravo del Norte in

Tamaulipas, Nuevo Leon, or Coahuila, or introduced elsewhere
in northeastern Mxico; dorsum bright green; interior of
male throat fan uniform pink or red without dark spot;
snout-vent maximum to 75mm........................ carolinensis
9b.
Anoles not fitting above distribution and description....... 10
lOa. Suprocular disk scales small or fragmented, never

transversely enlarged and always with distinct keels; most
anterior head scales keeled or rugose; canthus rostralis
sharply defined; ventral s smooth, weakly keeled, or in
mixtures thereof snout-vent length maximum less than 65 mm;
premontane and cloud-forest anoles from Chiapas, Oaxaca,
Veracruz, or Hidalgo........................................ 11
lOb. Supraocular disk scales variable, keeled or not; anterior
head scales with keels or smooth; canthus rostralis sharp or
poorly defined, ventrals smooth or keeled, but if weakly
keeled or mixed, then snout vent maximum more than 80mm;
diverse habitats............................................ 18
lla. Enlarged dorsal scale rows present snout-vent length
maximum less than 45mm...................................... 12
llb. Enlarged dorsal rows absent snout-vent length maximum
exceeds 45mm................................................ 13
12a. Endemic to Los Tuxtlas region of Veracruz............ duellmani
12b. Endemic to Chiapas.................................... pygmaeus
13a. Endemic to Sierra Madre Oriental of Hidalgo.......... notofagus
13b. Anoles of Oaxaca or Chiapas................................. 14
14a. Endemic to Sierra de Juarez, Oaxaca................ polyrhachis
14b. Anoles of Chiapas, or elsewhere in Oaxaca................... 15
15a. Ventral s to a snout-ear headlength less than 44 [widespread
in cloud forest areas of northern and central Chiapas and
adjacent SE Oaxaca]................................... cuprinus
15b. Ventrals to a snout-ear headlength more than 44............. 16
16a. Dorsals to a snout-ear headlength less than 55 [Endemic to

Berriozabal region, Chiapas]................... parvicirculatus
16b. Dorsals to a snout-ear headlength more than 55.............. 17
17a. Endemic to Sierra de Soconusco, southern Chiapas....... matudai
17b. Endemic to Cerro Zempoaltepec region, Oaxaca........... milleri
18a. Lower leg very long, greatly exceeding distance from tip of
snout to auricular opening; snout-vent length maximum to 85
mm; throat fan of adult males green or yellowish [Atlantic
versant rainforest areas of Chiapas and Tabasco]........ capito
18b. Lower leg length about the same as snout-auricular opening
distance, or shorter........................................ 19
19a. Abdominal ventral scales smooth or pebble-like; thoracic
scales smooth or with weak keels............................ 20
19b. Abdominal ventral scales with evident keels................. 28
20a. Anoles of Veracruz, northern Oaxaca, or from regions east of
Isthmus of Tehuantepec...................................... 21
20b. Anoles from west of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, but not from
Veracruz or northern Oaxaca................................. 23
21a. Lower leg much shorter than distance from tip of snout to
posterior border of eye; ventrals somewhat rounded to
protuberant; tail crest present or absent; maximum adult
size greater than 50mm; throat fan of adult males reddish;
dorsum grayish with or without lichen-like markings or
diffuse white spots......................................... 22
21b. Lower leg about the same length as snout-eye distance, or
longer; ventrals f!at to somewhat rounded; row of enlarged
or serrated middorsal tail scales absent; maximum adult size

less than 50mm; interior throat fan of males white or yellow
[Atlantic versant lowlands, including Yucatan Peninsula]
................................................... rodriguezii
22a. Snout-vent length maximum 75mm [Atlantic versant lowland,
including Yucatan Peninsula)............. pentaprion pentaprion
22b. Snout-vent length maximum greater than 75mm [Pacific
versant lowlands of southern Chiapas]..... pentaprion cristifer
23a. Anole of southern Oaxaca; thoracic scales smooth or with
weak keels; snout-vent length maximum in excess of 105 mm
[endemic to Sierra Madre del Sur of Oaxaca]........... macrinii
23b. Anoles of Guerrero or Michoacan; all ventral scales smooth,
snout-vent length maximum less than 100mm................... 24
24a. Hind leg short, not reaching to ear opening when adpressed;
snout-vent length maximum less than 50rnm; throat fan yellow
or yellow-orange [montane forest, Guerrero]........ omiltemanus
24b. Hind leg longer, reaching at least to ear opening when
adpressed; snout-vent maximum more than 50rnm, throat fan
with pink, red-orange, orange, or violet.................... 25
25a. Interior of throat fan of adult males uniform pink.......... 26
25b. Interior of throat-fan bright red, orange, purple red, or
bluish purple, often with faintly contrasting bands......... 27
26a. Dorsal body pattern with dark reticulations; maximum snout
vent length to 80mm [endemic to Tierra Colorada region,
Guerrero................................................ gadovi
26b. Dorsal body pattern blotched, uniform, or with light lateral

stripes; snout-vent length maximum to 55mm [montane forest,
Guerrero]............................................ liogaster
27a. Throat-fan of males light purple with wide, reddish-purple
bands; snout-vent length to 80mm [endemic to Acapulco
region, Guerrero)...................................... taylori
27b. Throat-fan of males uniform orange red, or orange with wide,
orange-red bands; snout vent length maximum to 55mm [coastal
foothills of Guerrero and Michoacan]..................... dunni
28a. More than two rows of enlarged dorsal scale rows present.... 29
28b. No enlarged dorsal rows, or only the two paravertebral rows
somewhat enlarged........................................... 33
29a. Enlarged dorsal scale rows grade into granular laterals over
more than five scales rows.................................. 30
29b. Enlarged dorsal scale rows abruptly differentiated from
laterals over four or fewer scale rows...................... 31
30a. Body and head attenuate; supraoculars smooth or with a few
weak keels; throat fan of males reddish orange with a
discrete dark blue spot; snout-vent maximum to 45 mm [mesic
and subhumid habitats in foothil1s and lowlands on Atlantic
versant from central Tamaulipas through Chiapas; on Pacific
versant in Chiapas and Isthmus of Tehuantepec only]............
...................................................... sericeus
30b. Not fitting above description in body form, body size,

throat fan coloration and/or distribution................... 33
31a. Enlarged dorsal scale rows 8-14; anterior head scales and
weakly keeled or "wrinkled" in appearance;' maximum snoutvent length to 50mm, interior throat-fan of males reddish or
red-purple.................................................. 32
31b. More than 14 enlarged dorsal rows present; supraoculars
completely smooth; maximum snout-vent length 55mm, interior
throat fan of males pink or orange.......................... 33
32a. Anoles from foothill and premontane areas of Sierra Madre
del Sur of Guerrero............................. megapholidotus
32b. Anoles from foothill and premontane areas of Sierra Madre
del Sur of Oaxaca................................... nebuloides
33a. Anoles from below 1000m elevation in the Pacific lowlands
and foothills of Guerrero or Oaxaca, from Acapulco (Gro.)
region to the vicinity of Tapanatepec (Oax.)................ 34
33b. Anoles from elsewhere in Mxico............................. 35
34a. Anoles from rocky slopes and foothills on south side of the
Isthmus of Tehuantepec in southeastern Oaxaca; throat-fan
red or orange....................................... ishthmicus
34b. Anoles from lowlands and foothills from south-central
Guerrero to southwestern Oaxaca; interior throat fan of
adult males pink................................... subocularis
35a. Throat-fan of males amethyst purple; suproculars smooth,
usually with three or four transversely elonged scales
medially; snout-vent maximum 45mm, (interior mountains and
valleys of central, western and northern Oaxaca and adjacent

Puebla].............................................. guercorum
35b. Not fitting the above in throat fan color, maximum size
and/or distribution; supraoculars variable.................. 36
36a. Anoles of Chiapas, or from regions east and north of the
continental divide in other states.......................... 40
36b. Anoles of western and northwestern states, or from regions
west and south of the continental divide in Central Mxico
............................................................ 37
37a. Anoles from Izucar de Matamoros region, Puebla......... forbesi
37b. Anoles not from Puebla...................................... 38
38a. Anoles from oak-woodland areas in Chilpancingo region of
central Guerrero; interior of throat fan reddish...............
................................................ microlepidotus
38b. Interior throat fan of adult males orange or orange-brown;
not from Chilpancingo region of central Guerrero............ 39
39a. Ear opening smaller than interparietal; fourth toe pad
lamellae (phalanx two and three) more than 20; restricted to
coastal and foothill areas of Colima and Michoacan
...................................................... schmidti
39b. Fourth toe pad lamellae variable; ear opening at least as
large as interparietal, or if smaller, then not from coastal
Colima or Michoacan [Balsas drainage of Morelos, Mxico, and
Guerrero, Tepaltepec valley of Michoacan, foothills and
coasts from south-central Guerrero through Michoacan,
Colima, Jalisco, Nayarit and Sinaloa; southern Transverse
Volcanic Range of Jalisco and Michoacan, foothills of Sierra

Madre Occidental from Sinaloa to northern Sonora; Tres
Marias Islands....................................... nebulosus
40a. Lower leg (tibia) length about equal to or less than
distance from tip of snout to posterior border of eye....... 41
40b. Lower leg length longer than snout-eye distance............. 43
41a. Small anoles, maximum snout-vent length less than 50 mm;
throat fan of males white or light yellow without dark spots
or lines, although orange margin may be present [Atlantic
versant foothill and pre-montane woodlands from central
Veracruz through Oaxaca and Chiapas).............. laeviventris
41b. Giant anoles, maximum snout-vent lengths to 100 mm or larger
............................................................ 42
42a. Ventral scales between axilla and groin less than 60; dorsum
uniform green in life, or with chain-like reticulations on
sides; gular area with faint dark longitudinal streaks,
labial spotting absent; throat fan of males bluish
[premontane and rain forests of Chiapas, Oaxaca, and Los
Tuxtlas Region of Veracruz)......................... biporcatus
42b. Ventral scales between axilla and groin 60 or more, dorsum
brown or green in life, with irregular lichen-like pattern;
gular area with dark labial spots; throat fan of males
pinkish orange with two dark spots; ventrals strongly to
weakly keeled (premontane and cloud forest from eastern San
Luis Potosi south through Chiapas)..................... petersi
43a. Lower leg shorter than distance from tip of snout to

posterior border of ear opening; many scales of frontal
depression tricarinate; snout-vent length maximum 40 mm;
throat fan of males yellow in life [Pacific versant lowland
and premontane forest of Chiapas]................. dollfusianus
43b. Lower leg length about equal to or slightly longer than
snout-ear distance, or longer scales of frontal depression
unicarinate or smooth; snout-vent maximum to 90 mm; throat
fan of males orange or red [lowland and premontane forest of
both versants).............................................. 44
44a. Anoles of Atlantic versant from central Veracruz southward
........................................... lemurinus bourgeaei
44b. Anoles of Pacific versant of southern Chiapas..................
........................................... lemurinus lemurinus
45a. Dorsal body scales smaller than ventrals............ anisolepis
45b. Dorsal body scales about same size or larger than ventrals
..................................................... crassulus
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DEL GRUPO Anolis schiedii

FUENTE: Nieto-Montes de Oca, A. 1995. Key to the species of the Anolis schiedi group, north and west of the Isthmus of
Tehuantepec. En O. Flores V., F. Mendoza Q. y G. Gonzlez P. (comps.). Recopilacin de claves para la determinacin de
anfibios y reptiles de Mxico. Facultad de Ciencias, UNAM.
1A
Enlarged pre- and supra-antebrachials, supra- and postbrachials, pre- and

suprafemorals, and supra- and posttibials weakly, but distinctly, multicarinate;
shank length about equal to, or slightly greater than, DSHOE; scales on digital
pads about three or four times as wide as terminal phalanges . . . . A. rubiginosus
1B
Enlarged pre- and supra-antebrachials variable; multicarinate supra- and

postbrachials, pre- and suprafernorals, and supra- and posttibials, if present,
restricted to distal half of brachium, thigh, and shank, respectively; shank length
nearly equal to DSAE or greater; scales of digital pads about twice as wide as
terminal phalanges . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2A
Nasal and postrostral scales fused or distinct; paravertebral scales not distinctly
larger than scales in adjacent rows; middorsals 66--100 between levels of axilla
and groin; black U-shaped mark bordering parietal region posteriorly and
series of four or five small, dark, oval or irregular middorsal markings
usually present in males . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2B
Nasal and postrostral scales distinct; paravertebral scales slightly to

moderately, albeit distinctly, larger than scales in adjacent rows;
middorsals 44--76 between levels of axilla and groin; dark occipital and
middorsal markings in males absent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
3A
Middorsal scales 82--100 between levels of axilla and groin;

preantebrachials and supra-antebrachials mostly unicarinate (no or few
distal scales multicarinate at level of wrist); dorsal head scales usually
flat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. naufragus
3B
Middorsal scales 66--89 between levels of axilla and groin; some to most
preantebrachials and supra-antebraehials usually multicarinate; dorsal
head scales usually slightly to moderately bulging in large specimens,
especially males . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. schiedii
4A
Maximum SVL in males and females = 54.4 and 49.5 mm, respectively;
4--7 gorgetal-sternal rows; scales along middepth gorgetal-sternal rows
20--30 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. milleri
4B
Maximum SVL in males and females = 41.0 and 46.1 mm, respective/y;
6--8 gorgetal-sternal rows; scales along middepth gorgetal-sternal rows
17--21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. cymbops

FUENTE: Nieto-Montes de Oca, A. 1995. Key to the species of the Anolis schiedi group, south and east of the Isthmus of
Tehuantepec. En O. Flores V., F. Mendoza Q. y G. Gonzalez P. (cornps.). Recopilacin de claves para la determinacin de
anfibios y reptiles de Mxico. Facultad de Ciencias, UNAM.
1A
Parietal ridges usually well developed, rendering parietal region conspicuously

depressed; postanal scales moderately enlarged in males; pale, solid, funnelshaped middorsal mark on occipital region and anterior half of neck in males .
1B
Parietal ridges absent to moderately developed, parietal depression absent to

moderately developed; postanal scales in males usually not enlarged; funnelshaped mark absent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2A
Dewlap well developed in both sexes; yellow-orange with a royal blue central spot
in males; maximum SVL = 69.6 mm; no middorsal scale row on tail
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. johnmeyeri
2B
Dewlap small in females; dewlap uniform purple or rose with purplish spot;
maximum SVL s 60.0 mm; middorsal scale row on tail . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
3A
Horizontal loreal rows 6--7; middorsal scales 43--54 between levels of axilla and
groin; dorsal ridge absent or not prominent; dewlap rose with purplish spot
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. pijolense
3B
Horizontal loreal rows 7--9; middorsal scales 52--2 between levels of axilla and
groin; dorsal ridge prominent, at least in males; dewlap uniform purple
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. purpugularis
4A
Scales comprising supraorbital semicircles distinctly smaller than scales between

sernicircles; circumorbital rows usually complete, composed of small, granular
scales; 21--35 scales along middepth gorgetal-sternal rows; dewlap usually
yellowish orange with red central spot . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. parvicirculatus
4B
Scales comprising supraorbital semicircles usually about equal in size to, or

conspicuously larger than, scales between semicircles; circumorbital rows
(complete or incomplete) usually composed of both small and moderately
enlarged scales; usually 20 or fewer scales along middepth gorgetal-sternal
rows; dewlap color uniform pink, rose, red or purple (unknown in A. matudai)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
5A
Lorilabial row usually incomplete; three or four faint, pale, oblique lines usually
on flank, especially in males (one 011 region dorsal to arm and two or three
between levels of axilla and groin); nasal and postrostral scales usually fused;
shank length usually DSME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. cobanensis
5B
Lorilabial row usually complete; faint, pale oblique lines on flanks absent; nasal
and postrostral scales distinct, or shank length usually smaller than DSME . . . 6
6A
Nasal and postrostral scales fused; scales immediately anterior to enlarged

supraoculars usually small; middorsals 51--83 between levels of axilla and groin;
6 medial rows of dorsals distinctly larger than laterals . . . . . A. hobartsmithi
6B
Nasal and postrostral scales usually distinct; scales immediately anterior to

enlarged supraoculars small or moderately enlarged; middorsals 43--70 between
levels of axilla and groin; about 4--20 medial rows of dorsals distinctly larger
than laterals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
7A
Ventral scales usually weakly to moderately keeled on belly and chest; extensive,
black, diffuse coloration on flanks common in males . . . . . . . . . A. cuprinus
7B
Ventral scales smooth or only faintly keeled; black flank coloration in males
absent
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A. matudai
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Eumeces

FUENTE: Lieb, C. S. 1995. Key to Eumeces in Mexico. En O. Flores V., F. Mendoza Q. y G. Gonzlez P. (cornps.).
Recopilacin de claves para la determinacin de anfibios y reptiles de Mxico. Facultad de Ciencias, UNAM.
Elaborada por el autor para esta recopilacin
la.
Median
row
of
dorsal
adjacent scale rows
scales
conspicuously
wider
than
................................ 2
ib.
Dorsal scales subequal in size and shape
2a.
Top of head and neck dark with broad dorsolateral light

stripes;
snout-vent
Yucatan Peninsula
2b.
length
maximum
in
.............. 3
excess
of
100
mm;
...................... schwartzei
Top of head mottled, neck light with narrow dark lines;

snout-vent maximum less than 75mm; known only from valley of
the Ro Tepalcatepec, Michoacn
................ altamirani
3a.
Lateral scales in parallel rows
3b.
Lateral scales in oblique rows, adults yellowish with black

markings,
juveniles
uniform
spotting; northeastern states

4a.
white
labial
................. obsoletus
Middorsal light line terminates or bifurcates on the nuchal
Middorsal
tail;
Chiapas
5b.
with
...................................... 5
scales, or is absent
5a.
black
Middorsal light line present, terminating or bifurcating on

the frontal scale
4b.
....................... 4
light
tropical
.................................. 6
line
and
extends
throughout
premontane
forests
body
from
length
to
Veracruz
to
..................................... sumichrasti
Middorsal light line extends no more than a third of the

body length; southern sierra Madre Oriental and Occidental,
northern Transverse Volcanic Range
5a.
.............. lynxe
Scale lying medial to postgenial scale longer than wide;

middorsal light line present or absent
................. 7
species key, p. 2
6b.
Scale
lying
medial
to
postgenial
scale
middorsal light line invariably absent

7a.
wider
than
long;
................ 9
Dark lateral stripe terminates at shoulder, midbody, or on

tail within three to five scales posterior to the vent; or
such stripes and all other traces of pattern are absent;
western, northern and eastern states
7b.
Dark
lateral
stripes
present,
....... tetragrammus
extending
throughout
body
length and onto tail more than five scales posterior to the
vent
8a.
................................................... 8
Adults
five-lined,
with
the
light
middorsal
stripe
completely extending the length of the body; high elevations

in sierra Madre of Chihuahua
8b.
....... multilineatus
Adults multilineate, four-lined, or with a middorsal light

stripe
that
does
not
extend
past
midbody;
foothill
grasslands in Chihuahua (?)
............... multivirgatus1
9a.
Postnasal scales present
.............................. 10
9b.
Postnasal scales absent
............................. 12
10a. Baja California Norte, tails of juveniles blue or reddish

..................................................... 11
10b. Baja California Sur, tail reddish in juveniles
...........
...................................... lagunensis
11a. Dark lateral stripe extends onto tail for at least half of
its length tail blue in juveniles
11b.
Dark
lateral
stripe
terminates
vent, or such a stripe is absent

12a.
Supraoculars
.
three;
central
..... skiltonianus
on
tail
just
posterior
to
........ gilberti
part
of
Transverse
Volcanic
species key, p. 3
Range, Michoacn, Guanajuato, probably Mxico
.... dugesi
12b.
Supraoculars usually four
............................ 13
13a.
Dorsolateral light line restricted to third scale row on

neck; central part of Transverse Volcanic Range, Michoacn,
Mxico, D. F
13b.
...................................... copei
Dorsolateral light line on scale rows two and three on neck,

or on rows two, three and four
14a.
Dorsolateral
length
and
light
separated
lines
......................... 14
as
dorsally
distinct
by
two
throughout
body
two-half
scale
and
rows; maximum snout-vent length to 55mm; uplands of Guerrero

................................................. ochoteranae
14b.
Dorsolateral light lines usually less distinct on posterior

body,
usually
separated
dorsally
by
three
and
two-half
scale rows (if fully and narrowly striped, then not from
Guerrero)
15a.
Seventh
............................................. 15
supralabial
not
in
contact
with
upper
secondary
temporal; frontonasal usually contacts frontal; longitudinal

scale rows usually less than 26; fourth toe lamellae less
than 13; western states from Sonora to Michoacan
15b.
...... 16
Not fitting the above combination of characteristics
......
....................................................... 17
16a.
Interparietal
around
body
20;
seldom
enclosed,
foothills
and
longitudinal
mountains
scale
(1500-2300
rows
m)
of
Sierra Madre Occidental of southeastern Sonora, southwestern

Chihuahua and northern Sinaloa
16b.
............ parviauriculatus
Interparietal enclosed, longitudinal scale rows around body

.
species key, p. 4
22-26; lowlands and foothills (to ea. 1000 m) from southern
Sinaloa to Michoacan
17a.
...................... parvulus
Fourth toe lamellae 15 or more; longitudinal scale rows 26

or
28;
adpressed
limbs
overlap;
interparietal
enclosed;
Pacific coastal foothills from Michoacan to southern Sinaloa

............................................. colimensis
17b.
Fourth toe lamellae 15 or fewer longitudinal scale rows 26

or
fewer;
toes
interparietal
mountains
of
enclosed
adpressed
or
not
limbs
do
widespread
not
overlap;
in
interior
................................. brevirostris
The distribution of Eumeces multivirgatus in Mxico is poorly
understood
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DEL GRUPO Eumeces brevirostris

FUENTE: Dixon, J. R. 1969. Taxonomic review of the mexican skinks of the Eumeces brevirostris group. Contr. Sci. Los
Angeles Co. Mus. 168: 1-30.
1a. Three supraoculars .dugesii

1b. Four supraoculars (occasionally three) . 2
2a. Dorsolateral light line restricted to third scale row from middle of neck to
hind limb ...copei
2b. Dorsolateral light line on second and third or second, third and fourth scale
rows from middle of neck to midbody or hind limb . 3
3a. Longitudinal scale rows 26 to 28; fourth toe lamellae 15 to 17; toes overlap
when limbs adpressed along side of body .colimensis
3b. Longitudinal side rows 20 to 26; fourth toe lamellae 10 to 15; toes separated by five or more body scale when adpressed along side of body .. 4
4a. Transverse dorsal scale rows 49 to 57 (x = 53.7), maximum snout-vent
length 52 mm , 55 mm ; primary temporal contacting lower secondary temporal in 45 percent of population; dorsolateral light lines
separated from one another by two or two and two half-scale rows at
midbody ochoterenae
4b. Transverse dorsal scale rows 50 to 68 (x = 59.0), maximum snout-vent
length 70 mm , 73 mm ; primary temporal contacting lower secondary temporal in less than one percent of population; dorsolateral light
lines separated by three and two half-scale rows or four scale rows at
midbody ..brevirostris
KEY TO THE SUBSPECIES OF EUMECES BREVIROSTRIS
1a.
1b.
2a.
2b.
3a.
3b.
4a.
4b.
5a.
5b.
Interparietal usually enclosed by parietals.. 6

Interparietal usually not enclosed by parietals 2
Primary temporal usually present... 4
Primary temporal usually absent. 3
Broad lateral dark stripe on fourth scale row of body (Nuevo Leon,
Tamaulipas .b. dicei
Broad lateral dark stripe on third scale row of body (Nuevo Leon, Coahuila, Tamaulipas) ..b. pineus
Lateral light line present from ear to hind limb (Guerrero, Oaxaca)
..b. brevirostris
Lateral light line obscure or absent ... 5
Lateral light line from ear to arm on scale rows six and seven bordered
below by thin black line (Mexico, Morelos, Puebla, Veracruz) ..........
..b. brevirostris
No definite light line from ear to arm bordered below by thin black line
(longitudinal scale rows six, seven, eight, and nine may have light centered dark scales) ... 6
6a. Primary temporal absent in 60 percent of sample; no lateral light line on

neck; neck scales whitish from scale row five or six, grading into light belly
color; dorsolateral light line may extend to tail or beyond (Chihuahua,
Durango) b. bilineatus
6b. Primary temporal present in 96 percent or more of sample; lateral light
line of neck consists of a series of light centered, dark scales on scale rows
five, six, seven. eight, and nine, or any combination of these in sequence;
dorsolateral light line usually faint at shoulder and beyond (Morelos,
Mexico, Jalisco) .b. indubitus
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Eumeces tetragrammus

FUENTE: Lieb, C. S. 1985. Systematics and distribution of the skinks allied to Eumeces tetragrammus (Sauria: Scincidae).
Contr. Ser. Nat. Hist. Mus. Los Angeles Co. 357: 1-19.
la. Median row(s) of dorsal scales conspicuously wider than

adjacent scale rows . Eumeces Section 2
lb. Median row(s) of dorsal scales not noticeably wider
than scales of adjacent rows .
. Pariocela Section 4
2a. Most of the enlarged median dorsal scales in a single
row at midbody . E. taeniolatus Series 3
2b. Two rows of enlarged dorsal scales at midbody
E. schneideri Species Group and Series
3a. Two presuboculars posterior to second loreal
E. taeniolatus Species Group
3b. Three presuboculars posterior to second loreal .
. E. schwartzei Species Group
4a. Inferior lateral body scales in parallel rows .. 6
4b. Inferior lateral body scales in oblique rows ...................
... E. obsoletus Series 5
5a. Ground color of juveniles and subadults black, labials
white-spotted; dorsal scales of adults yellow to greenish-gray with black scale margins; black scale margins
occasionally expanded into dark body stripes ...
E. obsoletus Species Group
5b. Juveniles and subadults with distinct dark lateral stripes
and dorsolateral light lines; dorsum of adults bronze or
greenish with black suffusions on the anterior-medial
portions of most dorsal scales .
.. E. longirostris Species Group
6a. A middorsal light line present anteriorly or throughout
body length in juveniles and patterned adults; line
extending anteriorly on head terminating or bifurcating
on the posterior pan of the frontal scale .
.. E. lynxe Series 7
6b. Middorsal light line absent in juveniles and patterned
adults; or, if present, terminating or bifurcating on nuchal
scales . 8
7a. Middorsal light line extending posteriorly no more than
a third of the body length ..
E. lynxe Species Group
7b. Middorsal light line extending posteriorly throughout

body length to tail E. sumichrasti Species Group
8a. Scale lying medial to postgenial scale longer than wide,
dorsal median light line present or absent 9
8b. Scale lying medial to postgenial scale wider than long,
dorsal median light line invariably absent . 10
9a. Dorsolateral light lines occupying second and third lateral scale rows on the neck just anterior to shoulder
.. 10
9b. Dorsolateral light lines absent, or occupying third and
fourth, or fourth only, lateral scale rows on the neck
region just anterior to shoulder .. 12
10a. Postnasal scales absent ... 11
10b. Postnasal scales present ................................................
. E. skiltonianus Species Group
11a. Supraocular scales four, or if less than four, postmental
scale entire .. E. brevirostris Species Group
11b. Supraoculars three, postmental divided by a transverse
suture ... E. egregius Species Group
12a. Scales around body in more than 24 rows . 14
12b. Scales around body 24 or less 13
13a. Keeled lateral postanal scales present ..
.. E. fasciatus Species Group, in part
13b. Keeled lateral postanal scales absent
... E. multivirgatus Species Group, in part
14a. Single dark lateral stripe present on each side of the
body, terminating at the shoulder, at midbody, or on
the tail within three to five scales posterior of vent
. E. anthracinus Species Group, in part
14b. Single dark lateral stripe absent or extending throughout body length and onto tail for a distance considerably more than five scale-lengths posterior to vent
.. 15
15a. Postnasal scales present . 16
15b. Postnasal scales absent ... 17
16a. Scales around body 26 ... 13
16b. Scales around body 28 or more
.. E. fasciatus Species Group, in part
17a. Middorsal light line present in patterned adults and

juveniles, line bifurcating on the nuchals and extending
throughout body length .. 13
17b. Middorsal light line absent, or, if partially expressed,
does not form a bifurcating mark on the nuchals ..
.. 18
18a. Postmental scale divided by a transverse suture and the
light lateral line passes through the ear opening
... E. multivirgatus Species Group, in part
18b. Postmental scale entire, or, if divided, the light lateral
line above the ear opening
. E. anthracinus Species Group, in part
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Scincella

FUENTE: Smith, H. M. and E. H. Taylor. 1950. An annotated check list and key to the reptiles of Mexico exclusive of the
1. Frontoparietal divided; many median subcaudals in contact on each side with 2

scales KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK... 2
Frontoparietal single; median subcaudals in contact with only 1 scale on each
side KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK... 6
2. Usually 3 or more pairs of nuchals; upper tertiary temporal (occasionally split) in
contact with parietal; the 26-28 scale rows around middle of body; limbs short,
separated by 10-12 scales when adpressed KKKKKKKKKKK.. laterale
Two pairs of nuchals, or fewer; upper tertiary temporal separated from parietal by
contact of upper secondary temporal and nuchal KKKKKKKKKKK.... 3
3. Limbs when adpressed, touching or overlapping in adults, forelimbs reaching rear
corner of eye; scale rows at middle of body often 30 or 32 KKKKK........... 4
Limbs, when adpressed separated from each other by 1 or more scale lengths;
sea le rows at middle of body rarely 30 and apparently never 32 KKKKK.. 5
4. "Usually 1 pair of nuchals or less; lamellae under fourth 10e 19 or fewer;
dorsolateral light stripe continuous" KKKKKKKKKKKKK caudequinae
Usually 2 pairs of nuchals; lamellae under fourth toe 20 (constant?); dorsolateral
light stripe dark-spotted, interrupted KKKKKKKKKKKKKKK silvicola
5. Usually nuchals of the two sides 1-2 or more (89 percent); lateral light line along
head and neck poorly defined; axilla-groin/snout-vent percentage 59; 65 mm.
maximum snout-vent measurement KKKKKKK... gemmingeri gemmingeri
Usually nuchals of the two sides 1-1 or less (88 percent); lateral light line along
head and neck fairly well defined; axilla-groin/snout-vent percentage 56; 54 mm,
maximum-vent measurement KKKKKKKKKK.. gemmingeri forbesorum
6. Seale rows 30 or more KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK... 7
Scale rows less than 30 KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK. 9
7. Tail blue or blue-gray, with traces of a cross-banded pattern evidenced by feeble
dark bars visible lateral or by transverse series of light spots; legs longer,
usually overlapping in adults KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK 8
Tail pink or reddish, with no traces of a cross-banded pattern, but instead with a
longitudinal dark line on each side at least at base; legs shorter never
overlapping in adults; dorsal scales 65 to 79 usually 69 or more KKKKK
KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK assatum assatum
8. Dorsal scales 65 to 72, average 69.1 KKKKKKKKKKKKK cherrei stuarti
Dorsal scales 59 to 67, average 63.2 KKKKKKKKKKKK.. cherrei cherrei
9. Tail blue or blue-gray, with traces of a cross-banded pattern, evidenced by feeble
dark bars visible laterally or by transverse series of light spots; legs longer,
usually overlapping in adults; dorsal scales 54 to 60, average 57 KKKKK
KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK.. cherrei ixbaac
Tail pink or reddish, with no traces of a cross-banded pattern, but instead with a
longitudinal dark line on each side at least at base; legs shorter, never
overlapping in adults; dorsal sea les 58 to 72, average over 66 KKKKKK
KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK assatum taylori
NOTAS: Las especies assatum y cherrei fueron transferidas al gnero Sphenomorphus (ver Flores-Villela, O. 1993.
Herpetofauna Mexicana. Spec, Publs. Carnegie Mus. Nat. Hist. (17): 1-73.
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Ameiva

FUENTE: Echternacht , A. C. 1971. Middle American lizards of the genus Ameiva (Teiidae) with emphasis on geographic
variation. Misc. Publ. Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat Hist. 55: 1-86.
1. Ten to twelve longitudinal rows of

ventral scutes, mesoptychial scales
subequal, adults spotted ameiva
Eight longitudinal rows of ventral
scutes; transverse row of enlarged
mesoptychial
scales;
principally
striped 2
2. Posterior gular scales smaller than
anterior gular scales 3
Anterior and posterior gular scales
subequal in size 4
3. Postnasal scales not in contact with
prefrontals;
lateral
parietal
and
frontoparietal scales separated by one or
more rows of small, irregular scales:
midgular scales greatly enlarged,
irregular in arrangement leptophrys
Postnasal scales in contact wth prefrontals, parietal and frontoparietal
scales in contact; midgular scales
slightly to moderately enlarged, irregular or in a single longitudinal
row quadrilineata
4. Midgular scales much enlarged, irregular in arrangement; narrow, lightcolored vertebral stripe present except in
large adults festiva
Midgular scales much enlarged, in
longitudinal arrangement, or not,
moderately enlarged and irregular in
arrangement; no vertebral stripe 5
5. Small (maximum observed SVL 85

mm for males, 75 mm for females),
paravertebral stripe narrow (mean
PV = 37.1); dorsolateral blotches in
males fused to dorsolateral light
stripe chaitzami
Moderately large (maximum observed SVL 129 mm for males, 111
mm
for
females);
paravertebral
stripe broad (mean PV = 47.4 for
males, 46.4 for females); dorsolateral
blotches in males, if present, do not
fuse with dorsolateral light stripe
undulata
NOTAS: En Mxico solo ocurren las especies chaitzami y undulata.
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES MEXICANAS DE Cnemidophorus

Fuente: Smith, H. M. and E. H. Taylor. 1950. An annotated checklist and key to the reptiles of Mcxico exclusive of the
Se reproduce con permiso del 1er autor.
1. Only one frontoparietal scale KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK. 2

Two frontoparietals KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK.. 9
2. Dorsal surface unicolor, not striped or reticulate KKKK.. hyperythrus pictus
Dorsal surface striped or reticulate, not unicolor KKKKKKKKKKKKK. 3
3. Lateral stripes more or less broken; at least a few spots or cross bars present;
body often tessellated; adults larger KKKKKKKKKKKK... ceralbensis
Lateral stripes distinct and in even, continuous lines; spot and cross bars absent;
size always small KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK. 4
4. Usually 2 or 3 longitudinal light lines in vertebral area KKKKKKKKKK... 5
Usually 1 median dorsal light line, forked anteriorly or not KKKKKKKKK 6
5. Usually 3 light lines along middle of back; second supraocular usually without
granules between it an frontal KKKKKKKKK... hyperythrus hyperythrus
Usually 2 light lines; second supraocular usually at least in part separated from
frontal by granules KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK. hyperythrus beldingi
6. Dorsal stripe not of same intensity and width as lateral stripes but fainter and
usually narrower KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK.. 7
Dorsal stripe of same intensity and width as lateral stripes KKKKKKKK.. 8
7. More than half of second supraocular usually in contact with frontal KKKKK...
KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK hyperythrus schmidti
Half or less than half of second supraocular usually in contact with frontal KKK
KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK. hyperythrus beldingi
8. Ground color of sides (between the 2 distinct lateral stripes) reddish gray; dorsal
ground color gray or black, abruptly contrasted with lateral ground color KK..
KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK.. hyperythrus danheimae
Ground color of sides not usually reddish gray, but often reddish or brownish;
dorsal ground color of same general shade as that of the sides and not in
sharp contrast to it KKKKKKKKKKKKKKK.. hyperythrus caeruleus
9. Supraoculars normally 3; striped at least in the young KKKKKKKKKK 10
Supraoculars normally 4, or, if 3, no stripes at any stage, but a pattern of small,
scattered ligth spots on a dark background KKKKKKKKKKKKK.. 15
10. Scales between midventral scutes and anus 4 to 8; snout-vent measurement
never exceeding 92 mm KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK... 12
Scales between midventral scutes and anus 9 to 15; snout-vent measurement
reaching 138 mm KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK... 11
11. Adults and subadults spotted, the spots often dim KKKKK.. guttatus guttatus
Adults and subadults (as well as young) striped, the strip es sometimes broken
up into spots KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK guttatus immutabilis
12. An accessory scute between frontoparietal and parietal KK.. deppii cozumelus
No accessory scute KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK 13
13. Femoral pores usually 17 or fewer (81-82 percent) KKKKKKKKKKK. 14
Femoral pores usually 18 or more (94 percent) KKKKKKKK.. deppii deppii
14. Lower preocular generally (79 percent) in contact with loreal; a broad middorsal
light band KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK.. deppii lineatissimus
Lower preocular generally (73 percent) not in contact with loreal; narrow light
stripes on back as on sides KKKKKKKKKKKKKK deppii oligoporus
15. Enlarged scales immediately preceding gular fold (mesoptychials) small (not
more than 3 times diameter of smallest scales in median part of pregular fold);
of, if larger, no evidence whatever of longitudinal light lines, or else at least a
few dark spots on throat below level of ear openings KKKKKKKKK. 16
Mesoptychials larger; a lined pattern always present in the young, generally in
adults; no dark spots on throat below level of ear openings; or, if less than 3
times diameter of smallest seales in median part of pregular fold, 7 light lines
and
intervening
dark
spaces
absolutely
straight,
continuous
and
disconnected KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK.. 28
16. Mesoptychials moderately or eonsiderably enlarged, more than 3 times diameter
of smallest sea les in median part of pregular fold KKKKKKKKKK.. 17
Mesoptychiels smaller KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK... 19
17. No evidence of a longitudinal arrangement of lines on back KKKKKKK.. 18
Dorsal surface distinctly lined KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK. tesselatus
18. No spotting in area above level of tympanum and anterior to insertion of forearm,
spots relatively well defined, very small, not yellowish KKKKKK. bacatus
Spots present in area above tympanum and anterior to insertion of forearm;
spots often obscure and diffuse, usually orange or yellowish KK catalinensis
19. Ventral surfaces of tail and limbs more or less suffused with red or pink KK. 20
Not so KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK... 21
20. Black markings on temporal regions absent or few or ill-defined; dorsal and
lateral markings on body showing both transverse and longitudinal
arrangement in at least large specimens; each dark unit or spot square or
rectangular in outline, not noticeably rounded KKKKKKKK tigris rubidus
Black markings on temporal region well defined; dorsal and lateral markings on
body showng a predominantly longitudnal arrangement; back covered by
alternate longitudinal chains of black and white, individual snots in black chain
rarely square or rectangular KKKKKKKKKKKKKKK tigris celeripes
21. Dorsal markings consisting of either fine reticulations or light spots, and these
markings without longitudinal arrangement KKKKKKKKKKKKK.. 22
Dorsal markings with at least some indication of longitudinal arrangement K. 23
22. Labials deep or moderate brown or black KKKKKKKKKK.. tigris martyris
Labials light gray, slate or light brown KKKKKKKKKKKKK. tigris canus
23. Dorsal light lines only 3 on each side (exclusive only of a pair of lateral lines),
twice as wide as interspaces KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK maximus
Dorsal light lines more numerous or narrower, or both KKKKKKKKKK 24
24. Dorsal pattern of 6-8 persistent longitudinal light stripes KKKKKKKKK. 25
Dorsal pattern of fewer than 6 unbroken light stripes; at least lower lateral stripe
on each side broken by dark vertical bars KKKKKKKKKKKKKK. 27
25. Dark fields between dorsal ligth stripes unspotted and unbroken throughout life;
entire ventrum black in adults KKKKKKKKKKKKKK. tigris aethiops
At least some of dark fields broken into rows of spots; ventrum not enterely black
in adults KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK... 26
26. Middorsal dark field or row of spots distinctly wider than paravertebral light
stripes; throat white, spotted or barred with black KKK... tigris multiscutatus
Middorsal cark field or row of spots as wide as or slightly narrower than
paravertebral ligth stripes; throat and chest black; belly spotted .......................
KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK.. tigris gracilis
27. Four longitudinal light stripes persisting unbroken in middorsum of adults, the
dark fields between represented by rows of black spots, sides with bold
vertical bars KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK.. tigris tigris
Six longitudinal light stripes persisting unbroken in adults, or, if any broken,
dorsal pattern generally light and without any bold markings KKKKKKK...
KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK. tigris marmoratus
28. Anterior nasal in contact with second upper labial; femoral pores never more than
14 KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK. 42
Anterior nasal usually separated from second upper labial; if in contact, femoral
pores usually more than 14 KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK. 29
29. Enlarged scales preceding gular fold relatively small, frequently grading into
granular scales of fold KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK.. 30
Enlarged scales preceding gular fold relatively large, abruptly differentiated from
granular scales of throat KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK... 31
30. Postantebrachials enlarged; ventral surfaces light bluish in adults; juvenile striped
pattern retained throughout life; maximum snout-vent length 70 mm.; dorsal
scales relatively large, 50 to 70 in a transverse row between enlarged belly
plates KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK... inornatus
Postantebrachials not enlarged; belly, chest, or gular region dark (black) in
adults; snout-vent length reaching 95 mm.; dorsal scales 85 or more in a
transverse row KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK... tigris aethiops
31. In addition to a dorsolateral light stripe on tail, a lateral light stripe present,
bordered below by a black line (near base of tail) continuing onto otherwise
unicolor posterior surface of thigh; no light spot in dark field between stripes in
adults; postantebrachials not enlarged in either sex; neither sex dark blue or
orange bellow KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK. sexlineatus
No lateral light stripe on tail, at least not distinguishable from ventral tail color;
thighs mottled or unicolor, no posterior light stripe except sometimes feebly
indicates at insertion of leg; light spots often present in dark fields between
stripes; postantebrachials distinctly enlarged generally, sometimes less so in
females; males frequently dark blue on belly or chest, or else cream, not at all
bluish KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK... 32
32. Only 5 light lines, including a vertebral, 2 dorsolateral and 2 lateral lines through
the ear; ventral surfaces cream even in males, never blue; light lines very
KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK.
broad, more than half width of intervening dark spaces in adults; no marking
between light lines, except series of small spots in dark spaces in juveniles
(disappearing in adults) KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK. burti
Not so KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK... 33
33. Space between paravertebral light stripes (i. e., those originating even with
parietal scales, not with median interparietal narrower or at least no wider than
space between dorsolateral and upper lateral light stripes; if stripes not visible,
they are replaced by dorsal pattern of dark cross bars KKKKKKKK... 34
Space between paravertebral light stripes wider; if stripes not visible, they are
replaced by numerous scattered light spots KKKKKKKKKKKKK. 37
34. Adults without a cross-barred pattern KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK. 35
Adults cross-barred KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK 36
35. Dark interspaces or rows of dark spots continuing to area above hind legs KK...
KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK... sackii stictogrammus
Dark interspaces or rows of spots disappearing anterior to area above hind legs
KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK. sackii semifasciatus
36. Postantebrachials generally scutelike KKKKKKKKKKKK sackii scalaris
Postantebrachials generally polygones, little enlarged KKKK.. sackii australis
37. Hind legs mottled in adults, but not with small light spots; dorsal pattern crossbarred in adults KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK. sackii sackii
Hind legs with small light spots in adults; dorsal pattern not cross-barred K... 38
38. Stripes absent in adult, replaced by numerous, scattered light dots especially
toward rear half of body KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK... sackii bocourti
Stripes present in adults KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK 39
39. Collar black in adults; stripes obsolete except for lateral stripes; keels on caudal
scutes nearly parallel KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK. sackii mariarum
Collar light; stripes not obsolete; keels on caudal scales strongly oblique K... 40
40. Ventral surfaces of tail and lirnbs pink KKKKKKKKKK sackii angusticeps
Ventral surfaces of tail and limbs cream or white KKKKKKKKKKKK. 41
41. Stripes becoming rows of light spots in adults KKKKKKK. sackii communis
Stripes persistent KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK. sackii gularis
42. Femoral pores 11-15 in known specimens KKKKKKKKKKKKK labialis
Femoral pores 19-20 in known specimens KKKKKKKKKKKKK. gadovi
NOTAS: Existen numerosos problemas sistemticos en este gnero y varios intentos en clarificar la posicin de muchas especies
han sido realizados, a partir sobretodo del descubrimiento de especies partenogenticas. Algunos autores han propuesto varios
grupos, pero an no se ha confirmado la composicin de cada uno de ellos y sus relaciones, para una mejor revisin y
conocimiento del nmero de especies reconocidas a la fecha consultar: Wright , J. W. 1993. Evolution of the lizards of the genus
Cnemidophorus . Pp. 27-81 In J. W. Wright and L. J. Vitt (eds.), Biology of whiptail lizards. Oklahoma Mus. Nat. Hist. and
Univ. Oklahoma, Herps League Spec. Publ. 3: 1-417.
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DEL GRUPO deppei DE Cnemidophorus

FUENTE: Duellman, W. E. and J. Wellman. 1960. A systematic study of the lizards of the deppei group (Genus
Cnemidophorus) in Mexico and Guatemala. Mus. Zool. Univ. Michigan, 111: 1-81.
Se reproduce con permiso del 1er autor.
Key to the Identification of Juvenils
1. Dorsum brown; only a lateral light stripe present; more than 180 dorsal granules ...
(Veracruz) . guttatus guttatus
Dorsum black; seven to eleven longtudinal light stripes; dorsal granules variable ... 2
2. Dorsal stripes narrow and wavy; more than 20 granules between paravertebral ..
stripe; 100 to 120 dorsal granules (Yucatn Peninsula) .. deppei cozumelus
Dorsal stripes not wavy; usually less than 20 granules between paravertebral stripes; ..
dorsal granules variable . 3
3. Seven stripes (8 if vertebral is bifurcate); no upper dorsolateral stripe; more than
140 dorsal granules 4
Eight or more stripes; if 8, vertebrals absent; upper dorsolateral stripe present; dorsal
granules variable 5
4. Seven stripes, of which vertebral is often bifurcate; 153 to 198 (177) dorsal gran- ...
ules (Pacific Coast of Guerrero and Oaxaca) .. guttatus immutabilis
Seven stripes, of which vertebral is sometimes bifurcate; 142 to 184 (159) dorsal
granules (Pacific Coast and Cintalapa Valley, Chiapas) ... guttatus flavilineatus
5. Eight or nine stripes (sometirnes vertebral, if present, is bifurcate to form ten stripes
at midbody; 120 dorsal granules or less and fewer than 16 granules between the
enlarged ventrals and lower edge of lateral stripe (except in Chiapas and Guate- .
mala) .. 9
Usually ten (sometirnes 9 or 11) stripes; more than 108 dorsal granules; more than
15 granules between ventrals and lower edge of lateral stripe (Michoacan to ...
Nayarit) .. 6
6. Ten or 11 stripes; 125 to 164 dorsal granules (coast of Michoacn, Jalisco, and
Nayarit) .. 7
Nine or 10 stripes; 110 to 140 dorsal granules (Colima and Tepalcatepec Valley ....
in Michoacn) 8
7. Ten stripes; 126 to 164 (118) dorsal granules; 32 to 48 (38) fernoral pores; supra- ..
orbital semicircle series not complete (coast of Michoacn) .. lineatissimus lividus
Ten or 11 stripes (somtirnes extra stripe between vertebrals); 125 to 142, (133) ...
dorsal granules; 28 to 37 (33) femoral pores; supraorbital semicircle series usually
complete (Jalisco and Nayarit) . lineatissimus duodecemlineatus
8. Usually 10 stripes; 29 to 39 (33) femoral pores (Colima) lineatissimus lineatissimus
Usually 9 stripes; 32 to 47 (39) femoral pores (Tepalcatepec Valley in Michoacn) ...
... lineatissimus exoristus
9. Usually 8 stripes, of which the lateral is noticeably wider than others; 88 to 120 ...
(99) dorsal granules (Balsas-Tepalcatepec Basin) deppei infernalis
Usually 9 (sometimes 8 or 10) stripes, of which the lateral is not m uch wider than
others; 90 to 142 (111) dorsal granules (Guerrero and Veracruz to Costa Rica) ...
. deppei deppei
Key to the Identification of Adults

1. One pair of dorsolateral stripes (or rows of distinct or faint spots); more than
140 dorsal granules; snout-vent length to more than 100 mm ...... 2
Two pairs of dorsolateral stripes; less than 165 dorsal granules; snout-vent length
usually less than 100 mm ....... 4
2. Vertebral stripe usually single, broad, and yellow; other stripes persistent; lateral ...
and paravertebral fields darker than dorsolateral field and flank; 142 to 184 (159) ...
dorsal granules (Pacific Coast and Cintalapa Valley, Chiapas) . guttatus flavilineatus
Vertebral stripe usually paired; some or all of stripes replaced by rows of spots; only ....
lateral field darker than others ... 3
3. All stripes (lateral sometimes is exception) represented by spots; 184 to 208 (199) ...
dorsal granules; supraorbiral semicircle series usually complete (Veracruz) .
guttatus guttatus
Spots formed in all stripes, but most stripes not fragmented into rows of spots;...
153 to 198 (177) dorsal granules; supraorbital semicircle series seldom complete...
(Pacific Coast of Guerrero and Oaxaca) . guttatus immutabilis
4. Spots present in lateral stripe, or lateral stripe fragmented into spots; vertical bars...
present or not on flanks . 6
Spots not present in lateral stripe; no vertical bars on flanks .... 5
5. Stripes narrow and wavy; lateral stripe not much wider than others; paravertebrals...
sometirnes indistinct or absent, not fused to form middorsal greenish stripe (Yucatn...
Peninsula) deppei cozumelus
Stripes not wavy; lateral stripe distinctly wider than dorsolaterals; paravertebrals...
fused with vertebral to form middorsal greenish stripe (Balsas-Tepalcatepec Basin)...
deppei infernalis
6. Lateral stripe usually fragmented into row of spots; no distinct vertical bars on...
flanks; less than 120 dorsal granules (except in Chiapas and Guatemala); para-...
vertebrals distinct or fused with vertebrals (Guerrero and Veracruz to Costa...
Rica) .. deppei deppei
Lateral stripe fragmented or not; distinct vertical bar, on flanks, sometimes reaching...
lower dorsolateral stripe; a yellow middorsal stripe .. 7
7. Paravertebral stripes fused to form middorsal stripe; lateral stripe usually not...
fragmented; 108 to 140 (122) dorsal granules (Tepalcatepec Valley in Michoacan)...
... lineatissimus exoristus
Paravertebral stripes separated from middorsal stripe or absent; lateral stripe frag-...
mented or not . 8
8. Flanks and lateral field dark brown or black; upper dorsolateral and paravertebral...
stripes sometimes indistinct; 125 to 164 (140) dorsal granules . 9
Flanks and lateral field not distinctly darker than other fields; 110 to 133 (120) dorsal...
granules (Colima) . lineatissimus lineatissimus
9. Dorsolateral and paravertebral stripes narrow, but distinct; vertebral stripes fused and...
bordered by black or dark brown; 126 to 164 (148) dorsal granules; 32 to 48 (38)...
femoral pores; supraorbital semicircle series not complete (coast of Michoacan)...
... lineatissimus lividus
Dorsolateral and paravertebral stripes indistinct or absent; middorsal stripe some-...
times faint, not bordered by black; 125 to 142 (133) dorsal granules; 28 to 38 (33)...
femoral pores; supraorbital semicircle series usually complete (Jalisco and Nayarit)...
lineatissimus duodecemlineatus
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Cnemidophorus DEL SUR DE MEXICO

FUENTE: Peters, J. A. and R. Donoso-Barros. 1986. Catalogue of the Neotropical Squamata. Part II. Lizards and
Amphisbaenians. Smithsonian lnstitution Press. 1-293 p.
Se reproduce con permiso de la Smithsonian Institution.
1.
Menos de nueve hileras longitudinales de placas

ventrales-------------------------------------2
Ms de nueve hileras longitudinales de placas

ventrales-------------------------------------6
2.
Frontonasal entero------------------------------3
Frontonasal dividido---------------------motaguae
3.
Parietales e interparietales suman tres

escudos---------------------------------------4
Parietales e interparietales suman cinco
escudos---------------------------------------5
4.
Supraoculares tres------------------------------9
Supraoculares cuatro-----------------anagusticeps
5.
Abertura nasal ~ituada entre la sutura----------------------------------------------lemniscatus

Abertura nasal situada anteriormente a la
sutura--------------------------------ocellifer
6.
Placas braquiales agrandadas~-------------------7

Placas braquiales no agrandadas-----------murinus
7.
Con ms de dos supraoculares--------------------8

Con dos supraoculares--------------------vittatus
8.
Supraoculares rodeados completamente por una

hilera de grnulos------------------longicaudus
Supraoculares con una hilera de grnulos slo
en la porcin posterior y en el borde externo-------------------------------------lacertoides
9.
Frontoparietales separados de los parietales

por uno o mis escudos accesorios-------cozumela
Frontoparietales en contacto con los parietales------------------------------------deppii
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE XANTUSIIDAE

FUENTE: Bezy , R. L. and J. L. Camarillo. 1995. Key to the species of the xantusiidae in Mexico. En O. Flores V., F.
Mendoza Q. y G. Gonzlez P. (comps.). Recopilacin de claves para la determinacin de anfibios y reptiles de Mxico.
Facultad de Ciencias, UNAM.
Elaborada por los autores para esta recopilacin.
la. Pupil vertically elliptical.....................Xantusia.....2

lb. Pupil round..................................Lepidophyma.....4
2a. Ventral scales at mid-body in 12 or fewer
longitudinal rows...................................X. vigilis
2b. Ventral scales at mid-body in 14 longitudinal rows...........3
3a. Dorsal scales around mid-body 54 or more...........X. henshawi
3b. Dorsal scales around mid-body less than 54.........X. bolsonae
4a. Lateral scalation on at least anterior half of
body homogeneous, lacking conspicuously enlarged
tubercular scales............................................5
4b. Lateral scalation on entire body heterogeneous,
with large pyramidal tubercular scales and
smaller granular scales......................................6
5a. Less than 25 total (right + left) femoral
pores.............................................L. dontomasi
5b. Total femoral pores 25 or more......................L. gaigeae
6a. Enlarged scale rings (whorls) on tail separated

dorsally by one or two slightly smaller scale
rows (interwhorls) only one of which is complete
ventrally fewer than 150 dorsal scales (along
vertebral line between occiput and rump).............L. radula
6b. Most of the enlarged scale whorls on tail separated
dorsally by three or more smaller interwhorls, two
of which are complete ventrally 150 or more
dorsal scales (occiput to rump)..............................7
7a. Paravertebral tubercle rows homogeneous,
composed of tubercular scales that are
mostly continuous and similar in size........................8
7b. Paravertebral tubercle rows heterogeneous,
composed of tubercular scales of various sizes
interspaced with granular scales.............................9
8a. Total femoral pores 29 or less; dorsal coloration
dark brown to black with small white spots..........L. tuxtlae
8b. Total femoral pores more than 29; dorsal
coloration pale brown with rectangular dark
blotches.......................................L. pajapanensis
9a. At least posterior half of body with 12
longitudinal rows of ventral scales.................L. Lipetzi
9b. Less than 12 longitudinal rows of ventral
scales on entire length of body.............................10
10a. A continuous longitudinal row of enlarged

tubercular scales on side of neek extending
from below ear opening to above gular fold.........L. tarascae
10b. No continuous longitudinal row of tubercular
scales along lower side of neek.............................11
11a. Parietal foramen visible through interparietal scale.......12
11b. Parietal foramen not visible through interparietal
scale (rarely visible in juveniles).................L. smithii
12a. More than 55 gular scales (along midline between
gular fold and second pair of infralabial scales)...........13
12b. Gular scales 55 or less....................................14
13a. Total femoral pores 25 or less.....................L. occulor
13b. Total femoral pores more than 25...............L. micropholis
14a. Sixth supralabials higher than the seventh
supralabials and in contact with a total
(right + left) of four or more temporal
scales.......................................L. flavimaculatum
14b. Sixth supralabials shorter than or equal
to the seventh supralabials and in contact
with a total (right + left) of less than
four temporal scales.............................L. sylvaticum
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Xenosaurus

FUENTE: KING. W. F. and F. G. THOMPSON. 1968. A review of American lizards of the genus Xenosaurus Peters. Bull.
Florida St. Mus. Biol. Sci. 12(22): 93-123.
Se reproduce con permiso del ler autor; modificacin y actualizacin por Edmundo Prez Ramos y Luca Saldaa de la Riva.
A.(1) Presencia de un canto temporal, consistiendo de una serie longitudinal de

escamas grandes que se distinguen de las escamas granulares ms
pequeas de la regin temporal. (2) Con hileras paravertebrales de tubrculos
grandes. (3) Una hilera longitudinal de 3-5 escamas supraoculares
hexagonales grandes que son ms anchas que largas. (4) Vientre
generalmente con puntos o marcas obscuras que podran estar ausentes o
ser indistinguibles KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK. B
AA.(1) Sin canto temporal. (2) Las hileras paravertebrales de tubrculos grandes no
estn bien definidas. (3) Generalmente de 2-3 escamas supraoculares
redondeadas y grandes formando una hilera longitudinal. (4) La coloracin del
vientre vara de un gris claro uniforme al blanco KKKKKKKKKKKK. F
B.(5) Cabeza ampliamente triangular, 0.79-0.96 veces tan ancha como larga K.. C
BB.(5) Cabeza escasamente triangular, 0.73-0.83 veces tan ancha como larga K. E
C.(6) La cola 0.86-1.10 veces la longitud del cuerpo. (7) Patrn de tubrculos
laterales enmascarado por pliegues y arrugas pequeas de la piel que surgen
del pliegue lateral. (8) Escamas del pecho arregladas en series reticulares de
hileras cortas de escamas o arregladas sin ningn orden. (4) El vientre claro
presenta
manchas
obscuras
que
podran
formar
evidentes
barras
ventrolaterales KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK. X. grandis grandis
(9) Patrn dorsal con bandas claras transversales sobre el fondo del cuerpo
uniformemente opaco, frecuentemente rotas en manchas o parches. (10)
Marca nucal obscura en forma de "V" y punteada posteriormente. (11)
Tmpano cubierto por una membrana debilmente escamosa. (13) Un pliegue
lateral fuertemente acanalado que se extiende desde la axila hasta la ingle.
(14) Los tubrculos grandes sobre la superficie dorsal del brazo, separados
uno del otro por 1-2 hileras de grnulos diminutos. (15) Vrtebras
presacrales de 28-30. La cola 0.99 veces la longitud del cuerpo. (7) Patrn
dorsal de tubrculos laterales en series verticales. (2) Tubrculos de las
hileras paravertebrales grandes y planos, ligeramente ms grandes que los
tubrculos laterales. (3) Presenta de 4-5 supraoculares grandes. (4) La
coloracin blanquizca de! vientre se extiende dorsalmente a travs del
pliegue lateral. (5) Cabeza triangular 0.81 veces tan ancha como larga. (8) El
patrn de escamas del pecho sin considerarse en la descripcin original. (9)
Coloracin dorsal sobre el cuerpo y la cola en un fondo blanquizco,
contrastando con las puntas de los tubrculos evidentemente pigmentadas y
que estn en las reas claras. (10) Marca nucal transversal y restringida a la
parte media de la nuca. (11) Semicrculos supraorbitales separados o en
escaso contacto. (12) Las caractersticas del tmpano no estn consideradas
en la descripcin original: (13) Un pliegue lateral blanquizco bien definido que
se extiende desde la axila a la ingle. (14) Tubrculos grandes de la superficie
dorsal del brazo y de la pierna, generalmente en contacto o separados por lo menos
(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((.
(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((
por una hilera de grnulos. (15) La cantidad de vrtebras presacrales no est

definida en la descripcin de la especie. (16) Una escama postrostral bulbosa,
grande, sencilla y ms ancha que larga. (17) Una hilera de supraoculorbitales
moderadamente
grandes.
(18) Los.
bordes
zigomtico
postorbital
evidentemente realzados, mostrando una remarcada contiguidad. (19) Hilera de
sublabiales extendiendose hasta la primera de las escamas de la garganta y

la infralabial. (20) Hileras de ventrales de 25-29. (21) Lamelas sobre el cuarto
dedo del pie de 19-23. (22) Un par de marcas cuadradas obscuras
comunmente presentes, unidas por una lnea vertebral clara, sobre la parte
posterior de la cabeza KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK.. X. rectocollaris
CC.(6) La cola de 0.79-0.97 veces la longitud del cuerpo. (7) Tubrculos laterales
arreglados en series longitudinales oblcuas. (8) Escamas del pecho
acomodadas en series transversales oblcuas. (4) Vientre de un gris claro
uniforme o con barras obscuras KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK D
D. (9) Coloracin del fondo dorsal muy obscuro, las bandas transversals claras
tambin reducidas a puntos claros paravertebrales deformes y con tubrculos
claros arreglados en series transversales. (10) Marca nucal obscura, ms
obscurecida por la coloracin general obscura, pero en forma de "V" y
punteada posteriormente. (4) Coloracin ventral en gris claro uniforme KKK.
KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK... X. g. arboreus
(11) Semicrculos supraorbitales generalmente en contacto, pero podran estar
separados por una hilera longitudinal de escamas simples. (12) Tmpano
KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK..
cubierto con escamas granulares, diminutas y rugosas. (13) Un pliegue lateral

bien definido, extendiendose desde la axila a la ingle. (14) Tubrculos
grandes sobre la superficie dorsal del brazo, separados uno del otro por 1-2
hileras de grnulos diminutos. (15) Vrtebras presacrales de 30-31.
DD.(9) Coloracin del fondo dorsal variable, desde un caf intermedio hasta un caf
obscuro, generalmente con bandas transversales claras, pero podran estar
reducidas a hileras de puntos. (10) Marca nucal obscura en forma de "W" y
redondeada posteriormente. (4) Vientre generalmente con barras obscuras
que podran estar reducidas o ausentes KKKKKKKKKK X. g. agrenon
(11) Semicrculos supraorbitales generalmente en contacto, pero podran
estar separados por una hilera longitudinal de escamas sencillas. (12)
Tmpano cubierto con escamas granulares pequeas. (13) Un pliegue lateral
bien definido extendiendose de la axila l la ingle. (14) Tubrculos grandes
sobre la superficie dorsal del brazo, separados cada uno por 1-2 hileras de
grnulos diminutos. (15) Vrtebras presacrales de 28-30
E.(9) Patrn dorsal con bandas transversales claras sobre el cuerpo, frecuentemente
no ms claras que la coloracin del fondo dorsal. Marcas obscuras reducidas
a puntos y manchas KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK.. X. g. rackhami
(4) Coloracin del vientre variable de blanquizco a blanco con barras
transversales que varan de caf a negro, algunas uniendose a las series
dorsales de manchas obscuras. (6) La cola de 0.87-1.09 veces lalongitud del
cuerpo. (7) Tubrculos laterales generalmente sin un arreglo bien definido. (8)
KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK.
Escamas del pecho tendiendo a estar arregladas en hileras transversales que

generalmente no estn divididas por una lnea ventral media. (10) Marca
nucal obscura en forma de "V", posteriormente atenuada. (11) Semicrculos
supraorbitales separados por una hilera medio dorsal de escamas sencillas.
(12) Tmpano cubierto con escamas granulares pequeas. (13) Un pliegue
lateral bien definido extendiendose desde la axila a la ingle. (14) Tubrculos
grandes sobre la superficie dorsal del brazo, separados cacia uno por una
hilera sencilla de grnulos diminutos. (15) Vrtebras presacrales de 28-29.
EE.(9) Patrn dorsal con bandas transversales claras sobre el cuerpo siempre ms
claras que la coloracin del fondo dorsal. Las bandas obscuras irregulares se
continan a travs de la superficie dorsal KKKKKK.. X. g. sanmartinensis
(4) Vientre con barras obscuras sobre un fondo claro. En juveniles las marcas
obscuras se extienden desde las partes laterals del cuerpo como barras
ventrolaterales pero en adultos se empiezan a obscurecer y generalmente se
reducen o son menos definidas. (6) La cola de 0.88-1.03 veces la longitud del
cuerpo. (7) Tubrculos laterales generalmente sin formar un patrn distinguible;
sin embargo, ocasionalmente estn arreglados en hileras transversales,
generalmente sin dividirse por una lnea medioventral. (10) Marca nucal obscura
en forma de "V", atenuada posteriormente. (11) Semicrculos supraorbitales

separados por una hilera sencilla de escamas en la parte mediodorsal. (12)
Trnpano cubierto con escamas granulares pequeas. (13) Un pliegue lateral
completo, pero tnue, extendiendose desde la axila a la ingle. (14) Tubrculos
KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK..
grandes sobre la superficie dorsal del brazo, separados cada uno por 1-2
hileras de grnulos diminutos. (15) 28 vrtebras presacrales.
F.(5) Cabeza escasamente triangular, de 0.75-0.83 veces tan ancha como larga;
gruesa, de 0.63-0.68 veces tan alta como ancha; relativamente Iarga, de
0.26-0.28 veces la longitud del cuerpo. Hileras transversales de escamas
entre la axila y la ingle de 33-37; escamas por hileras longitudinales, en la
parte ms ancha del vientre de 17-18. (11) Semicrculos supraorbitales en
contacto, no separados por una hilera de escamas en la parte mediodorsal.
(12) Tmpano liso, sin escamas pequeas. (13) Un pliegue lateral tnue,
frecuentemente indistinguible; cuando se observa est confinado al tercio
anterior o a la parte media del cuerpo. (6) Cola de 0.93-1.09 veces la longitud
del cuerpo. (7) Tubrculos laterales predominantemente arreglados en series
longitudinales oblicuas y secundariamente tenderan a estar alineadas con
las hileras de escamas ventrales. (8) Escamas del pecho tendiendo a estar
arregladas en hileras transversales que generalmente no estn divididas por una
hilera lnea medioventral. (9) Patrn dorsal con bandas transversals claras
sobre el cuerpo no continandose hacia la lnea media. (10) Marca nucal
obscura en forma de "V", atenuada y punteada posteriormente. (14) Tubrculos
grandes sobre la superficie dorsal del brazo en contacto cada uno, no separados
por grnulos diminutos. (15) 29 vrtebras presacrales KK... X. newmanorum
FF.(5) Cabeza ampliamente triangular, de 0.86-0.97 veces tan ancha como larga;
aplanada, de 0.47-0.54 veces tan alta como ancha; la longitud promedio de la
cabeza va de 0.22-0.26 veces la longitud del cuerpo. Hileras de escamas

transversales entre la axila y la ingle de 40-42; escamas por hileras
longitudinales, en la parte ms ancha del vientre de 20-23. (11) Semicrculos
supraorbitales separados por una hilera sencilla de escamas mediodorsales.
(12) Tmpano cubierto por una membrana con escamas pequeas. (13) Un
pliegue lateral pronunciado, extendiendose desde la axila a la ingle, pero sin
replegar. (6) Cola de 0.92-1.13 veces la longitud del cuerpo. (7) Tubrculos
laterales arreglados en hileras distinguiblemente verticales que se continan
con las hileras de escamas ventrales. (8) Escamas del pecho acomodadas en
hileras transversales, evidentemente oblcuas y divididas por una lnea
medioventral. (9) Patrn dorsal de bandas transversales claras sobre el
cuerpo del mismo color del fondo, continandose dorsalmente y resaltadas
por los tubrculos esmaltados de blanco. (10) Marca nucal obscura en forma
de "W", truncada posteriormente. 14) Tubrculos grandes sobre la superficie
dorsal del brazo, separados cada uno por 1-2 hileras de grnulos diminutos.
(15) Vrtebras presacrales de 30-31 KKKKKKKKKKKK. X. platyceps
5 sep 1994
NOTAS: Se ha descrito recientemente una especie que no se incluye en esta clave Xenosaurus rectocollaris (Smith, H. M.
and J. B. Iverson. 1993. A new species of knobscale lizard (Reptilia: Xenosauridae) from Mxico. Bull. Maryland Herpetol.
Soc. 29(2): 51-66.
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Adelophis

FUENTE: Rossrnan D. A. and Van Wallach. 1987. Adelophis Duges. Mountain Meadow Snakes. Cat. Amer. Amphib. Rept.
408.1-408.2.
Se reproduce con permiso del editor del Catalogue American Arnphibians and Reptiles.
Dorsal scales in 15-15-15 rows; no loreal scale; posterior genials

longer than anterior pair; five infralabials; 5th supralabial more
than twice as long as the 4th; no paravertebral dark stripes; a pair of
lateral pale stripes A. copei
Dorsal scales in 17-17-17 rows; loreal present; posterior genials
shorter than anterior pair; six infralabials; 4th and 5th supralabials
subequal in length; a pair of para vertebral dark stripes; no lateral
stripes . A. foxi
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Adelphicos

FUENTE: Campbell, J. A. and L. S. Ford. 1982. Phylogenetic relationships of the colubrid snakes of the genus Adelphicos in
the highlands of Middle America. Occ. Pap. Mus. Nat. Hist. Univ. Kansas 100: 1-22.
1a. Third infralabial absent or greatly reduced in size; chin ...

shields greatly expanded toward lip . A. quadrivirgatus
1b. Third infralabial not so reduced; chin shields not expanded ...
toward lip 2
2a. Subcaudals more than 42 in males and 32 in females; dorsal...
stripe involving paravertebral scale row; venter unpig-...
mented .. A. latifasciatus
2b. Subcaudals less than 42 in males and 32 in females, dorsal...
stripe, if present, involving vertebral scale row only; venter...
pigmented or not . 3
3a. Venter unpigmented, or darkened only midventrally, anterior...
edges of ventrals not conspicuously darkened; ground color...
bright orange, red, or tan .. A. ngrilatus
3b. Anterior edges of ventrals conspicuously darkened, ground...
color brown or gray 4
4a. Venter not darkened midventrally; ventrals 120 in single...
known male, 128-132 in females; subcaudals 28 in male,...
19-22 in females, frontal at least as broad as long ... A. daryi
4b. Venter darkened midventrally; ventrals 120-133 in males,...
132-142 in females; subcaudals 29-41 in males, 24-31 in...
females; frontal generally longer than broad .. A. veraepacis
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Clelia

FUENTE: Peters, J. and B. Orejas-Miranda. 1970. Catalogue of Neotropical Squamata. Part 1. Snakes. U. S. Natn. Mus. Bull.
297: 1-346.
Se reproduce con permiso de Smithonian lnstitution.
1. Escamas dorsales en 19 filas al medio del

cuerpo---------------------------------------2
Escamas dorsales en 17 filas al medio del
cuerpo---------------------------------------5
2. Usualmente siete supralabiales (raramente ocho)
ocho infralabiales; con ocho supralabiales y
ocho o nueve infralabiales, las subcaudales
son menos de 60 en machos y 54 en hembras;
usualmente trece o menos dientes maxilares sin
canal; loreal rectangular y ms pequea que la
preocular------------------------------------3
Ocho supralabiales, usualmente nueve infralabiales; normalmente 15-17 dientes maxilares
sin canal; loreal alargada, aproximadamente de
igual tamao que la preocular----------bicolor
3. Subcaudales menos de 80 en machos, 70 en hembras; si estos nmeros se sobremontan, vientre
prominentemente tiznado (en juveniles) o todo
oscuro; juveniles con una banda oscura mediodorsal continuo con la mancha nucal o casi
uniforme incluyendo diseo de la cabeza------4
Ms de 75 subcaudales en machos, 64 en hembras;
vientre inmaculado excepto por la pigmentacin
dorsal que invade los lados de las placas
ventrales; juveniles con rojo coral, parte superior de la cabeza y nuca con manchas oscuras
separadas por collar crema--------------clelia
4. Subcaudales 53-62 en machos, 42-54 en hembras,

todas pares; dorso oliva oscuro; vientre inmaculado o con pigmento oscuro dispuesto en
diseos transversales; usualmente juveniles
sin collar occipital claro distinto; cuando
est presente la banda oscura mediodorsal es
de menos de cinco escamas de ancho-----rustica
Subcaudales en machos 59-79, en hembras 51-69,
frecuentemente algunas de las basales no divididas; dorso pardo oscuro o negro; vientre
irregularmente tiznado de oscuro en juveniles,
frecuentemente negro casi uniforme en adultos;
juveniles con collar claro occipital siempre
presente y banda mediodorsal oscura de ms de
cinco filas de ancho-------------occipitolutea
5. Subcaudales en machos 78-92, en hembras 70-81;
ventrales en machos 202-212, en hembras 216228; hoyuelos apicales pares; dientes maxilares sin canal 13-14; fila mediodorsal y
placas de la cabeza normales---------scitalina
Subcaudales 60-82 en machos, en hembras 56-78;
ventrales 208 en machos, en hembras 202223, frecuentemente sin hoyuelos apicales,
aunque usualmente hay numerosos hoyuelos
diminutos situados en el centro de la escama;
dientes maxilares sin canal 11-13; fila mediodorsal frecuentemente ensanchada; tambin es
comn reduccin de 17 filas dorsales posterior y anterior; placas ceflicas frecuentemente reducidas por ausencia de loreal, menos
de 1+2 oculares o 2+3 temporales---equatoriana
NOTAS: En Mxico ocurren dos especies Clelia clelia, C. scytalina.
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Conophis

FUENTE: Peters, J. and B. Orejas-Miranda. 1970. Catalogue of Neotropical Squarnata. Part 1. Snakes. U. S. Natn. Mus.
Bull. 297: 1-346.
Se reproduce con permiso de Smithsonian lnstitution.
1. Supralabiales inmaculadas o con bordes inferiores oscuros; cabeza y cuerpo usualmente claros con o sin lneas oscuras----------------2
Bordes superiores de supralabiales negros; cabeza y cuerpo generalmente negros con dos o
cuatro lneas blancas a lo largo del cuerpo
(fig. l)---------------------------nevermanni
2. Lnea oscura lateral a travs del ojo ocupa la

mitad superior de la segunda fila de escamas
(fig. 2); a lo menos posteriormente hay una
lnea oscura paravertebral------------pulcher
Lnea oscura lateral indistinta sobre el cuerpo
o restringida anteriormente a la cuarta, o
tercera y cuarta fila de escamas; no presente
en la segunda fila, en el primer tercio del
cuerpo; ocasionalmente una lnea auxiliar presente en la segunda fila; no hay lnea paravertebral ----------------------------ineatus
Clave de subespecies
1. Posteriormente, lineado dorsal ausente (excepto pequeos puntos sobre la hilera

cuarta o sptima); primera hilera no pigmentada (fig. 3)------------------concolor
Posteriormente, lineado dorsal presente;
primera hilera pigmentada (fig. 4)---dunni
(fig. 1)
(fig. 2)
NOTAS: Esta clave no incluye a la especie vittatus.
(fig. 3)
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Conopsis

FUENTE: Goyenechea, I. 1995. Revisin taxonmica de Conopsis Gnther y Toluca Kennicott (Serpentes: Colubridae). Tsis
Maestra en Ciencias (Biologa Animal). UNAM, Mxico. 74 p.
1a Escamas prefrontales e internasales divididas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

1b Escamas prefrontales e internasales fusionadas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2a Patrn de manchas dorsales hexagonales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Conopsis acutus
2b Patrn de manchas dorsales no hexagonal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
3a Patrn de manchas dorsales teselado o en dos lneas vertebrales . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Conopsis biserialis
3b Patrn de manchas dorsales en tres o ms lneas o sin patrn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Conopsis lineatus
4a Patrn de manchas dorsales hexagonales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Conopsis nasus
4b Patrn de manchas dorsales alargadas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Conopsis megalodon
NOTAS: Goyenechea (1995 y en prep.) concluye que Toluca es sinnimo de Conopsis, por lo que las especies se renombran,
ubicandose todas dentro del gnero vlido.
CLAVE PARA LAS SUBESPECIES DE Drymarchon corais

297: 1-346.
Se reproduce con permiso de Smithsonian Institution.
1. Dorso enteramente negro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Dorso no enteramente negro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2. Cola y vientre no rojizos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . coralis
Cola y vientre rojizos . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . rubidus
3. Diseo dorsal pardo claro por lo menos anteriormente . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Diseo dorsal negro con bandas transversas irregulares grises, difusa o distinta
anteriormente, ms prominente en la parte posterior de la cola . . . margaritae
4. Diseo dorsal en pardo claro uniforme . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . unicolor
Diseo dorsal en pardo oscuro ms intenso en el tercio posterior del cuerpo y toda
la cola . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . melanurus
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Drymobius

FUENTE: Peters, J. and B. Orejas-Miranda. 1970. Catalogue of Neotropical Squamata, Part 1. Snakes. U. S. Natn. Mus. Bull.
297: 1-346.
1. Diseo dorsal no reticulado; escamas individualmente no verdes rodeadas de negro-------2

Diseo dorsal reticulado; cada escama verde,
rodeada de negro---------------margaritiferus
2. Diseo dorsal sin manchas romboidales, ms o
menos uniformemente verde-------------------3
Diseo dorsal de manchas romboidales-rhombifer
3. Quillas de las filas mediodorsales no negras -----------------------------------chloroticus
Quillas de las tres filas mediodorsales negras
---------------------------------melanotropis
1. Borde anterior de escamas dorsales medianas
azul en adultos, claro en especmenes
marchitados, gris en juveniles; bien diferenciado de pices negros de escama----2
Diseo dorsal no como el anterior---------------------------------------occidentalis
2. Adultos reteniendo el patrn juvenil de
unas 35-45 manchas o bandas dorsales que
se extienden hasta el origen de las
ventrales; color de fondo verde-turquesa en vida (gris opaco o azulado en
lquido preservativo), dorsales color
verde-turquesa con grados variables de
pigmentacin negra o gris oscura; pice de
las dorsales siempre negro----------maydis
No como el anterior----------margaritiferus
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Ficimia

FUENTE: Hardy, L. M. 1990. Ficimia Gray. Southern Hook-nose snakes. Cat. Amer. Amphib. Rept. 471.1-471.5.
1a.
Dorsal markings absent. olivacea (219)
1b.
Dorsal markings present..2
2a.
Dorsal bands short (one scale or fewer in length), one postocular streckeri (181)
2b.
Dorsal bands longer than one scale in length; two postoculars.3
3a.
Length of interspaces between dorsal blotches two or more

times length of blotches... ramirezi (228)
3b.
Length of interspaces between dorsal blotches less than two

times length of blotches.4
4a.
Dorsal body blotches 42 or more...5
4b.
Dorsal body blotches fewer than 42publia (254)
5a.
lnternasals absent... variegata (269)
5b.
Internasals present... ruspator (243)
NOTAS: Ficimia hardyi fue descrita para el estado de Hidalgo y no se incluye en la clave (Mendoza Q. F. and H. M. Smith.
1993. A new species of the hooknose snake, Ficimia (Reptilia, Serpentes). Jour. Herpetol. 27(4): 406-410.
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Geophis

FUENTE: Downs, F. L. 1967. Intrageneric relationships among colubrid snakes of the genus Geophis Wagler. Misc. Publs.
Mus. Zool. Univ. Michigan 131: 1-193.
Se reproduce con permiso del editor de la Universidad de Michigan.
1.
1.
2 (1).
2.
3 (2).
3.
4 (2).
4.
5 (4).
5.
6 (4).
6.
7 (6).
7.
8 (1).
8.
9 (8).
9.
10 (9).
10.
11 (10).
11.
12 (11).
12.
13 (9).
13.
14 (13).
14.
15 (14).
15.
16 (14).
16.
17 (16).
17.
Anterior temporal present . 2

Anterior temporal absent ................
8
Dorsal scales in 15 rows ................ 3
Dorsal scales in 17 rows ............. 4
Internasals dark; infralabials 6 or 7; anterior edges of ventrals dark...
........... G. incomptus (p. 118)
Internasals whitish; infralabials 5; ventrals immaculate whitish..
........ G. maculiferus (p. 122)
Two postoculars; anterior temporal in contact with supralabials 5 and 6. 5
One postocular; anterior temporal in contact with supralabial 5, not with
supralabial 6 ........... 6
Supralabials 6, the sixth much the largest; faint keeling on posterior dorsals; narrow light crossbands on a dark dorsum .. G. omiltemanus (p. 124)
Supralabials 7, more notably enlarged; dorsal scales smooth; dark blotches on a light dorsum G. isthmicus (p. 121)
Dorsum uniformly brownish ir blackish (a light collar may be present in
juvenils) ......... 7
Dorsum light with dark crossbands, often complete across venter
........ G. semiannulatus (p. 109)
Chin creamish; ventrals light, mottled with dark; dorsum unicolor in all
age groups G. latifrontalis (p. 101)
Chin blackish; venter checkered (uniformly blackish in large adults); light
juvenille collar present ..... G. multitorques (p. 104)
Dorsal scales in 17 rows .. 9
Dorsal scales in15 rows . 19
Dorsal scales distinctly keeled on at least posterior half of body . 10
Dorsal scales smooth, or keeled only above the vent region ..... 13
Dorsum unicolor brownish to blackish . 11
Dorsum light with dark blotches or saddles ... G. dunni (p. 153)
Loreal distinctly longer than combined nasals; greatest internasal length
less than half as long as prefrontal suture; venter predominantly light,
not banded 12
Loreal shorter than combined nasals; greatest internasal length three-fourths
as long as prefrontal suture; venter distinctly banded ....
.. G. carinosus (p. 81)
Sum of ventrals and caudals, 171-191; dorsals moderately keeled
Sum of ventrals and caudals, 142-I72; dorsals keeled on posterior two-thirds
of body; scales of first dorsal row not distinctly light-centered .
........ G. nasalis (p. 160)
Supraocular distinct, frontal not in orbit ..... 14
Supraocular absent, frontal enters orbit .... G. rhodogaster (p. 92)
Head distinct from neck; eye diameter as long as loreal; snout not projecting
beyond lower jaw 15
Head not or scarcely distinct from neck; eye diameter distinctly shorter
than loreal; snout projecting well beyond lower jaw ...... 16
One postocular; sum of ventrals and caudals, 192-196 .. G. chalybeus (p. 57)
Two postoculars; sum of ventrals and caudals, 195-209 ... G. bicolor (p. 55)
Venter light; frontal half-again two twice as long as parietal suture; infralabials 6 17
Venter checkered; frontal slightly longer than parietal suture; infralabials
7 . G. blanchardi (p. 99)
Dorsum unicolor .. 18
Dorsum with light lateral blotches on dark ground color ...
. G. fulvoguttatus (p. 88)
18 (17). Internasals distinct; dorsal scales smooth; lip exposure of fifth supralabial
nearly twice that of fourth .. G. immaculutus (p. 90)
18.
Internasals often fused with prefrontals; dorsal scales usually keeled above
vent region; lip exposure of fifth supralabial only slighty greater than
that of fourth ...... G. dubius (p. 84)
19 (8). Supraocular distinct; color of rostral and prenasal similar to adjacent scales 20
19.
Supraocular absent; parietal enters orbit; rostral and prenasal whitish, contrasting with adjacent head scales . G. godmani (p. 72)
20 (19). Five suprlabials, venter mostly light 21
20.
Six supralabials venter light or not ...... 22
21 (20). Two supralabials behind eye; dorsum light with dark saddles ..
.............. G. semidoliatus (p. 133)
21.
One supralabial behind eye; dorsum uniformly dark (light collar in young)
.... G. hoffmanni (p. 155)
22 (20). Internasals fused with prefrontals; dark dorsal saddles separated by narrow
light interspaces; venter light and immaculate . G. cancellatus (p. 129)
22.
Internasals distinct; coloration not as above ... 23
23 (22). Sum of ventrals and caudals less than 225; body without complete dark and
light rings . 24
23.
Sum of ventrals and caudals more than 225; body with alternating dark
and light rings . G. aquilonaris (p. 52)
24 (23). Combination of black dorsum with narrow light crossbars and black venter
with few light blotches .. G. laticinctus (p. 131)
24.
Combination of dorsal and ventral coloration not as above .. 25
25 (24). Head distinct from neck; eye contained twice in snout length; supraocular
as long or longer than loreal .. 26
25.
Head not or scarcely distinct from neck; eye contained twice or more in
snout; supraocular distinctly shorter than loreal . 28
26 (25). Venter whitish, spotted with black; dorsum with dark crossbands or irregular markings .. 27
26.
Venter immaculate whitish; dorsum blackish, with 0-7 narrow white crossbands on anterior third of body . G. dugesi (p. 59)
27 (26). Irregular blackish markings on neck, disappearing on posterior part of body
... G. tarascae (p. 65)
27.
Numerous narrow dark crossbands throughout length of body and tail
.. G. nigrocinctus (p. 63)
28 (25). Dorsal scales smooth, or faintly keeled above the vent region . 29
28.
Dorsal scales keeled on at least the posterior half of body 31
29 (28). Sum of ventrals and caudals more than 170; dorsal scales keeled above the
vent region; snout bluntly rounded from above .. 30
29.
Sum of ventrals and caudals less than 170; dorsal scales smoth throughout
length; snout acuminose from above . G. championi (p. 70)
30 (29). Venter predominantly blackish; rostral length less than one-third its distance
from frontal G. zeledoni (p. 174)
30.
Venter whitish; rostral length more than half its distance from frontal
. G. petersi (p. 164)
31 (28). Loreal longer than combined nasals; greatest internasal length less than half
as long as prefrontal suture; frontal a third longer than parietal suture 32
31.
Loreal shorter than combined nasals; greatest internasal length as long as
prefrontal suture; frontal twice as long as parietal suture .
. G. ruthveni (p. 75)
32 (31). Prefrontal suture more than three-fourths as long as parietal suture; dorsum
grayish brown; scales of first row with light centers; venter whitish ..
.. G. sallaei (p. 168)
32.
Prefrontal suture less than three-fourths as long as parietal suture; dorsum
unicolor, blotched, or whit lateral stripe; scales of first row dark; dark
pigment usually present along anterior edges of at least some ventrals ..
G. brachycephalus (p. 146)
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Gyalopion

FUENTE: Hardy, L. M. 1976. Gyalopion Cope. Hook-nosed snakes. Cat. Amer. Amphib. Rept. 182.1-182.4.
Se reproduce con pemiso del editor del Catalogue American Amphibians and Reptiles
Anal plate entire; six supralabials; six infralabials; generally black dorsal blotches on a red to reddish-brown
background . G. quadrangularis.
Anal plate divided; seven supralabials; seven infralabials;
generally dark brown dorsal blotches on a paler brown
to tan background . G. canum.
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Heterodon

FUENTE: Platt, D. R. 1983. Heterodon Latreille. Hognose Snakes. Cat. Amer. Amphib. Rept. 315.1-315.2.
1.
2.
Single (0-2) azygous plate, prefrontals in contact; rostral

only slightly upturned; usually 25 scale rows at midbody
-------------------------------------------------- H. platyrhinos (282)
Accessory scales around the azygous (3-28 scales in the
azygous mass) usually separating the two prefrontals; rostral sharply upturned; usually 23-25 scale rows at midbody
------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2
Ventral surface black with yellow patches, more uniformly
dark under the tail; usually 23 scale rows at midbody; rostral as broad as space between eyes ------------------ H. nasicus
Ventral surface pale, clouded or punctate, similar under
tail; usually 25 scale rows at midbody; rostral narrower
than space between eyes --------------------------------- H. simus
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Lampropeltis

FUENTE: Blaney, R. M. 1973. Lampropeltis, Fitzinger Kingsnakes. Cat. Amer. Amphib. Rept. 150.1-150.2
1. Last two maxillary teeth usually not longer and stouter .

than the preceding ones 2
Last two maxillary teeth usually longer and stouter than ....
the preceding ones ........ 3
2. Dorsal pattern consisting primarily of a dark ground ...
color with light crossbands, longitudinal stripes, or spots.
on at least the lateral scales; hemipenis moderately or ...
deeply bilobed ... getulus (151)
Dorsal pattern consisting primarily of a light to dark .
brown ground color with darker dorsal and lateral.....
blotches; hemipenis only slightly and asymmetrically.....
bilobed . calligaster (152)
3. Dorsal pattern consisting of white-bordered gray bands....
or blotches alternating with black-bordered reddish
orange dorsal markings ... mexicana (55)
Dorsal pattern not as above .. 4
4. Dorsal pattern of black-red-black triad annuli separated....
by more than 40 (body + tail) white annuli; top of head....
black, snout unformly white ... pyromelana
Dorsal pattern of annuli or dorsal blotches, usually....
fewer than 40 (body + tail) white annuli, or if more,....
with snout black ... 5
5. Dorsal pattern of black and white annuli, white annuli....
more than 30, sometimes with red dividing black annuli....
into two; snout black ... zonata
Dorsal pattern of brown, gray, or red dorsal blotches,....
or red, black, and yellow or white annuli or dorsal bands,....
white or yellow annuli fewer than 30 ... triangulum
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Leptodeira

FUENTE: Duellman, W. E. 1958. A monographic study of the colubrid snake genus Leptodeira. Bull. Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist.
114(1): 1-15:2.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Scales in 17 or 19 rows at midbody . . . . . . 2

Scales in more than 19 rows at midbody . . . . 9
Scales in 19 rows at midbody and in 15 rows
posteriorIy; upper labials usually seven;
lower labials usually nine ; ventrals 150-153
in males, 156-167 in females; five to six longitudinal rows of dark spots on yellowish
ground color; maximum body length 422
mm . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . punctata
Not so . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Body blotches large, 10-27 in number, extending to or nearly to the ventrals . . . . . . . . . 4
Body blotches 25 or more, extending only to
scale rows 3 or 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Body bands 10-21, long, with straight edges
extending to ventrals; no lateral intercalary
spots; no ornate head pattern on frontal and
parietals; two preoculars; usually 17 scale
rows posteriorly . . . . . . . . . . . .nigrofasciata
Dorsal body blotches 14-27, with rounded
lateral edges; lateral intercalary spots present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Preoculars one or two; dorsal blotches often
with light centers; no ornate head pattern;
usually 15 scale rows posteriorly . . . . . bakeri
Preoculars three; dorsal blotches without
light centers; ornate head pattern on frontal
and parietals; usually 17 scale rows posteriorly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .splendida ephippiata
Vertebral and paravertebral scale rows noticeably enlarged; body laterally compressed; no longitudinal nape bars . . . . . . . 7
Vertebral and paravertebral scale rows not
noticeably enlarged; body rounded; two
longitudinal nape bars usually present . . . . 8
Preoculars usually one; no dark, well-defined,
lateral, intercalary spots; dorsal blotches
ovoid, usually longer than wide . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . annulata annulata
Preoculars usually two; lateral intercalary
spots well defined; dorsal blotches more rectangular, often wider than long . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . septentrionalis ornata
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
Two wide, longitudinal, dark bars on nape; no

longitudinal stripes on parietals or temporals or Y -shaped mark on parietals . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .annulata ashmeadi
Two wide, longitudinal, dark bars usually
present on nape; longitudinal dark stripes
on parietals or temporals or Y-shaped
mark on parietals . . . . . . . annulata pulchriceps
Seven to 10 long dark bands on body; a light
occipital region . . . . . . . . . . . . . latifasciata
More than 10 body bands or blotches . . . . . .10
A dark postorbital stripe usually in broad contact with first body blotch; a single dark
spot or longitudinal stripe in the center of
each parietal ; a brown spot on, or a short
nape stripe beginning on posteromedian
corner of parietals; no ornate dorsal head
pattern . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
No dark postorbital stripe; or, if so, usually
not in broad contact with first body blotch;
no single dark spot in the center of each
parietal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Body blotches 26 or less (average 21); blotches
usually dark brown arid not outlined with
black; dorsal interspaces two or three scales
in length . . . . . . . . . . . . .frenata yucatanensis
Body blotches 24 or more (average 30);
blotches brown and outlined with black and
usually not extending to ventrals, or, if extending to ventrals, blotches are solid black,
with the dorsal interspaces only one scale in
length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Body blotches black, with nearly straight
edges and usualIy extending onto ventrals;
dorsal interspaces one scale in length . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .frenata frenata
Body blotches usually brown, outlined with
black, often saddle-shaped, and usually not
extending to the ventrals; dorsal interspaces
usually more than one scale in length . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . frenata malleisi
A nape stripe usually present; postorbital
stripe present; dorsal head pattern ornate,
usually consisting of a Y- to an 8-shaped
mark on frontals and parietals; usually
three preoculars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
14.
15.
16.
17.
18.
Nape stripe absent; or, if present, no ornate

dorsal head pattern of a Y- to an 8-shaped
mark, al though other head markings may
be present; one to three preoculars . . . . . 16
Dorsal body blotches 28 or more, narrow,
never longer than interspaces; ground color
grayish brown; two rows of lateral spots,
one on scale rows 2-6 in lateral interspaces
and one on scale rows 2-4 below the middorsal blotches . . . . . . . . .splendida bressoni
Dorsal body blotches fewer than 28, longer
than interspaces; ground color cream to
tan; small, elongate, lateral, intercalary
spots . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
More than 170 ventrals; dorsal blotches more
than twice the length of dorsal light interspaces and extending onto scale rows 1 or 2 .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .splendida ephippiata
Less than 170 ventrals; dorsal blotches only
slightly longer than middorsal interspaces
and extending onto scale rows 3 and 4 . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . splendida splendida
Dorsal scales in 21 rows, with vertebral and
paravertebral rows noticeably enlarged; body
laterally compressed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Dorsal scales in 21-25 rows, with vertebral and
paravertebral rows not noticeably enlarged; body rounded or only slightly compressed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Preoculars usually one; no dark, well-defined,
lateral, intercalary spots; dorsal blotches
ovoid; usualIy longer than wide . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .annulata annulata
Preoculars usually two; lateral intercalary
spots well defined; dorsal blotches more
rectangular, often wider than long . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .septentrionalis ornata
Dorsal blotches large, twice the length of middorsal light interspaces, extending to scale
row 2 or to ventrals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Dorsal blotches smaller; if twice the length of
dorsal light interspaces, then not extending
to second scale row . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
19. Lateral intercalary spots present, large or reduced . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20

Lateral intercalary spots absent . . . . . . . .22
20. Dorsal blotches with light centers; lateral intercalary spots sometimes with dark streaks
dorsally into light interspaces; 14-27 dorsal
blotches; ventrals less than 180 . . . . . bakeri
Dorsal blotches without light centers; no dark
streaks in light interspaces . . . . . . . . . .21
21. Preoculars three; ventrals 181-199 in males,
185-208 in females; nape stripe usually
present; 20-35 black or dark brown blotches
on a cream to light tan ground color . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . septentrionalis septentrionalis
Preoculars usually two; ventrals 162-185 in
males, 158-189 in females; no nape stripe;
21-48 brown or black blotches on grayish
brown ground color . . . . . annulata cussiliris
22. Preoculars two; ventrals less than 180; body
blotches 12 to 28 . . . . . . . . . . . . maculata
Preoculars three; ventrals more than 180;
body blotches 20-35 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . septentrionalis septentrionalis
23. A single median nape stripe . . . . . . . . . . 24
No median nape stripe; or, if so, bordered by
a longitudinal bar on either side . . . . . . 26
24. Ventrals 186 or more; body slender; two lateral nuchal blotches that may be fused to
form a U-shaped blotch; nape stripe not
touching nuchal blotch; 38-70 (average 54)
small dorsal blotches as wide as or wider
than long; usually three preoculars . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . septentrionalis polysticta
Ventrals fewer than 186; body rounded; no
paired nuchal blotches; nape stripe touching first body blotch or not; blotches larger;
56 or fewer in number, longer than interspaces; usually two preoculars . . . . . . . 25
25. Nape stripe lateralIy expanded anteriorly to
form a butterfly-shaped mark on postparietals and posttemporals; 34-49 (average 42)
dorsal blotches . . . . . septentrionolis larcorum
Nape stripe not expanded to form butterfly

pattern; 23-56 (average 36) dorsal blotches
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . annulata rhombifera
26. Two wide, longitudinal, dark bars on nape; no
longitudinal stripes on parietals or temporals or Y-shaped mark on parietals . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . annulata ashmeadi
Two wide, loogitudinal, dark bars usually
present on nape; longtudinal dark stripes
on parietals or temporals or a Y-shaped
mark on parietals . . . . . .annulata pulchriceps
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPEClES DE Leptodeira DEL SUR DE MEXICO

FUENTE: Peters, J. and B. Orejas-Miranda. 1970. Catalogue of Neotropical Squarnata. Part 1. Snakes, U. S. Natn. Mus.
Bull. 297: 1-346.
1. Dientes maxilares 14 o menos incluyendo los

posteriores al diastema----------------------2
Dientes maxilares 16 o ms, incluyendo los
posteriores al diastema----------------------3
2. Ms de 20 manchas oscuras dorsales------frenata
Menos de 20 manchas oscuras-------nigrofasciata
3. Con 17 a 19 filas de escamas al medio del
cuerpo---------------------------------------4
Con Ms de 19 filas de esca~as al medio del
cuerpo---------------------------------------5
4. Manchas dorsales grandes extendidas hasta las
proximidades de las ventrales-----------bakeri
Manchas dorsales no muy grandes extendidas slo
hasta la tercera o cuarta fila de escamas
dorsales------------------------------annulata
5. Con una cinta nucal mediana-------------------6
Sin cinta nucal mediana, si la hay, bordeada
por una barra longitudinal a cada lado --------------------------------------------annulata
6. Ventrales menos de 186; cuerpo redondeado; no
hay manchas nuca les apareadas; cinta nucal
contacta con la primer mancha o no-----------7
Ventrales 186 o ms, cuerpo delgado; dos
bloques nucales laterales que pueden
fusionarse constituyendo una mancha en U;
cinta nucal no contacta con la mancha
nucal--------------------------septentrionalis
7. Cinta nucal lateralmente expandida anteriormente forma un contorno en mariposa en las
posparietales y postemporales; 34-49 (42 promedio) manchas dorsales--------septentrionalis
Cinta nucal no expandida lateralmente para
formar contorno en mariposa; 23-56 (36 promedio) manchas dorsales-------------annulatata
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Leptophis

FUENTE: Peters, J. and B. Orejas-Miranda. 1970. Catalogue of Neotropical Squarnata, Part 1. Snakes. U.S. Natn. Mus. Bull.
297:1-346.
1. Loreal presente--------------------------------2
Loreal ausente---------------------------------3
2. Quillas presentes s610 en la fila paraverlebral
y ocasionalmente, en las adyacentes; escamas
dorsocaudales no quilladas------depressirostris
Quillas presentes en todas las escamas dorsales
excepto en la primera fila; la mayora de las
escamas dorsocaudales quilladas-------mexicanus
3. Usualmente ms de 149 ventrales adultos sin
bandas oscuras oblcuas en el cuerpo; primera
fila dorsal no quillada-----------------------4
Ventrales 133-149; adultos con bandas oscuras
oblcuas sobre el cuerpo; todas las filas dorsales quilladas--------------------------riveti
4. Usualmente, dorso en verde o azul, uniforme o
lineado; coloracin dorsal en contraste con
la ventral------------------------------------5
Dorso pigmentado en tinte cobre fuerte; vientre
semejante aunque ligeramente ms oscuro, con
line~do en pardo oscuro y blanco--------cupreus
5. Diseo de adultos con ancha banda dorsolateral
anterior, sobre segunda y tercera o tercera y
cuarta filas, en azul o azul verdoso; Amrica
Central-------------------------------nebulosus
Diseo de adultos no como el anterior, si hay
banda azul verdosa o azul oscura anteriormente,
ocupa ms que la tercera, cuarta y quinta
filas; Amrica Central y del Sur; formas con
diseo lineado slo en la ltima------ahaetulla
CLAVE PARA LAS SUBESPECIES DE Leptophis mexicanus

FUENTE: Henderson, R. W. 1976. A new insular species of the colubrid snake Leptophis mexicanus (Reptilia, Serpentes,
Colubridae) from Belize. Jour. Herpetol. 10(4): 329-331.
1. Lateral dark stripe on entire length of body or nearly so; dorsum grey to bronze-brown ... 2
Lateral dark stripe absent from body or extending only to neck region; dorsum uniform
green or with black points on lateral anterior dorsum ......................................................... 3
2. Lateral dark stripe on posterior one-third of body usually occupying only upper edge of
scales of dorsal scale row 2 and lower edge of scales in row 3 KKKKK... m. mexicanus
Lateral dark stripe on posterior one-third of body occupying upper edge of dorsal scales of
row 2, all of scales in row 3, and lower edge of scales in row 4 KKKK... m. yucatanensis
3. Postocular stripe reaching to region of neck; black points on lateral scales of anterior
dorsum ..................................................................................................... m. septentrionalis
Postocular stripe faint and reaching only to temporal region; no black spotting on anterior
dorsum ............................................................................................................... m. hoeversi
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Masticophis

FUENTE: Johnson, L D. 1995. Key to mexican species of Masticophis. En O. Flores V., F. Mendoza Q. y G. Gonzlez P.
(cornps.). Recopilacin de claves para la determinacin de anfibios y reptiles de Mxico. Facultad de Ciencias, UNAM.
1.
15 midbody scale rows ------------------------ M. taeniatus

17 midbody scale rows ------------------------------------- 2
2.
Seven supralabials (juveniles

with lateral white stripes) --------- M. mentovarius (part)
Eight supralabials (young juvenile pattern
variable ----------------------------------------------------- 3
3.
Prominant dark or light lateral stripes on a

contrasting background (young juvenile pattern
variable) ---------------------------------------------------- 4
No prominant dark or light lateral stripes
(young juvenile pattern variable) ------------------------- 7
4.
Prominant dark stripes of varying number, the

lowermost on 2nd scale row (young juvenile pattern
of anterior bands) ------------------- M. mentovarius (part)
Prominant light stripes (young juvenile pattern
similar to adults) ------------------------------------------- 5
5.
Primary lateral light stripes widening at uneven

intervals on anterior portion of body, loreal
scales longer than wide ----------------------- M. aurigulus
Lateral light stripes of same width along
body; loreal scales more or less square ------------------ 6
6.
Temporal spot present -------------------------- M. lateralis

Temporal spot absent ------------------------- M. bilineatus
7.
Dorsal pattern unicolored (young juvenile pattern

Dorsal pattern variable (juvenile pattern
variable) ---------------------------------------------------- 8
8.
Anterior ventral scales not, or only

very lightly mottled, many dorsal scales
with dark spots or streaks (young juvenile pattern
Anterior ventral scales mottled (juvenile pattern
variable) ---------------------------------------------------- 9
9.
Dorsal pattern of uniform background

throughout body, with irregular scattered
short dark streaks on many dorsal scales (young
juveniles without dark streaks) --------------- M. anthonyi
Dorsal pattern variable, from uniform
throughout, to banded, to a darker anterior
pattern; if dark streaks are present on dorsal
scales, they are regularly distributed on almost
all scales (young juvenile pattern of anterior
bands, at least on neck ----------------------- M. flagellum
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Natrix = Nerodia

FUENTE: Conant, R. 1969. A review of the water snakes of the genus Natrix in Mexico. Bull. Amer. Mus. Nat. Hist.
142(1):1-140.
1. Scales in 19 or 21 rows at midbody (races of

Natrix valida) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Scales in 23 or more rows at midbody (races of
Natrix erythrogaster and Natrix rhombifera
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2. A prominent, pale, middorsal stripe. Nayarit
. . . . . . . . . Natrix valida thamnophisoides
No prominent, pale, middorsal stripe . . . . . 3
3. Dorsum gray, or brown, usually with four
longitudinal rows of small dark spots. West
coast of mainland Mexico . . . . . . . . . 4
Dorsal pattern variable: (a) as immediately
above; (b) dorsum black or dark brown but
with a pale, ragged-edged lateral stripe;
or (e) variations between these two pattern
types. Cape Region, Baja California . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . Natrix valida celaeno
4. Dorsum usually gray or dull brown and unstriped; ventrals 132 to 150 (mean in males,
141.7; in females, 140.3). Southern Sonora to
Nayarit . . . . . . . . . Natrix valida valida
Dorsum rich brown in many specimens; lower
three rows of scales usually pale in coloration
and producing the effect of a pale lateral
stripe; ventrals 130 to 138 (mean in males,
134.0; in females, 133.7). Jalisco to central
Guerrero . . . . . . Natrix valida isabelleae
5. Consult chart 1. If characters are those indicated for rhombifera, then see . . . . . . . 6
Consult chart 1. If characters are those indicated for erythrogaster, then see . . . . . . 8
6. Dark dorsal pattern prominent . . . . . . . . . 7
Dorsal pattern subdued or virtuaJly absent;
pattern, if distinguishable, largely confined
to edges of scales and skin between them.
Ro San Fernando and headwa ters of the
Rio San Juan southward to the PnucoTames and adjacent drainages in Tamaulipas,
San Luis Potos, Veracruz, and Hidalgo
. . . . . . . . . . Natrix rhombifera blanchardi
7. One preocular; dorsal pattern usually cleancut; belly usually marked with numerous,
more or less prominent, semicircular spots.

Coahuila, Nuevo Len, and Tamaulipas
. . . . . . . . . . Natrix rhombifera rhombifera
Two or three preoculars; dorsal pattern dark,
not clean-cut in some specimens; dark
markings on belly, if present, often small,
irregular, or diffused. Southern Veracruz
and Tabasco . . . . Natrix rhombifera werleri
8. Lateral blotches wide, 1 involving one and onehalf or more scales (longitudinally); usually
two supralabials entering eye; head (in
adults) brown or gray, in some cases with a
reddish tone. Coahuila, Nuevo Len, and
Tamaulipas . Natrix erythrogaster transversa
Lateral blotches narrow, involving one scale or
less; usually one supralabial entering eye . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
9. General appearance of adults pale and pinkish;
lateral blotches very narrow, involving only
fractions of adjacent scales and with all dark
pigment virtually confined to skin between the
scales; head decidedly reddish or orangebrown; usually one supralabiaI entering eye;
young more strongly patterned, with dark
gray blotches on apinkish ground color. Ro
Nazas, Durango . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . Natrix erythrogaster bogerti
General appearance of adults dark, including
head; lateral blotches one scale wide; one
supralabial entering eye; young similar to
young of bogerti, Ro Aguanaval, Zacatecas
. . . . . . . . . . . . . Natrix erythrogaster alta
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Ninia

FUENTE: Peters, J. and B. Orejas-Miranda. 1970. Catalogue of Neotropical Squamata, Part 1. Snakes, U.S. Natn. Mus. Bull.
297:1-346.
1.
Menos de 21 filas de escamas al medio del

cuerpo----------------------------------------2
Filas de escamas al medio del cuerpo 21hudsoni
2.
Escamas en 19 filas al medio del cuerpo--------3

Escamas en 17 filas al medio del cuerpo--------6
3.
Menos de 75 escamas subcaudales----------------4

Ms de 70 escamas subcaudales----------diademata
4.
Vientre generalmente inmaculado, no variegado

de negro o amarillo---------------------------5
Vientre nunca inmaculado, variegado de negro
y amarillo-----------------------------maculata
5.
Dorso rojo, con collar negro---------------sebae

Dorso negro, sin collar-------------------atrata
6.
Dorso no unicolor, al menos collar nucal

presente--------------------------------------7
Dorso negro uniforme--------------------psephota
7.
Dorso pardo negruzco, atravesado por 54-64

bandas grises claras; collar nucal ausente------------------------------------------- oxynota
Dorso azul oscuro, no atravesado por bandas
grises claras; collar nucal presente, de color
amarillento--------------------------cerroensis
NINIA DIADEMATA
1.
Manchas oscuras medioventrales redondeadas;

ventrales 132-145 (machos) y 138-150
(hembras)---------------------------labiosa
Manchas oscuras en forma de crecientes;
ventrales 127-131 (machos) y 130-137
(hembras)----------------------------nietoi
CLAVE PARA LAS SUBESPECIES DE Ninia sebae

FUENTE: Peters, J. and B. Orejas-Miranda. 1970. Catalogue of Neotropical Squamata. Part 1. Snakes. U.S. Natn. Mus. Bull.
297: 1-346.
NINIA SEBAE
1. Diseo dorsal de barras transversas, negras
frecuentemente reducidas en nmero y tamao, o ausentes; mancha nucal negra, en
forma de silla de montar, constante------2
Diseo dorsal pequeas manchas muy numerosas, nunca ausentes-----------punclulata
2. Barras dorsales usualmente presentes,
occasionalmente reducidas o ausentes;
loreal rectangular; subcauda1es en machos
41-72, en hembras 37-61------------------3
Sin barras dorsales transversas; usualmente
loreal angosta posteriormente; subcaudales
en machos 64-74, en hembras 53-65----------------------------------------immaculata
3. Ventrales en machos 139-151, en hembras
142-156; subcaudales en machos 41-57, en
hembras 37-49; alrededor del 50 por ciento
de los ejemplares con manchas muy reducidas o sin ellas--------------------morleyi
Ventra1es en machos 131-151, en hembras 4061; mayora de ejemplares con manchas
negras prominentes-------------------sebae
CLAVE PARA LAS SUBESPECIES DE Ninia diademata

FUENTE: Burger, W. L. and J. E. Werler. 1954. The subspecies of the ring-necked coffee snake, Ninia diademata, and a
short biological and taxonomic account of the genus. Kansas Univ. Sci. Bull., 36(10):643-672.
Se reproduce con permiso del editor de Kansas University.
Because of our meager acquaintance with several of the coffee

snakes, we hesitate to attempt construction of a key for their identification. Instead we have organized available diagnostic information as a summary of scutellational differences (Table 2) and as an
outline of ther color patterns, which follows:
I. Black above, with a light collar
A. Usually immaculate below........N. lansbergi, N. hudsoni.
B. Yellow with a median row of spots below (N. diademata subspecies).
1. Midventral spots crescent-shaped, .
...N. d. diademata, N. d. plorator, N. d. nietoi.
2. Midventral spots circular........N. d. labiosa.
II. Red above, with a black head, a yellow neck; band bordered behind by
black, and sometimes with black crossbars on the body, usually
mmaculate belowN. sebae sebae, N. s. moreleyi.
III. Unform black above, checkered black and red below.........N. psephota.
IV. Black or dark brown above, with numerous narrow white transverse lines;
checkered black and ivory belowN. oxynota.
V. Brown above with darker brown or black crossbands (N. maculata subspecies).
A. Dark bands broad and numbering 25 or fewer; belly light with
small quadrangular black spots scattered or in one or two longitudinal rows, subcaudal surface black..N. maculata maculata.
B. Dark bands narrow and numbering 50 or more; belly white or
ivory checkered wth black, the latter color increasing posteriorly,
N. m. tessellata and N. m. pavimentata.
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Oxybelis

FUENTE: Keiser, E. D. 1974. A systematic study of the neotropical vine snake Oxybelis aeneus (Wagler). Texas Memorial
Mus. Univ. Texas, 51 Pp.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
No single, wide, dark green stripe located.KKKKKKKKKK

medially on full length of venter KKKKKKKKKKKKKK.. 2
Single, wide, dark green stripe located medial-KKKKK.KKKKK
Iy on full length of venter (stripe occupies KKK.KKKKKK.
one-half or more of width of ventral scales KKK.Oxybelis boulengeri
KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK.(if recognized*)
Lateral and vertebral dark stripes lacking KKKKKKKKKK.. 3
Prominent lateral stripe present; vertebral KKKKKKKKK.
stripe usually presentKKKKKKKKKKK.. Oxybelis argenteus
Anal plate divided; supralabials usually eight KKKKKKKKK..
or more KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK 4
Anal plate single; supralabials usually six KKK Oxybelis brevirostris
Paired white or yellow lateral stripes on venter KKKKKKKKK..
prominent on full length of body KKKKKKK... Oxybelis fulgidus
Paired white or yellow ventral stripes absent, KKKKKKKKK
or if present, weak and restricted to extreme KKKKKKKKK
lateral edges of ventrals on anterior half of KKKKKKKKK
body KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK.. Oxybelis aeneus
*Oxybelis boulengeri Procter (1923), although synonymized by Amaral (1929), may be a rare but
valid species which is closely allied with Oxybelis argenteus. I have not seen the holotype, but
additional specimens closely matching Procter's description of the holotypes are extant. The specimens
I have examined differ from typical argenteus in at least seven distinctive features involving both
scutellation and coloration. Several of these features are not mentioned in Procter's description. I am
recognizing the species only tentatively until I have occasion to examine the holotype.
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Pliocercus

297: 1-346.
1.
Con 17 filas de escamas al medio del cuerpo---2

Con 19 filas de escamas al medio del cuerpo-----------------------------------------arubricus
2.
Con dos o menos preoculares-------------------3

Con tres preoculares-----------------dimidiatus
3.
Anillos del cuerpo con alternancia de rojo y

negro, no hay disposicin en triadas----------4
Anillos del cuerpo con alternancia de rojo,
negro y amarillo, los anillos negros frecuentemente dispuestos en triadas---------elapoides
4.
Ms de 40 anillos negros dorsales-----euryzonus

Menos de 40 anillos negros dorsales--annellatus
PLIOCERCUS ELAPOIDES
1.
Todos los anillos negros primarios

completos alrededor del cuerpo------------2
La mayora de los anillos negros primarios
incompletos a ventral---------laticollaris
2.
Anillos negros del cuerpo menos de 14-----3

Anillos negros del cuerpo ms de 13------------------------------------------salvinii
3.
Con margen oscuro entre anillos amari11os y

rojos----------------------------diastemus
Sin margen oscuro entre anillos amarillos y
rojos-------------------------salvadorensis
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Rhadinaea

FUENTE: Myers, C. W. 1970. The systematics of Rhadinaea (Colubridae), a genus of new world snakes. Bull. Amer. Mus.
Nat. Hist. 153(1): 1-262.
1. Dorsal scales in 17 rows . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Dorsal scales in 19 or 21 rows . . . . . . . . 2
2 (1). Dorsal scales in 19 rows1 . . . . . . . . . . 3
Dorsal scales in 21 rows1 . . . . . . godmani
3(2). Bold lateral darkstripe on scale row 3 and
part of each adjacent row, and bold
ventrolateral dark stripe on edges of
ventrals and lower part of first scale row
(fig. 28C) . . . . . . . . . . . . montecristi
No such combination of stripes . . . . . . . 4
4(3). Body pattern complex, including dark line or
stripe on adjacent edges of scale rows 1
and 2 (fig. 28D) . . . . . . . . . serperaster
Body pattern variable (e.g., fig. 28K-M),
but not including a conspicuous line or
stripe on adjacent edges of rows 1 and 2
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . hempsteadae
5(1). Definite white line, solid or broken, on scale
row 1 (may also involve row 2); dark lines
or stripes absent or very vague . . . . . . 19
No definite white line on first scale row; body
striped, unicolor, or speckled . . . . . . . 6
6(5). Well-defined pale line, stripe, ocellus, or
wedge-shaped marking lying close behind
upper rear edge of eye and extending either
horizontally toward neck or obliquely
across temporal regin toward rear of
mouth or side of neck . . . . . . . . . . 23
No conspicuous pale rnarking in upper postocular or temporal region (exception:
some flavilata of SE United States) . . . . 7
7(6). At least one obvious dark line or stripe on
side of body . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Body without dark lines or stripes, or with
only vertebral dark line (lateral dark
stripes completely absent or vague due to
diffusion of pigment) . . . . . . . . . . . 13
8(7). Series of dark spots, transverse markings, or
even solid stripe down middle of belly
(fig. 34) . . . . . . . . . . calligaster (part)
Belly immaculate or speckled , but no series
of midventral dark markings . . . . . . . . 9
9(8).
10(9).
11(10).
12(10).
13(7).
14(13).
15(14).
Black stripe along side of head, and a

middorsal black stripe that is usually short
and confined 10 neck (figs. 36C, 38)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . pulveriventris (part)
No such markings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Large pale blotch(es) on frontal plate (e.g.,
fig. 27B), or, if absent (some specimens of
lachrymans), usually more than 154 ventrals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Frontal plate essentially dark, without large
pale area (e.g., fig. 27A); usually less than
154 ventrals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Pattern includes pair of bold vcntrolateral
and lateral blackish brown stripes on each
side of body (fig. 28A, B) . . . lachrymams
Body with more complex pattern of brown
lines and stripes (fig. 29E), not dominated
by pair of bold ventrolateral and lateral
dark stripes . . . . . . . . . . . . . kinkelini
Dorsolateral dark lines present; lateral dark
stripe occupying adjacent halves of scale
rows 3 and 4 (fig. 29D); usually only one
postocular scale . . . . . . . . . . hannsteini
No dorsolateral dark lines; lateral stripe
covering all of row 4 and part of each
adjacent row; two postoculars . . . pinicola
Series of dark spots, transverse markings, or
even solid stripe down middle of belly
(fig. 34) . . . . . . . . . . calligaster (part)
No series of midventral dark markings . . . 14
Body scales (at least in lateral rows) with pale
dashes or speckIing (fig. 29A-C); often
only a single postocular scale and never a
subpreocular; diminutive snakes from
Mexico and upper Central America . . . . 15
Body scales (even in lateral rows) lacking
pale dashes or conspicuously pale speckling; usually two postoculars; subpreocular present or absent; normal-sized
species from southeastern United States
and lower Central America . . . . . . . . 17
Tail short, less than 20 percent of total length
and with fewer than 50 pairs of subcaudals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . schistosa
Tail much longer, usually more than 30 percent of total length and with more than
80 pairs of subcaudals . . . . . . . . . . . 16
16(15).
17(14).
18(17).
19(5).
20(19).
21(20).
Head and neck very pale (white in preservative) except for some dark brown mottling
atop head (fig. 27D) . . . . . . . pilonaorum
Head dark, sharply contrasted from pale
collar on neck (fig. 27C) . . . . . . posadasi
Head lighter than body; ventral plates tipped
with dark pigment . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Head usually darker than body, never
lighter; edges of ventrals not tipped with
dark pigment . . . . . . . . . . . . flavilata
Conspicuously lighter color of head (or pale
collar in juveniles?) extending three or
four scales behind ends of parietal plates;
supralabials intensely spotted and speckled
with dark pigment, including encroachment of pigment along common labial
sutures (fig. 40C) . . . . . . fulviceps (part)
Slightly lighter color of head extending less
than three scales behind parietals; supralabials pigmented mostly along tops and
bottoms; no encroachment of dark pigment along common sutures of supralabials (fig. 40H) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . species inquirenda (Lateristriga group)
Pair of white ocelli on rear of head (on outer
side of each parietal plate) and sometimes
additional ocelli on neck (fig. 4OE); two
white lines on each side of body (fig. 41 A)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . guentheri
No pale ocelli on head or neck; one or two
white lines on each side of body . . . . . . 20
Two narrow white lines on each side of body,
on scale rows 1 (or 1-2) and 5 (fig. 4ID)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . decipiens (part)
One narrow white line or series of white
dashes on each side of body, on row 1 or
rows 1 and 2 (any pale area in the vicinity
of row 5 is broad and diffuse, as in
fig. 41H, 1) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Pale collar across rear of head, or head about
as dark as body (fig. 40A); a white stripe
across dark supralabials (fig. 40A, lower
two heads) . . . . . . . . . . decipiens (part)
No pale collar (except in juveniles?), but
entire upper surface of head conspicuously
lighter than body; supralabials variously
pigmented but lacking white stripe . . . . 22
22(21).
23(6).
24(23).
25(24).
26(25).
27(26).
Light head color (pale collar in juveniles?)

extending one or two scales behind tips of
parietal plates; supralabials lightly marked
with brown; usually 1+1 temporals
(fig. 40B) . . . . . . . . . . . . . pachyura
Light head color (pale collar in juveniles?)
extending three or four scales behind
parietals; supralabials heavily pigmented;
usually 1 + 2 temporals . . . fulviceps (part)
Body golden brown with middorsal gray
stripe three to five scales broad, and little
or no indication of lateral striping; dark
head set off by white line across neck and
with a vivid horizontal white line extending from canthus rostralis to temporal
region (figs. 6C, 7e) . . . . . . . . laureata
Not so marked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
Middorsal black or gray stripe, usually confined to neck (rarely extending length of
body) and tending to bifurcate on nape;
body otherwise nearly uniform brown for
most of length, except for lateral dark line
(figs. 36C, 37C, 38) . . pulveriventris (part)
Not so marked . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Broad middorsal black stripe broken by pale
line down the middle (also might be interpreted as paired paravertebral dark
stripes); conspicuous pale reticulum on
head (figs. 36B, 37B) . . . . vermiculaticeps
No such combination of markings; pale
reticulum absent or present; middorsal
dark stripe, if present, not broken by pale
line in middle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Lower several scale rows uniformly blackish;
and a pale reticulum on head; no discrete
dark lines on body (figs. 36A, 37A) . sargenti
No such combination of markings . . . . . 27
Lateral dark stripe at least two half-scale rows
in width and involving at least the lower
edge of row 5; ends of ventral plates not
conspicuously darkened by pigment from
lower sides (which are never very dark),
although discrete spots sometimes present;
ventrals 148-197; taeniata group . . . . . 28
Lateral marking usually a dark line or
28(27).
29(28).
30(29).
31(27).
32(31).
..
..
narrow stripe on scale row 4 or 5 (or, if
wider, not touching row 5, or ventral
plates conspicuously tipped with dark
pigment); lower sides and ventral tips
light or dark; ventrals 110-186; decorata
group . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
Middorsal brown stripe occupying median
five scale rows plus an edge or larger part
of each adjacent (sixth) row; a darker
vertebral line present (fig. 20F) . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . omiltemana
Middorsal stripe brown or black and not so
broad, occupying median three scale rows
plus part of each adjacent (seventh) row; a
darker vertebral line present or absent . . 29
Lateral and dorsal stripes brown, with conspicuously darker edges; lateral stripe
centered on row 4 and overlapping onto
each adjacent row (fig. 20E) . . . . fulvivittis
At least lateral stripe is black, without darker
edges; lateral stripe not centered on row 4
(except in some intraspecific hybrids) . . 30
Lateral black stripe completely covering
scale rows 4 and 5 as well as adjacent parts
of rows 3 and 6; dorsal stripe also black;
dorsolateral white stripe continuous above
eye to snout (figs. 19D, 20D) . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . taeniata aemula
Lateral black stripe narrower, occupying
parts of rows 4 and 5; dorsal stripe usually
brown and containing a darker vertebral
line; dorsolateral pale brown stripe interrupted at eye (figs. 19A, 20A) . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . taeniata taeniata
Lateral dark line usually confined to middle
or lower edge of scale row 5, or, sometimes
equally shared between rows 4 and 5 . . . 32
Lateral dark line mainly on row 4, sometimes
including lower edge of row 5 . . . . . . 33
A distinct dark line down middle of vertebral
row of sca1es (fig. 11 K-M); ventrals 139177 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . hesperia
33(31).
34(33).
35(34).
36(35).
37(34).
No distinct line in middle of vertebral row,

although wider dark streak often present
(covering one or more scale rows);
ventrals 110-134 . . . . . . . . . . decorata
Postocular pale marking usually wedgeshaped, not a line or stripe (fig. 10F)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . cuneata
Postocular pale marking a line or narrow
stripe, in some cases broken . . . . . . . 34
Postocular pale line sharply inclined, extending from upper edge of eye to behind
corner of mouth; usually less than 150
ventrals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35
Postocular pale line horizontal or oblique,
but, in latter case, not extending to behind
corner of mouth; usually more than 150
ventrals (except in R. myersi) . . . . . . . 37
White line across nape and pale vermiculartions atop head (fig. 10H) ; about 50 spines
on hemipenis . . . . . . . . . . . marcellae
No white line across nape; pale vermiculartions absent or inconspicuous; fewer than
30 spines on hemipenis . . . . . . . . . . 36
Ventrals usually conspicuously tipped with
dark brown or black; vertebral dark line
usually unbroken; lateral dark line thick;
ground color darker (fig. 11D); ventrals
(nine specimens) 136-149 . . . . . . forbesi
Ends of ventrals spotted or inconspicuously
tipped with brown; dark vertebral line
essentially absent; lateral dark line narrow;
ground color lighter (fig. 11F); ventrals
(three specimens) 119-131 . . . macdougalli
Sharply defined vertebral dark line usually
set on a median ground color of gray or
pale brown, or, if not, lateral light stripe
occupying scale row 5 and adjacent parts
of rows 4 and 6; vertebral dark line often
preceded on neck by short pale line . . . . 38
Vertebral line usually broken and vague (not
solid black), on a brown ground color; no
lateral light stripe, only a vague pale area
nearly confined to row 5; no short pale
line on midline of neck . . . . . . . . . . 40
38(37).
39(38).
40(37).
Paravertebral light areas sharply defined by

dark-edged dorsolateral brown stripes;
lateral light stripe occupying row 5 and
adjacent halves of rows 4 and 6 (fig. 11A)
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Montana
No discrete dorsolateral brown stripes, or at
least not with darker edges; lateral light
stripe often higher, usually including most
or all of row 6 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Lateral light stripe conspicuously paler than
lower sides, and not extending onto row 7
(fig. 11B); 81-112 pairs of subcaudals
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . gaigeae
Lateral light stripe not much paler than
lower sides, and extending onto lower part
of row 7; 76 subcaudals in only known
specimen (female) . . . . . . quinquelineata
Ventrals more than 145 (158 in only known
male, 163 in only known female); postocular pale line touching on ultimate
supralabial (fig. 10J); small pale spots
(interrupting lateral dark line) situated on
posterodorsal section of each scale in row 4
(fig. 11G); capitulum of hemipenis comprising about half of length of organ
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . bogertorum
Ventrals less than 145 (132, 135 in two males,
139 in only female); postocular pale line
edging but not encroaching onto ultimate
supralabial (fig. 10K); small pale spots in
row 4 absent or situated dorsomedially on
each scale (fig. 11B); capitulum of hemipenis only about two-fifths of total length
of organ (fig. 12B) . . . . . . . . . . myersi
NOTAS: Las figuras al final de la clave siguen el orden en la cual aparecieron en el artculo original. Se ha descrito una nueva
especie Rhadinanea kanalchutchan para Mxico y se suprime R. hempsteadae (Mendelson, J. R. III y D. A. Kizirian. 1995.
Geographic variation in Rhadinanea hempsteadae (Serpentes: Colubridae) with the description of a new species from Chiapas ,
Mxico. Herpetologica, 51(3):301-313.
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Sibon

FUENTE: Kofron, K. P. 1995. Key to the species of Sibon in Mexico. En O. Flores V., F. Mendoza Q. y G. Gonzalez P.
(comps.). Recopilacin de claves para la determinacin de anfibios y reptiles de Mxico. Facultad de Ciencias, UNAM.
Elaborada y actualizada por el autor para esta recopilacin.
1. Dorsal scale row at midbody 17 KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK 2

Dorsal scale row at midbody 15 KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK. 5
2. A single, broad prefrontal scale, about 137-139 ventrals KKKKKKKKK.. zweifeli
A pair of prefrontal, ventrals 165-200 KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK... 3
3. Maxilary teeth 6-11 KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK sartorii
Maxilary teeth 12-17 KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK 4
4. Dentary teeth 13-17, loreal entering orbit KKKKKKK f. fischeri INCERTAE SEDIS
Dentary teeth 18-24, loreal not entering orbit KKKKKKKKKKKK... fasciata, 10
5. Maxillary teeth 8-10, dentary teeth 11-14 KKKKKKKKKKKKKKK. annulifera
Maxillary teeth 11-20, dentary teeth 18-27 KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK.. 6
6. No infralabial in contact with another behind mental, usually 1 or 2 postmentals KK 7
Two infralabials in eontaet with each other (1 pair) behind mental, no postmental K. 8
7. Ventrals 143-162, subcaudals 57-86 KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK. s. saniola
Ventrals 160-206, subcaudals 95-144 KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK dimidiata
8. Vertebral scales not wider than other dorsals KKKKKKKKKKKKKK. philippii
Vertebral scales about 1 1/4-1 1/3 times wider than other dorsals KKK. nebulata ssp
9. Ventrals 165-197, some dorsals scales keeled KKKKKKKKKKKKK s. sartorii
Ventrals about 198-200, dorsals scales without keels KKKKK.. sartorii macdougalli
10. Ventrals 172-192, venter with alternating light and dark areas, some dark bands
complete across venter KKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKKK f. fasciata
Ventrals 188-200, venter white or mostly white, or a few dark bands extending to the
ventral midline but none complete across venter KKKK.. fasciata guerreroensis
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Stenorrhina

297:1-346.
1. Ventrales ms de 160---------------freminvillii
Ventrales menos de 160-------------degenhardtii
CLAVE PARA LAS SUBESPECIES DE Stenorrhina degenhardtii
1. Sin lnea temporal------------------------2

Con lnea temporal-------------degenhardtii
2. Dorso gris uniforme en los adultos; vientre
con manchas claras sobre fondo gris----------------------------------------ocellata
Pardo encima en adultos; vientre con
manchas negras--------------------mexicana
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Tantilla

FUENTE: Wilson, L. D. 1982. Tantilla. Cat. Amer. Amphib. Rept. 307.1-307.4.
Se reproduce con permiso del editor Catalogue American Amphibians and Reptiles.
1. Last supralabial in contact with parietal, separating anterior and posterior temporals . coronadoi
Last supralabial separated from parietal, anterior and posterior temporals contacting one another . 2
2. Postocular usually single 3
Postoculars usually 2 .. 7
3. Dorsum tan to brown with darker stripes on middorsum and
rows 3 and 4 ... calamarina
Dorsal coloration not as above ... 4
4. Head and nape white; remainder of dorsum dark olive
. albiceps
5. Dorsum and venter black . nigra
6. Dorsum of head slightly darker brown than remainder of
body .. gracilis
Dorsum of .head rnuch darker than remainder of body
.. atriceps
7. Dorsurn of body with alternating pale and dark transverse
bands .. 8
8. Dorsum reddish-brown to dark red with pale blackbordered transverse bands usually extending to middorsal
line and alternating with those on other side of body ...
. annulata
9. Pale bands present only on anterior part of body shawi
Pale bands present over length of body 10
10. Ventrals more than 160 [161-176]; subcaudals more than
50 [54-71] .. semicincta (part)
Ventrals fewer than 150 [holotype 148]; subcaudals fewer
than 50 [38] ... supracincta
11. Dorsum with a pale middorsal stripe the length of the body
on a black ground color . semicincta (part)
12. Dorsum and venter dark brown to black ... moesta
Dorsal coloration not as above . 13
13. Dorsum with a median dark longitudinal stripe ... 14
Dorsal coloration not as above . 22
14. Supralabials six; dark middorsal stripe occupying middle
of middorsal scale row; head pattern of spatulate dark anterior extension of middorsal dark stripe flanked by pale
narrow longitudinal markings connected to pale postparietal spots ... cascadae
Supralabials seven; dorsal coloration not as above .. 15
15. Ventrals fewer than 130 [115-129]; subcaudals fewer than

30 [19-28] . Vermiformis
Ventrals usually 130 or more; subcaudals more than
30 .. 16
16. Middorsal dark stripe relatively broad, occupying as little
as all of middorsal scale row or as much as middorsal row
and adjacent halves of paravertebral rows; head pattern of
spatulate dark anterior extension of middorsal dark stripe
flanked by narrow longitudinal pale markings and short
pale rniddorsally interrupted nuchal collar deppei
Dorsal color pattern not as above . 17
17. Nuchal spots confluent with dorsal body ground color
... insulamontana
Nuchal spots or collar bounded posteriorly by dark nape
band or, if not, nuchal spots not conftuent with dorsal body
ground color . 18
18. Pale preocular spot continues posterodorsally onto preocular scale to touch eye .. equatoriana
Pale preocular spot excluded frorn orbit by dark ocular spot
... 19
19. Dark head cap with extensive pale markings consisting of
pale marking on snout continuing posteriorly over supraocular and anterolateral corner of parietal and downward to
connect with postocular pale spot . andinista
Head pattem not as above 20
20. No dark pigment bounding pale neck band (behind dark
nape band) posteriorly ... melanocephala (part)
Dark pigment bounding pale neck band (behind dark nape
band) posteriorly .. 21
21. Nuchal spots indistinct and largely confined to scales
posterior to parietals; dark ventral border of pale lateral
stripe present lempira
Nuchal spots distinct and usually restricted to parietal
scales; no dark ventral border of pale lateral stripe (if
present) ... melanocephala (part)
22. Dorsum with a median pale longitudinal stripe ... 23
Dorsal color pattern not as above . 29
23. Subcaudals fewer than 30 [21-26] .. brevicauda
Subcaudals more than 30 . 24
24. Middorsal stripe occupying only middorsal scale row .. jani
Middorsal stripe occupying middorsal scale row and adjacent halves of paravertebral rows ......... 25
25. Nape band reduced to a pair of spots, one on either side
of midline ... striata
Nape band complete or divided medially and/or laterally
... 26
26. Nape band not crossing last supralabial .. oaxacae
Nape band crosses last supralabial ... 27
27. Well-defined dark stripe present on lateral edges of ventrals; anterolateral edges of scales of pale areas on dorsum
outlined with dark pigment ... reticulata
No dark stripe present on lateral edges of ventrals; no dark
pigment concentrated on anterolateral edges of scales of
pale areas on dorsum 28
28. Ground color pale, a dark median stripe of varying intensity on each dorsal row, ncluding paraventral row ..
. flavilineata
Ground color dark, no dark median stripes on dorsal scale
rows; scales of paraventral row distinctly divided into a
dark upper and pale lower half taeniata
29. Ventrals fewer than 115 [103-114] ... canula
Ventrals more than 115 30
30. Pale lateral stripe rows 3 and 4 31
No pale lateral stripe 32
31. Ventrals more than 165 [male holotype 172] ... briggsi
Ventrals fewer than 160 [139-154] cuniculator
32. Dorsum of head more or less same color as dorsum of body
... 33
Dorsum of head much darker than dorsum of body . 36
33. Bubcaudals more than 50 . 34
Subcaudals fewer than 50 . 35
34. Pale nuchal collar present alticola
Pale nuchal collar absent ... petersi
35. Ventrals more than 155 [female holotype 164] .. bairdi
Ventrals fewer than 155 [117-147] schistose
36. Entire head dark above and below to a point 3 to 4 scales
posterior to parietals .. rubra (part)
Head pattern not as above 37
37. Pale nuchal band absent ... 38
Pale nuchal band present .. 40
38. Head cap convex or pointed posteriorly nigriceps
Head cap straight-edged posteriorly . 39
39. Hemipenis with 2 basal hooks .. oolitica (part) (256)
Hemipenis with 1 basal hook relicta (part) (257)
40. Pale nuchal band crossing tip of parietals 41
Pale nuchal band bordering parietals or present 1 to 3 scales
posterior to parietals . 47
41. Posterior black border of pale nuchal band covering one
scale or less ... wilcoxi
Posterior black border of pale nuchal band covering 2 to 3
scale lengths . 42
42. Dark dorsal coloration sharply differentiated from pale
ventral coloration at edges of ventrals morgani
Dorsal coloration grades into pale ventral coloration .. 43
43. Ventrals 147 or more 44
Ventrals 146 or fewer ... 45
44. Subcaudals more than 55 [56-73] . rubra (part)
Subcaudals fewer than 55 [46-49] ... miniata
45. Hemipenis with one basal hook . relicta (part) (257)
Hemipenis with two basal hooks .. 46
46. Pale nuchal band present .. coronata (308)
Pale nuchal band absent (except in Key Largo specimens)
... oolitica (part) (256)
47. Pale nuchal band distinct, bordered behind by black band
one scale in length or less ... bocourti
Pale nuchal band distinct or not, not bordered posteriorly by

dark pigment, or, if so, pigment reduced to series of
spots .. 48
48. Black head cap does not extend laterally below angle of
mouth ... hobartsmithi
Black head cap extends laterally below angle of mouth .. 49
49. Extensive white postocular spot, extending onto lower onefourth to three-fourths of anterior temporal . yaquia (198)
No white pigrnent on anterior temporal planiceps
NOTAS: La clave no incluye a Tantilla tayrae (Wilson, L. D. 1983. A new species of Tantilla of the taeniata group from
Chiapas, Mexico. Jour. Herpetol. 17(1): 54-59.
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Thamnophis

FUENTE: Rossman, D. A. 1995. Key to the species of garter snakes (Thamnophis) in Mexico. En O. Flores V., F. Mendoza
Q. y G. Gonzlez P. (comps.). Recopilacin de claves para la determinacin de anfibios y reptiles de Mxico. Facultad de
Ciencias, UNAM.
1. Lateral stripe involving 4th longitudinal dorsal scale row anteriorly1 . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Lateral stripe, if present, not involving 4th dorsal scales row anteriorly . . . . . . . . . 3
2. A maximum2 of 19 dorsal scale rows; no vertical dark bars on any supralabial
suture . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T. proximus
A maximum of 21 dorsal scale rows; vertical dark bars present on at least some
supralabial sutures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T. eques
3. A maximum of 17 dorsal scale rows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
A maximum of > 17 dorsal scale rows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
4. Supralabials usually3 7 on at least one side; maxillary teeth4 < 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Supralabials usually 8 on at least one side; maxillary teeth > 25 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T. chrysocephalus
5. Infralabials usually 8 on at least one side; lateral stripe faint, but usually present
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T. exsul
Infralabials usually 9 or 10 on at least one side; presence of lateral stripe
variable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
6. Lateral stripe absent; maxillary teeth > 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T. mendax
Lateral stripe often faint but usually present; maxillary teeth <20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
7. Top of head unpatterned; two rows of relatively small black spots between
vertebral and lateral stripes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T. godmani
Top of head usually with light lines along some sutures; one or two rows of large,
blaek-edged brown spots or blotches between vertebral and lateral stripes
8. Subcaudals5 < 60 in males, < 50 in females; posterior supralabials same color as

temporals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T. scaliger6 (part)7
Subcaudals > 60 in males, > 50 in females; posterior supralabials same color as
other supralabials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T. scalaris (part)
9. A maximum of 19 dorsal seale rows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
A maximum of 21 dorsal scales rows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
10. Supralabials usually 7 on at least one side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Supralabials usually 8 on at least one side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
11. One or two rows of large, black-edged brown spots or blotches between vertebral
and lateral stripes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Dorsolateral spots, if present, black and moderate in size . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
12. Subcaudals < 60 in males, < 50 in females; posterior supralabials same color as
temporals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T. scaliger (part)
Subcaudals > 60 in males, > 50 in females; posterior supralabials same color as
other supralabials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T. scalaris (part)
13. Vertebral stripes largely confined to vertebral row . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Vertebral stripes involving vertebral row and at least 1/2 width of scales in
paravertebral rows . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T. sirtalis (part)
14. Ventrals < 151 in males, < 143 in females . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T. postremus8 (part)
Ventrals > 150 in males, > 146 in females . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
15. Large dark spots present below lateral stripe; tongue red with blak tips . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T. pulchrilatus8
No large dark spots present below lateral stripe; tongue black, not red stalk . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T. errans (part)
16. Vertebral stripe present, at least anteriorly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Vertebral stripe usually absent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
17. Preoculars usually 1 on at least one side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Preoculars usually 2 on at least one side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
18. Posterior supralabials same color as temporals, set off fore-and-aft by blackedged light areas; lateral stripe, if present confined to 3rd dorsal scale row
anteriorly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T. marcianus (part)
Posterior supralabials same color as other supralabials; lateral stripe not
confined to 3rd dorsal scale row anteriorly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
19. Vertebral stripe involving vertebral row and at least 1/2 width of scales in
paravertebral rows; upper row of dorsolateral spots expanded to form dark
border for vertebral stripe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T. sirtalis (part)
Vertebral stripe confined to vertebral row or, at rnost, involving least than 1/2
width of scale in paravertebral rows; upper row of dorsolateral spots not
expanded to form dark border for vertebral stripe . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
20. Maxillary teeth < 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T. errans (part)
Maxillary teeth > 20 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
21. Vertebral stripe bright and distinct throughout length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Vertebral stripe usually indistinct, especially posteriorly . . . . . . . . . . . . . T. fulvus

22. Ventrals < 151 in males, < 143 in females . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T. postremus (part)
Ventrals > 150 in males, > 146 in females . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T. cyrtopsis
23. Posterior supralabials same color as temporals, set off fore-and-aft by blackedged light areas; lateral stripe, if present confined to 3rd dorsal scale row
Posterior supralabials same color as other supralabial; lateral stripe not confined
to 3rd dorsal scale row anteriorly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T. melanogaster (part)
24. Preoculars usually 1 on at least one side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
Preoculars usually 2 on at least one side . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T. melanogaster (part)
25. Subcaudals > 80 in males, > 75 in females; black nuchal collar not divided
middorsaliy; no dark postocular stripe present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T. vicinus
Subcaudals <80 in males, <68 in females; black-edged, brown nuchal blotches
elongated and at least partially separated middorsally; a prominent dark
postocular stripe usually present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T. sumichrasti
26. Vertebral stripe present . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Vertebral stripe absent . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
27. Posterior supralabials same color as temporals, set off for-and-aft by blackedged light areas; lateral stripe, if present, confined to 3rd dorsal scale row
Posterior supralabials same color as other supralabials; lateral stripe not
confined to 3rd dorsal scale row anteriorly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
28. Tongue red with black tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T. elegans

Tongue black, nor red stalk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T. errans (part)
29. Lateral stripe usually present or, if absent, venter with out dark spots or bars . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T. hammondii
Lateral stripe absent; venter with dark spots or bars . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
30. A larger, undivided nuchal blotch; venter predominantly dark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T. nigronuchalis
Usually relatively small nuchal blotches; venter predominantly light . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . T. rufipunctatus
At, or behind the level of the 10th ventral scute.

Counting across the back at the level of the 10th ventral scute.
3
"Usually" in this key refers to at least 90% of the specimens examined.
4
Counting empty sockets as well as attached teeth.
5
Works for complete tails only.
6
Recognition of scaligcr as a distinct species is based on evidence presented by Rossman and Lara Gongora (1991, Abstracts
Ann, Meet. Soc. Study Amphibians & Reptiles and Herpetol. League, p: 93).
7
Because of intraspecific variation in one or more "key" characters, a species may key out in more than one place.
8
Recognition of postremus and pulchrilatus as distinct species based on evidence presented by Rossman (1992, Abstracts
Ann. Meet. Amer. Soc. Ichthyol. & Herpetol. and Herpetol. League, p. 160).
9
Tanner (1985, Great Basin Naturalist 45:615-676) reduced T. nigronuchalis to subspecies of T. rufipunctatus, but he found
no intergrades. Rossman (1993, Abstracts Ann. Meet. Soc. Study Amphibians & Reptiles, no pagination) presented evidence
that nigronuchalis is a valid species.
2
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Trimorphodon

FUENTE: Scott, N. and R. W. McDiarmid. 1984. Trimorphodon Cope. Lyre snake. Cat. Amer. Amphib. Rept. 352.1-352.4.
Pale band on nape broad with a straigbt or slightly indented

posterior border; most dorsal dark saddles conftuent with
dark markings on ventrals ________________________________ T. tau
Pale band on nape narrow and chevron or lyre shaped, posterior
border or U-shaped; most dorsal dark saddles separated
from dark spots on tips of ventrals _______________ T. biscutatus
CLAVE PARA LOS GENEROS DE FALSOS CORALILLOS

FUENTE: Campbell, J. A. and W. W. Lamar. 1989. The venemous reptiles of Latin America. Ithaca, New York, Cornell
Univ. 415 pp.
1. Body pattern not ringed or banded ...2
Body pattern ringed, banded, or appearing so ...16
2. Anal plate divided ............................3
Anal plate single ...........8
3. Midbody dorsal scale rows 26 or more ..........Elaphe (Fig. 469)
Midbody dorsal scale rows fewer than 26 ...4
4. Midbody dorsal seale rows 17; anterior nasal fused with internasal .........
.........Stenorrhina (Fig. 532)
Midbody dorsal scale rows fewer than 17; nasal not fused with internasal .5
5. Loreal usually present Sonora (Fig. 531)
Loreal usually absent ...6
6. Dorsum, excluding head and tail, primarily black .........venomous coral snake
Dorsum variable but not black .7
7. Internasals distinct from prefrontals ..........Elapomorphus (Fig. 470)
Internasals fused with prefrontals ...Apostolepis (Fig. 461)
8. Midbody dorsal scale rows fewer than 17 .Drepanoides
Midbody dorsal scale rows 17 or more 9
9. Midbody dorsal scale rows 17 ...12
Midbody dorsal scale rows 19 or more ..........10
10. Dorsals mostly smooth ...........11
Dorsals keeled ..........Ninia (Fig. 501)
11. Rostral sharply pointed and upturned ...Phimophis
Rostral normal ........Oxyrhopus (Figs. 502-508)
12. Subcaudals single Pseudoboa (Fig. 518)
Subcaudals divided ....13
13. Dorsals smooth ..........14
Dorsals keeled ..........Ninia (Fig. 501)
14. Rostral modified and upturned .........Gyalopion (Fig. 486)
Rostral normal ....15
15. More than 200 ventrals Clelia (Fig. 466)
Fewer than 200 ventrals ...Atractus (Fig. 462)
16. Anal plate single .........17
Anal plate divided ..........34
17. Midbody dorsal scale rows 17 or more ..........18
Midbody dorsal scale rows 17 or fewer .........24
18. Subcaudals all or mostly single ...........Rhinocheilus (Figs. 520-521)
Subcaudals all or mostly divided ...........19
19. Nasals and prefrontals fused ..........20
Nasals and prefrontals distinct ...21
20. Ventrals only slightly larger than dorsals; eye beneath pentagonal scale ..........
.........Anilius (Fig. 460)
Ventrals much larger than dorsals; eye not beneath pentagonal scale ...
....Sympholis
21. Vertebral row of dorsals enlarged; head flattened and broad ........
....Tripanurgos (Fig. 534)
Vertebral row of dorsals nol enlarged; head not as above .22
22. Rostral enlarged into a wedge-shaped protuberance separating nasals and part of
prefrontals; pupil elliptical Phyllorhynchus (Fig. 509)
Rostral normal; pupil round or elliptical ........23
23. Supralabials 4 and 5 forming lower border of eye; pupil vertical .
..........Oxyrhopus (Figs. 502-508)
Supralabials 3 and 4 forming lower border of eye; pupil round
..........Lampropeltis (Figs. 489-498)

24. Dorsals all or mostly keeled ...33
Dorsals all or mostly smooth .25
25. Loreal absent ..26
Loreal present .27
26. Rostral modified and upturned .Gyalopion (Fig. 486)
Rostral normal venomous coral snake
27. Vertebral scale row distinctly enlarged; mental groove absent .
....Dipsas (Figs. 467, 468)
Vertebral scale row normal; mental groove present ..28
28. Anterior temporal absent Geophis (Figs. 483-485)
Anterior temporal present ..29
29. Supralabial below anterior temporal considerably larger than adjacent supralabials .Sibon2 (Figs. 527-529)
Supralabials nearly equal in size 30
30. Eye completely separated from supralabials .Hydrodynastes (Fig. 487)
Eye in contact with one or more supralabials 31
31. Dorsal scale rows 17; found north of Panama Geophis (Figs. 483-485)
Dorsal scale rows 15-17; found from Panama southward .32
32. One preocular; apical pits present; pupil elliptical .
..Oxyrhopus (Figs. 502-508)
No preoculars; apical pits absent; pupil round ..Atractus (Fig. 42)
33. Midbody dorsal scale rows 19 ..Ninia (Fig. 501)
Midbody dorsal scale rows 17 or fewer .Sibon2 (Figs. 527-529)
34. Some or all dorsals keeled .35
Dorsals smooth ...37
35. Single internasal ...Helicops
Two internasals ..36
36. Midbody dorsal scale rows 26 or more; pattern consists of dorsal blotches or
bands .Elaphe (Fig. 49)
Midbody dorsal scale rows fewer than 26; pattern consists of rings .
...Rhinobothryum (Fig. 519)
37. Dorsal scale rows 15, unreduced 38
Dorsal scale rows not as above ..40
38. Snout sharply pointed, with a projecting horizontal cutting ridge .
..Chionactis (Figs. 464, 465)
Snout normal ..39
39. Loreal usually present Sonora (Fig. 531)
Loreal absent Tantilla (Fig. 533)
40. Rostral modified, sometimes upturned ..41
Rostral normal, not upturned .43
41. Dorsal scale rows 13, unreduced ...Chilomeniscus (Fig. 463)
Dorsal scale rows 15-21, reduced posteriorly 42
42. Snout distinctly upturned; midbody dorsal scale rows 19-21
Lystrophis (Fig. 500)
Snout protuberant, but not upturned; midbody dorsal scale rows 15-17 ...
.Simophis (Fig. 530)
43. Dorsal scale rows 17-19, unreduced ..49
Dorsal scale rows 17, reduced; or fewer rows, with or without reduction 44
44. Third and fourth supralabials in contact with eye ..45
Only fourth supralabial in contact with eye ...48
45. Vertebral region with an orange caste; remainder of pattern consisting of black
and white rings Scolecophis (Fig. 526)
Vertebral region not distinct from rest of dorsum; pattern tricolored or bicolored
.46
46. Loreal absent ..venomous coral snake
Loreal present .47
47. Dorsal scale rows 17 or fewer, unreduced; apical pits absent; pattern usually of
distinct rings Erythrolamprus (Figs. 471-482)
Dorsal scale rows 17 or more, reduced; apical pits usually present; pattern often
indistinct ...Liophis3 (Fig. 499)
48. Subcaudals 40 or fewer ..venomous coral snake
Subcaudals more than 40 .Hydrops (Fig. 488)
49. Dorsal rings extending across venter ..Pliocercus (Figs. 510-517)
Dorsal bands not extending across venter ...Scaphiodontophis (Figs. 522-525)
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Leptotyphlops

FUENTE: Hahn, D. 1979. Leptotyphlopidae Stejneger. Slender blind snake. Cat. Amer. Amphib. Rept. 230.1-230.4.
Se reproduce con permiso del editor Catalogue American Amphibians and Reptiles.
1. Supraoculars present ..2

Supraoculars absent ...7
2. Supraoculars much larger than prefrontal or frontal; dorsal .
pattern dark brown, usually with distinct longitudinal light .
lines .............L. goudoti
Supraocular approximately equal in size with prefrontal or .
frontal; dorsal pattern lacks distinct longitudinal light lines .5
3. Twelve scale rows around tail ...L. maximus
Ten scale rows around tail .4
4. Postocular separates parietal from posterior supralabial .
................................L. bressoni
No postocular; parietal in contact with posterior supralabial 5
5. One supralabial anterior to ocular L. dulcis (231)
Two supralabials anterior to ocular (anterior supralabials .
divided vertically) ......6
6. Ventral scales densely pigmented centrally, lightly pig- .
mented peripherally, producing conspicuous reticulate pat- .
tern .........L. macrolepis
Ventral scales not pigmented ...L. dulcis (231)
7. Prefrontal absent; nasals elongated posteriorly to behind .
posterior border of eyes ...L. nasalis
Prefrontal present; nasals do not extend posterior to the eye .
............L. humilis (232)
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Typhlops y Rhampotyphlops

FUENTE: Dixon, J. R. 1979. The wormsnakes (Family Typhlopidae) of the neotropics, exclusive of the antilles. Zoologische
Verhandelingen 173: 1-39.
1 . Nasal suture co mp lete, co ntacting ro str al

.
.
.
.
.
2
Nasal suture inco mp lete, not co ntacting r ostr al
.
.
.
.
7
2 . Scale ro ws usually 2 0 -20-2 0 .
.
.
.
.
.
.
3
Scale ro ws usually 1 8 -18-1 8 .
.
.
.
.
.
.
6
3 . Dor sals less than 340 .
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
4
Dor sals mo r e than 380
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
5
4 . M or e or less unifor m d ark b ro wn o r b lack, nasal sutur e almo st ver tical, to uching
ro str al near ap ex; tail tip and anal ar ea white; tongue with a p air o f later al
p apillae
.
.
.
.
R amp hotyph lop s (Typhlina ) b ra minu s
More or less light brown or yellowish with 11 darker lines on dorsum; venter yello w
or yellowish tan; head and tail spine yellow; tongue without a pair of lateral
papillae
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Typhlops lehneri
5. Small species, adults less than 250 mm; ground color yellow with 11 rows of dark
brown or brown lines; tail yellow; dorsals 388-389 .
. Typhlops trinitatis
Large species, adults more than 300 mm, ground color brown or dark brown, no
indication of lineate pattern, venter only slightly lighter color than dorsum; tail
brown; dorsals 392-413
.
.
.
.
Typhlops costaricensis
6. Subocular absent, dorsals 347-429
.
.
.
.
Typhlops tenuis
Subocular present, dorsals 487-563 .
.
.
Typhlops microstomus
7. Scale rows usually 20-20-20 or 20-20-18
.
.
.
.
.
8
Scale rows usually 18-18-18, 20-18-16 or 18-16-14 .
.
.
.
9
8. White snout and white tail ring, dorsum dark brown to black; 9 dorsal rows pigmented; dorsals 225-301
.
.
.
.
. Typhlops reticulatus
No white snout or tail ring, dorsum generally yellowish brown, usually 11 dorsal rows
pigmented, dorsals 195-287
.
.
.
.
Typhlops brongersmianus
9. Snout white, dorsal scale rows 20-18-16 or I8-16-14; dorsal s 221-253
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Typhlops minuisquamus
Snout brown or streaked, dorsal scale rows 18-18-18, dorsals 170-195
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Typhlops paucisquamus
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE SERPIENTES VENENOSAS

FUENTE: Campbell, J. A. and W. W. Lamar. 1989. The venomous reptiles of Latin America. Ithaca, New York, Cornell
Univ. 425 pp.
Se reproduce con permiso del ler. autor.
1. No loreal pit between eye and nostril; loreal scale absent (Fig. 100); dorsal scales
smooth; fangs permanently erect (Fig. 19); Elapidae.2
A loreal pit between eye and nostril (Fig. 320); loreal scale(s) present; dorsal
scales keeled; fangs fold back (Fig. 253). Viperidae....18
2. Tail strongly flatened laterally (Fig. 110); marine habitat; usually a longitudinal
black-and-yellow pattern (Fig. 111)..Pelamis platurus
Tail round in cross section; pattern consisting of some combination of black,
yellow, or red rings or spots...3
3. Pale parietal or nuchal ring followed by a red ring (Figs. 108-109)
..Micruroides euryxanthus
Pale parietal or nuchal ring followed by a black ring....4
4. Black body rings arranged in triads (Fig. 65)....5
Black body rings not arranged in triads (Fig. 36)..6
5. Yellow or white rings on body bisected with black pigment dorsally and laterally, forming short "double" rings -1 scale long (Fig. 45); pale head ring
narrow and incomplete dorsally (Fig. 13); temporals 1 + 1 (Fig. 13)..
..Micrurus elegans
Center black ring of each triad set off from other black rings by relatively long
(2-3 scales) yellow rings not bisected with black; pale head ring long and
uninterrupted (Fig, 65); temporals 1 + 2 (Fig. 15)..Micrurus laticollaris
6. A bicolored dorsal pattern consisting of alternating red and black rings or spots,
or body mostly red..7
A tricolored pattern consisting of black, yellow, and red rings.9
7. Dorsum of body with 24-42 transversely elongated black blotches on red
ground color; western Hidalgo to northern Puebla (Figs. 27, 28)....................
Micrurus bernardi
Pattern not as described; from Veracruz southward or Yucatn Peninsula...6
8. Black head cap including all or most of parietals; more than 25 black body rings
or spots (Figs. 72, 73).Micrurus limbatus
Black head cap induding less than anterior half of parietals; or fewer than 10
black body rings (Figs. 36-38)...Micrurus diastema
9. Red body rings, usually interrupted dorsally with black (Figs. 46-48)...
..Micrurus ephippifer
Red body rings not interrupted dorsally with black.10
10. Fewer than 10 black body rings (Fig. 66).Micrurus lalifasciatus
More than 10 black body rings....11
11. Most red scales black tipped....12
Most red scales not black tipped..15
12. Black nape ring not involving posterior tips of parietals; pale spot on snout
involving rostral and or internasals, anterior supralabials pale or with pale
spots (Fig . 41)...Micrurus distans
Black nape ring involving posterior tips of parietals; snout (including rostral,
internasals, and anterior supralabials) entirely black....13
13. Dorsally red body rings one to one and a hall times as long as black body rings
(Fig.29)..Micrurus browni
Dorsally red body rings nearly two times or more as long as black body rings
..........................................................................................................................14
14. Yellow rings 1 dorsal scales long on anterior part of body; supra-anal keels
absent in males; coastal Oaxaca....Micrurus bogerti
Yellow rings never more than 1 dorsal scale long on anterior part of body; supraanal keels present in males; Pacific versant of Chiapas, barely reachng mountains of extreme southeastern Oaxaca (Fig. 90)....Micrurus nigrocinctus
15. Lower part of anterior supralabials pale; usually a pale rostral internasal spot;
lower jaw mostly pale with mottling on the border of the first infralabials and
anterior chinshields; Nayarit and Jalisco (Fig. 41)....Micrurus distans
Snout entirely black, including anterior infralabials....16
16. Red rings more than twice as long as black rings; Atlantic drainage, Veracruz
southward (Figs. 36, 37).Micrurus diastema
17.
18.
19.
20.
21.
22.
23.
24.
25.
26.
27.
28.
29.
30.
31.
32.
33.
34.
Red rings not more than twice as long as black rings, often very nearly equal in
length....17
Supra-anal keels present in males; south of 18N latitude (Fig. 29).......
...Micrurus browni
Supra-anal keels absent; north of 18N latitude (Figs. 56, 57)
Micrurus fulvius
Tail terminating in rattle or button...19
Tail not terminating in rattle....50
Dorsum of head covered with 9-11 large plates (Fig. 439).....20
Dorsum of head covered with more than 11 scales.21
Head with distinct markings; upper preocular in contact with postnasal; sharp
canthus (Figs. 437, 438).Sistrurus catenatus
Head without distinct markings; upper preocular not in contact with postnasal;
rounded canthus (Figs. 439-443)..Sistrurus ravus
Supraoculars extended into distinctly raised, flat, hornlike processes (Figs. 320,
327)...Crotalus cerastes
Supraoculars not extended into hornlike processes.22
Subcaudals more than 30.....23
Subcaudals fewer than 30....24
lntersupraoculars 4 or fewer (Fig. 356)...Crotalus lanommi
lntersupraoculars 5 or more (Fig. 410)..Crotalus stejnegeri
Tip of snout raised into a sharp ridge; usually distinct pale facial stripes extending from about nostril to angle of mouth (Figs. 431-436, 458, 459)
...Crotalus willardi
Tip of snout not raised into a sharp ridge; no distinct pale stripes extending from
about nostril to angle of mouth.25
Prenasals generally separated from rostral by small scales; upper preoculars
often divided horizontally, vertically, or both (Figs. 371-379)
.Crotalus mitchelli
Prenasals in contact with rostral; upper preocular usually not divided, or divided
only vertically...26
Body pattern of crossbands..27
Body pattern of dorsal blotches.......29
Dark body crossbands 34 or fewer (Figs. 357-359, 363)..Crotalus lepidus
Dark body crossbands 35 or more...28
Supralabials 10 or fewer; infralabials 9 or fewer; ventrals 155 or fewer (Fig. 415)
.Crotalus transversus
Supralabials 11 or more; infralabials 11 or more; ventrals 156 or more (Figs.
411, 412)...Crotalus tigris
Anterior subocular contacting at least one supralabial (Fig. 452)...30
Anterior subocular separated from all supralabials (Fig. 444)....35
Upper preocular divided vertically, the anterior portion higher than the posterior and extending over the edge of the canthus in front of the supraocular
(Figs. 357-370, 454).......Crotalus lepidus
Upper preocular usually single or, if divided, not as described...31
One upper loreal; midbody scale rows usually 23 or fewer.32
Two upper loreals; midbody scale rows 25 or more (Figs. 392, 393).
..Crotalus polystictus
No prefoveals (Figs. 352-355, 452)...Crotalus intermedius
One or more prefoveals33
Sixth or seventh supralabial below posterior edge of eye; midbody scale rows
usually 23......34
Fifth supralabial below posterior edge of eye; midbody scale rows usually 21
(Figs. 394-399).Crotalus pricei
Canthals (prefrontals) expanded to contact each other at midline (Figs. 400,
401)...Crotalus pusillus
Canthals separated from each other by at least one or two scales (Figs. 416-427,
456)...Crotalus triseriatus

35. Rattle matrix shrunken or poorly developed, no loose rattle segments (Fig. 325)
......36
Rattle matrix normal, usually one or more loose rattle segments....37
36. First infralabial not transversely divided; ventrals generally less than 186; Isla
Santa Catalina, Gulf of California (Fig. 324).Crotalus catalinensis
First infralabial transversely divided; ventrals 186 or more; Isla San Lorenzo del
Sur, Gulf of California (Figs. 405, 406)...Crotalus ruber
37. Usually more than 2 scales between the nasals in contact with rostral (Figs. 428430, 451)..Crotalus viridis
Two scales between the nasals in contact with rostral.38
38. Upper preocular usually divided vertically, the anterior portion situated higher
than the posterior and extending over the edge of the canthus in front of the
supraocular (Fig. 454); dorsal body markings occupying less longiludinal
space than the interspaces (Figs. 357-369)....Crotalus lepidus
Upper preocular not divided vertically or, if divided, the anterior portion not
conspicuously higher than the posterior and not extending over the edge of the
canthus; dorsal body markings occupying more longitudinal space than the
interspaces....39
39. Ventral scales 161 or fewer; scales on dorsum of head flat and without keels
(Figs. 416-427, 457)..Crotalus triseriatus
Ventral scales 162 or more; or, if less than 162, then scales on dorsum of head
knobby with definite keels....40
40. No alternating, strongly contrasting dark and pale tail rings...41
Tail with alternating, strongly contrasting dark and pale rings...45
41. A pair of longitudinal paravertebral dark stripes on the neck (Figs. 329, 332,
341, 343)...Crotalus durissus
No pair of longitudinal paravertebral dark stripes on the neck....42
42. A pair of large flat internasals that contact each other at midline; a pair of large
flat prefrontals (canthals) that contact each other at midline (Fig. 447)...43
Internasals not in contact with each other; prefrontals (canthals) not in contact
with each other; scales on dorsum of head knobby with definite keels (Figs.
347-349).Crotalus enyo
43. Tail dark brown or black, usually with no pale crossbars in evidence posteriorly
(Figs. 380, 381, 384-389)....Crotalus molossus
Tail gray with pale gray crossbars in evidence posteriorly..44
44. Ventrals fewer than 177 in males and 184 in females; number of body blotches
usuaIly less than 30; Oaxaca and Puebla (Figs. 390, 391)..Crotalus molossus
Ventrals more than 177 in males and 183 in females; number of body blotches
usually greater than 30; central Michoacn northward (Figs. 319-321)...
...Crotalus basiliscus
45. Top of head anterior to supraoculars and frontal region usually covered by 4-6
large flat plates including paired internasals and prefrontals (canthals) (Figs.
319-321).Crotalus basiliscus
Top of head anterior to supraoculars and frontal region covered by numerous
irregularly arranged plates....46
46. First pair of infralabials usually not divided transversely47
First pair of infralabials usually divided transversely..48
47. Upper preocular usually in contact with the postnasal (Fig. 344) or such contact
prevented by an upper loreal (Figs. 317, 318)..Crotalus atrox
Upper preocular usually not in contact with postnasal, and no upper loreal
present (Figs. 413, 414)...Crotalus tortugensis
48. lnterchinshields usually absent; prenasals generally in contact with first supralabials; dark tail rings equal to or shorter than pale tail rings.49
A pair of interchinshields usually present; generally no contact between prenasal and first supralabial; dark tail rings broader than pale tail rings (Figs.
350, 351)Crotalus exsul
49. Ground color of tail ash gray or white, with distinct black rings, both in sharp
contrast with the posterior body color (Figs. 402-404)....Crotalus ruber
50.
51.
52.
53.
54.
55.
56.
57.
58.
59.
60.
61.
62.
63.
64.
Ground color of tail essentially the same as that of the body posteriorly, with
dark brown or black rings (Figs. 407-409)Crotalus scutulatus
Darsum of head with 9 large plates..51
Dorsum of head with 11 or more plates or scales....52
A pair of prominent pale lines extending posteriorly from the rostral on each side
of head (Figs.113-116).Agkistrodon bilineatus
No pale lines as described (Fig. 119, 120)..Agkistrodon contortrix
Subcaudals paired (Fig. 316)...53
Subcaudals single (Fig. 316)....54
Supraoculars extended into soft, hornlike processes (Fig. 261); intersupraoculars more than 15 (Fig. 260); dorsal pattern a zig-zag stripe (Figs. 254-256)
....Ophryacus undulatus
Supraoculars flat (Fig. 175); intersupraoculars fewer than 10 (Fig. 176); dorsal
pattern of Xshaped (triangular laterally) blotches (Figs. 184, 185)
......Bothrops asper
Supraoculars extended into soft spinelike or hornlike processes.55
Supraoculars flat..56
Nine or fewer supralabials (Fig. 165); 21 midbody scale rows; arboreal, tail
prehensile; Chiapas (Fig. 138)...Bothriechis schlegelii
Ten or more supralabials (Fig. 308); usually 23 midbody scale rows; terrestrial,
tail not prehensile; highlands of Puebla and Oaxaca (Fig. 277-280)
.Porthidium melanurum
Snout noticeably turned up (Figs. 312, 314); pattern of pale middorsal line with
alternating or opposite blotches on either side.57
Snout not noticeably turned up; pattern not as described....60
Rostral usually about one and a half (or more) times higher than wide (Figs. 281,
282)..Porthidium nasutum
Rostral usually less than one and a half times higher than wide.58
Dorsal scale rows 21 on posterior part of body; Yucatn Peninsula (Figs. 298,
299)...Porthidium yucatanicum
Dorsal scale rows fewer than 21 on posterior part of body; western Mexico
......................................................................................................................59
Middle preocular not divided vertically; intercanthals comprised of 4 equalsized scales; dorsal scale rows 17 on posterior part of body; Colima and probably Michoacn (Fig. 272)..Porthidium hespere
Middle preocular divided vertically (Fig. 312); intercanthals comprise 2 large
scales, or 2 large scales separated by smaller scales (Fig. 313); dorsal scale
rows usually 19 on posterior part of body; Oaxaca and Chiapas (Figs. 267,
268)...Porthidium dunni
Ground color green..61
Ground color brown, gray, tan, or rust.63
Seven or more intersupraoculars; dorsal scale rows at midbody 21; Pacific
versant of Chiapas (Figs. 123, 124)...Bothriechis bicolor
Five or fewer intersupraoculars (Fig. 164); dorsal scale rows at midbody generally 19...........62
Generally a well-defined black postocular stripe (Fig. 122); black-and-yellow
dorsal markings; northeastern highlands of Chiapas (Fig. 121)...
....Bothriechis aurifer
No black postocular stripe (Fig. 135); rnarkings, if present, generaly pale blue or
purple (Figs. 134-137).......Bothriechis rowleyi
Supraoculars extremely narrow or divided into small scales (Fig. 305); more
than 7 intersupraoculars (Fig. 305); scales in internasal and prefrontal regions
strongly keeled..64
Supraoculars large and well differentiated frorn other head scales; 7 or fewer
intersupraoculars; dorsal scale rows 23 or fewer at midbody..65
Usually 2 or fewer nasorostrals per side; more than 115 ventrals; usually 25
anterior dorsal scale rows; usually most of the lateral body blotches separated
from the dorsal blotches by 1-2 scales; Sierra Madre Oriental, southeastern
Oaxaca, Tabasco, and Chispas (Figs. 286-289).Porthidium nummifer

Usually 3 nasorostrals per side; fewer than 115 ventrals; usually 27 anterior
dorsal scale rows; usually most of the lateral body blotches coalesced with the
dorsal blotches or separated by no more than 1 scale; Sierra de los Tuxtlas in
Veracruz (Figs. 290, 291)Porthidium olmec
65. Dorsal scale rows at midbody 19 or fewer (Figs. 263-266, 300, 301).
.Porthidium barbouri
Dorsal scale rows at midbody 21 or more...66
66. Most lateral body blotches encompassing an area not greater than 2-3 scales
(Figs. 295-297)Porthidium tzotzilorum
Most lateral body blotches encompassing an area equal to 5-7 scales (Figs. 269,
270)..Porthidium godmani
NOTAS: Existen varias revisiones a diferentes niveles y con distintos mtodos en donde se proponen cambios nornenclaturales
principalmente para nauyacas del gnero Bothrops a Atropoides (Werman, S. D. 1992. Phylogenetic relationships of central and
southamerican pitvipers of the genus Bothrops (sensu lato): Cladistic analysis of biochemical and anatomical characters. Pp, 2148 In Campbell, J. A. and E. D. Brodie, Jr (eds). Biology of the Pitvipers, Selva, Tyler Texas. 467 pp.), y Cerrophldion.
Tambin algunas subespecies de Crotalus han sido elevadas a estatus especfico como Crotalus aquilus (Dorcas, M. E. 1992.
Relationships among montane populations of Crotalus lepidus and Crotalus triseriatus. Pp. 71-87 In Carnpbell, J. A. and E. D.
Brodie, Jr (eds). Biology of the Pitvipers. Selva, Tyler Texas. 467 pp.) y de Bothriechis a Cerrophidion (Campbell; J. A. and
W. W. Lamar, 1992. Taxonomic status of Miscellaneous Neotropical Viperids, with the Description of a New Genus. Occas.
Pap. Mus. Texas Tech Univ. 153: 1-31. Las figuras a las que se hace referencia en sta clave son fotografas a color por lo que
no se reproducen aqu.
CLAVE PARA LAS FAMILIAS DE TORTUGAS DE MEXICO

FUENTE: Smith, H. M. and R. B. Smith. 1980. Synopsis of the Herpetofauna of Mexico. Volume VI. Guide to Mexican
turtles, bibliographic addendum III. North Bennington. Vt., John Johnson, 1044 Pp.
:.
1A. Forelegs solid, manus thin, flattened, oarlike, with but

one or two claws; skull with no or a very shallow temporal or postorbital emargination; head not fully
retractable; sea turtles -------------------------------------------2
B. Forelegs solid or flexible, manus less flattened,
never oarlike, claws five; skull strongly emarginate
in either rear temporal or postorbital region, or
both; head fully retractable; freshwater or terrestrial turtles ----------------------------------------------------------3
2A. Epidermal shields absent on shell; latter leathery,
with 7 ridges on carapace, 5 on plastron ---Dermochelyidae
B. Epidermal shields present, shell extensively bony,
with at most 3 ridges above, 2 below -------------Cheloniidae
3A. No epidermal shields on shell; snout elongate, tubular;
"soft-shelled" turtles -------------------------------Trionychidae
B. Epidermal shields present on shell; snout not elongate, tubular -------------------------------------------------------4
4A. Hind legs elephantine, stumplike -----------------Testudinidae
B. Not so ---------------------------------------------------------------5
5A. Four large inframarginals in a row
on bridge between plastral shields and marginals ----------------------------------------------------------------Dermatemydidae
B. Inframarginals none, 1 or 2, or
very small, not as described ------------------------------------6
6 A . P l a s t r a l s h i e l d s 1 2 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Em y d i d a e
B. Plastral shields 7-11 ----------------------------------------------7
7A. Tail elongate, one third or more carapace length,
with a median row of large, triangular, bony plates;
bridge very narrow, width (transverse dimension) over
3 times longitudinal dimension; plastron very amall,
cruciform ----------------------------------------------Chelydridae
B. Tail less than one third carapace length, lacking bony
scales above; bridge narrow or not; plastron cruciform
or not ------------------------------------------------Kinosternidae
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES Rhinoclemmys

turtles, bibliographic addendum III. North Bennington, Vt., John Johnson, 1044 Pp.
1A. Apex of maxillary tomium notched ---------------------------------- 2
B. Apex of maxillary tomium hooked, not notched;
a large, broad, U-shaped light mark on top of
head, apex between orbits ---------------------------------- rubida
2A. Several reddish transverse bars across rostrum;

bridge dark or with dark marks ---------------------- pulcherrima
B. No light bars across all-dark rostrum; bridge
lacking
dark marks, all light ------------------------------ areolata
Key to Subspecies of Rhinoclemmys rubida

1A. More or less uniform pale brownish above; interhumeral seam about half length of intergular; sides
of carapace little flared; light postorbital mark
elongate --------------------------------------------------------- rubida
B. Periphery of carapace distinctly lighter than
rest, distinctly flared; interhumeral seam
nearly as long as intergular; light postorbital
mark oval -------------------------------------------------- perixantha
Key to Mexican Subspecies of Rhinoclemmys pulcherrima

1A. Longitudinal central plastral dark zone half or
less the width of plastron ------------------------------------------ 2
B. Longitudinal central plastral dark zone more
than half width of plastron; dark color of
carapace extending unbroken over bridge; inferior
surface of each marginal with one transverse
light streak -------------------------------------------- rogerbarbouri
2A. Dark color of carapace extending unbroken over

bridge; inferior surface of each marginal with
one transverse light streak; a large, light,
dark-edged ocellus on each lateral lamina --------------- incisa
B. Dark color of carapace separated by a longitudinal
light line from a dark line lengthwise on,center
of bridge; inferior surface of each marginal with
two transverse light streaks; a tiny, dark-edged
light dot near center of each lateral lamina ------- pulcherrima
CLAVE PARA LOS GENEROS Y ESPECIES DE LA FAMILIA CHELONIIDAE

1A. Lateral laminae 4 on each side ----------------------------------------- 2

B. Lateral laminae 5 or more on each side ------------------------------ 3
2A. One pair of prefrontals; laminae of carapace never
imbricate; to 1530 mm carapace length ------------------ Chelonia
B. Two pairs of prefrontals; laminae of carapace
imbricate except in large adults; to 910 mm carapace
length ------------------------------------------------------ Eretmochelys
3A. Inframarginals rarely more than 3, seldom with
pores; head scales irregular; 2 claws on each hind
leg; carapace length to 1220 mm --------------------------- Caretta
B. Inframarginals 4, always some or all pored; 2 pairs
of prefrontals; 3 claws on each hind leg; carapace to
790 mm ---------------------------------------------------- Lepidochelys
Key to Mexican Subspecies of Chelonia mydas
1A. Predominantly brownish above, on carapace and soft

parts; margins of head scales light; plastron
whitish, immaculate; Atlantic Ocean ------------------------- mydas
B. Predominantly olive above, often suffused with
blackish both above and below; head scales not
light-edged; Pacific Ocean ----------------------------------- agassizi
Key to Mexican Subspecies of Eretmochelys imbricata
1A. Only 2 rear centrals with lateral ridges converging

posteromedially; no ridges on laterals; middorsal
keel discontinuous anteriorly; carapace more nearly
straight-sided, with a protracted rear taper; head
scales conspicuously light-edged; plastron rarely
pigmented; Atlantic Ocean --------------------------------- imbricate
B. Lateral ridges converging posteromedially on all
centrals; each lateral with a low ridge directed
posteromedially; middorsal keel continuous through
all centrals; carapace more near ly heart-shaped,
not parallel-sided, not with a protracted rear taper;
head scales narrowly or dimly light-edged; plastron
with large black blotches in young, variably persistent in adults; Pacific Ocean ------------------------------------ bissa
CLAVE PARA LAS SUBESPECIES DE Caretta caretta

1A. Centrals 2 and 3 narrower, more elongate, often
twice as long as wide, or longer; pontcentrals
often longer than wide; in young, plastron as
dark as carapace, latter not notably indented
over rear legs, lateral keel not extending onto
1st and rear laterals, neck uniform dark; bony
carapace with only 2 pairs of pleurals contacting
medially, neurals 7-8, rib contacting 3rd peripheral; Atlantic Ocean ------------------------------------- caretta
B. Centrals 2 and 3 broader, seldom twice as long
as wide; postcentrals never longer than wide; in
young, plastron much lighter than carapace, latter
n o t a b l y i n d e n t e d o v e r r e a r l e g s , l a t e r a l k e e l e xt e n d ing over all laterals, neck light with a dark vertebral streak; bony carapace with usually 3 or more
pairs of pleurals contacting medially, neurals
usually 9 or more, rib not contacting 3rd peripheral; Pacific Oc ean --------------------------------- tarapacana
CLAVE PARA LAS SUBESPECIES DE Lepidochelys

turtles, bibliographic addendum III. North Bennington, Vt. John Johnson, 1044 Pp.
1A. Lat er al l ami nae 5 on eac h si de, ver y r ar el y 6 on

bot h si des; c ont act of r ear i nfr amar gi nal and
abdomi nal l ami nae muc h shor t er t han t hat of pr ec edi ng t wo; mi dmar gi nal l ami nae about as wi de as
l ong; maxi ll ar y al veol ar s ur f ac e wi t h a pr omi nent
l ongit udi nal ri dge; Atl ant ic Oc ean ---- ---- ---- --- ---- ---- -- -- k empi
B. Lat er al l ami nae 6- 9 on eac h si de, r ar el y 5; c ont act
of r ear i nfr amar gi nal and abdomi nal l ami nae s ubequal t o t hat of pr ec edi ng t wo; mi dmar gi nal l ami nae
muc h l onger t han wi de; maxi l l ar y al veol ar s ur f ac e
wi t h no or a weak r i dge; Pac ific Oc ean - ---- ---- ---- --- - oli vac ea
CLAVE PARA LAS SUBESPECIES DE Dermochelys coriacea

1A. Numer ous s mal l li ght spot s above, on head, neck and
c ar apac e; ventr al s urf ac es all or most l y whitis h,
s omet imes r et ic ul at ed wit h dark; a mi ddor s al whit e
l i ne on t ail; Paci fic and I ndi an oc eans --- ---- ---- --- ---- sc hl egel i
B. Little or no light dorsal flecking in adults; no
middorsal white line on tail; ventral surfaces mostly
dark; Atlantic Ocean ------------------------------------ coriacea
CLAVE PARA LOS GENEROS DE LA FAMILIA EMYDIDAE

1A. Plastron movable, with a single hinge, when closed

completely occluding ventral carapacial opening,
e xc e p t i n v e r y y o u n g ; i n g u i n a l a n d u s u a l l y a x i l l a r y
laminae absent; bridge ligamentous --------------- Terrapene
B. No plastral hinge; axillary and usually inguinal
laminae present; bridge bony ---------------------------------- 2
2A. Maxillary alveolar surface ridgeless, smooth ------------------ 3
B. Maxillary alveolar surface with a longitudinal ridge,
tuberculate or not ------------------------------------------------ 6
3A. Bridge as long as or longer than posterior plastral
lobe ------------------------------------------------- Rhinoclemmys
B. Bridge much shorter than posterior plastral lobe ------------- 4
4A. Abdominomarginal seam about as long as interabdominal
seam ------------------------------------------------------ Clemmys
B. Abdominomarginal seam at most three-fourths length
of interabdominal seam ----------------------------------------- 5
5A. Head and neck light, dark-speckled; carapacial laminae
with prominent growth rings ----------------------- Malaclemys
B. Head and neck dark, with light lines; carapacial
laminae without growth rings ----------------------- Graptemys
6A. Rear carapacial margin serrate; maxillary alveolar
surface strongly ridged, latter often tuberculate-Pseudemys
B. Rear carapacial margin smooth; maxillary alveolar
surface weakly ridged, latter never tuberculate--Chrysemys
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES Y SUBESPECIES DE Terrapene

1A. Plastron with a pattern of radiating yellow lines on

a dark background on each lamina, or all yellowish;
if latter, highest part of carapace at or anterior
to hinge level, or 1st central lamina sloping at
45 degrees or less, or median keel absent or weak
and restricted posteriorly if present -------------------- ornata
B. Plastron not with radiating light lines; if unicolor
light, highest part of carapace posterior to hinge
level, or 1st central lamina sloping at 50 degrees
or more, or median carapacial keel prominent anteriorly
as well as posteriorly -------------------------------------------- 2
2A. Small round light dots on dark areas of carapace and
plastron; large examples with carapace unicolor yellowi s h b u t p l a s t r o n e xt e n s i v e l y d a r k , w i t h l i g h t d o t s
persistent --------------------------------------------------- nelsoni
B. Neither carapace nor plastron light-dotted -------------------- 3
3A. Carapace low, its depth 34-37% its length; intergular
seam usually more than 45% length of anterior plastral
lobe; carapace unicolor dark brown; plastron usually
unicolor yellowish, sometimes dark laterally and
along seams ---------------------------------------------- coahuila
B. Carapace high, its depth 42-50% its length; intergular
seam usually less than 45% length of anterior plastral
lobe; if carapace unicolor, straw yellow; plastron as
in coahuila or dark-suffused --------------------------- carolina
Key to Mexican Subspecies of Terrapene carolina

1A. Interfemoral seam relatively long, mean 21%
length of posterior plastral lobe; interhumeral
seam relatively long, mean 33% length of
anterior plastral lobe; usually (92%) 4 claws
on hind legs ---------------------------------------------- yucatana
B. Interfemoral seam relatively short, mean 15%
length of posterior plastral lobe; interhumeral
seam relatively short, mean 23% length of
posterior plastral lobe; usually (93%) 3 claws
on pes ---------------------------------------------------- mexicana
CLAVE PARA LAS SUBESPECIES DE Terrapene ornata

1A. Radiating light lines on carapace and plastron

narrower, more numerous, e.g., 11-14 on 2nd lateral
lamina, except in some old individuals, unicolor
yellowish above or below or both; plastral hinge
usually opposite 6th marginal ---------------------------- luteola
B. Radiating light lines on carapace and plastron
broader, fewer, e.g., 5-9 on 2nd lateral lamina,
never lost; plastral hinge usually opposite seam
between 5th and 6th marginals --------------------------- ornata
Key to Subspecies of Terrapene nelsoni

1A. Light dots on shell smaller, more numerous; slope
of anterior central mean 38 degrees; of uncertain
reliability: upper jaw notched, 1st central much
wider anteriorly than posteriorly and shorter than
3rd central is wide ---------------------------------------- klauberi
B. Light dots on shell larger, less numerous; slope of
anterior central mean 30 degrees; of uncertain reliability: upper jaw not notc hed, 1st central more or
less parallel sided, its length equal to width of 3rd
central ------------------------------------------------------- nelsoni
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Kinosternon

FUENTE: Ernst. C. H. 1989. Turtles of the world. Washington, D. C., Smithsonian Inst. 313 pp.
Se reproduce con permiso del Smithsonian lnstitution.
1a. Some skin showing along seams separating plastral scutes; pectoral scutes
squared; gular scute (if present) is the shortest scute along plastral midline .
...........................................................2
b. No skin showing along plastral seams; pectoral scute usually triangular (much
narrower along plastral midseam than at edge of plastron); gular scute never the
shortest scute along plastral midline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2a. Two light stripes on side of head; barbels on chin and throat; nonoverlapping
carapicial scutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . K. odoratum
b. Light stripes absent from head; barbels on chin only; overlapping carapicial
scutes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
3a. Gular scute absent; very prominent vertebral keel . . . . . . . . . . . . K. carinatum
b. Gular scute present; vertebral keel not strongly developed (but two dorsolateral
keels may be present on young individuals) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
4a. Carapace wide and flattened, its sides slope at an angle greater than 100; mean
angle/heigh ratio 8:1 or greater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . K. depressum
b. Carapace not greatly flattened, its sides slope at an angle less than 100; mean
angle/height ratio about 5:1 in those with a vertebral keel . . . . . . . . . . . K. minor
5a. 9th marginal much higher as 8th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . K. flavecens
b. 9th marginal about the same height as 8th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
6a. Carapace with three longitudinal light stripes; abdominal scute long . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . K. bauri
b. Carapace lacking three longitudinal light stripes; abdominal not necessarily
long . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
7a. Posterior plastral lobe immovable (akinetic) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . K. herrerai
b. Posterior plastral lobe hinged and movable . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
8a. Nasal scale furcate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
b. Nasal scale not furcate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
9a. Plastron reduced in size (much smaller than carapacial opening); carapace
with one or three keelsm but with medial keel evident at least posteriorly; 1st
vertebral scute broad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . K. hirtipes
b. Plastron not so reduced in size, at least anteriorly; carapace usually smooth
(always posteriorly lacking a distinct medial keel); 1st vertebral scute narrow
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . K. subrubrum (in part)
10a. 1st vertebral scute narrow; carapace without obvious keels . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . K. subrubrum (in part)
b. 1st vertebral scute broad; carapace with some evidence of keeling . . . . . . . 11
11a. Anterior pair of chin barbels very long; subequal to orbit diameter . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . K. sonoriense
b. Anterior pair of chin barbels not long; never approaching orbit diameter in
length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
12a. Bridge very narrow, its length less than 21% of carapace length . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . K. angustipons
b. Bridge not so narrow, its length more than 21% of carapace length . . . . . . . 13
13a. Plastron with distinct porterior notch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
b. Plastron without a distinct posterior notch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
14a. Males with roughened scale patches (clasping organs or vinculae) on their thighs
and crus; carapace lacking a keel; 11th marginal usually as high as 10th . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . K. dunni
b. Males lacking roughened scale patches on their thighs and crus; carapace typically
with three keels, but obscure in some older individuals; 11 th marginal rarely as
high as 10th . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
15a. Width of plastral forelobe at anterior hinge more than 67% of greatest carapace
width; maximal width of plastral hind lobe greater than 59.5% of gratest
carapace width in males and greater than 62 % in females; interfemoral seam
length lees than 46% of bridge length, and less than 12% of maximum plastron
length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . K. integrum
b. Width of plastral forelobe at anterior hinge less than 67% of greatest carapace
width; maximal width of plastral hind lobe less than 59.5% of greatest
carapace width in males and less than 62% in females; interfemoral seam
length greater than 38% of bridge length, and more than 9% of maximum
plastron length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . K. oaxacae
16a. Gular scute broader on dorsal surface of plastron than on ventral surface; males
with clasping organs (vinculae) present; usually with a single, broad, light
postorbital stripe on head . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . K. leucostomum
b. Gular scute no broader on dorsal surface of plastron than on ventral surface;
males lack clasping organs; no single, broad, light postorbital stripe on head
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
17a. Abdominal scute very long, more than 33% of total plastron length; 1st vertebral
in contact with 2d marginal . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . K. acutum
b. Abdominal scute not extremely long, less than 33% of total plastron length; 1st
vertebral may contact seam between 1st and 2nd marginal, but seldom touches
much of marginal 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
18a. Carapace with three keels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
b. Carapace lacking keels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . K. alamosae
19a. Anterior margin of posterior plastral lobe straight across . . . . . K. scorpioides
b. Anterior margin of posterior plastral lobe not straight across, but instead angled
posteriorly to midline . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . K. creaseri
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Staurotypus

FUENTE: Ernst. C. H. 1989. Turtles of the world. Washington, D. C., Smithsonian Inst. 313 pp.
Se reproduce con permiso del Smithsonian lnstitution.
1a. Dorsolateral carapacial keels extend the length of carapace from anterior to
posterior marginals; anterior plastral lobe shorter than posterior lobe; head and
jaws with bold pattern of dark reticulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S. triporcatus
b. Dorsolateral carapacial keels do not extend from anterior to posterior marginals,
but end on 1st and 4th pleurals; anterior plastral lobe longer than posterior lobe;
head unicolored or with few dark reticulations, jaws unmarked yellow . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . S. salvinii
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Gopherus

1A. Periphery of carapace lighter than rest of shell;

carapacial laminae with dark centers; distance
between bases of 1st and 4th claws of pes equal
to distance between bases of 1st and 3rd claws on
manus; diameter of pes 54-81% width of head; intergular seam longer than interhumeral; 3rd central
usually (85%) widest ---------------------------- flavomarginatus
B. Carapacial periphery not lighter than rest of
shell; carapacial laminae with light centers;
distance between bases of 1st and 4th claws of
pes and manus about equal; diameter of pes
variable; intergular seam usually equal to or
shorter than interhumeral (93% in agassizi, 79%
in berlandieri); 3rd central widest or not ---------------------- 2
2A. Diameter of pes 85-115% width of head; 5th central
widest; shell depth 36-46% plastral length ----------- agassizi
B. Diameter of pes 57-89% width of head; 3rd central
widest; shell depth 45-57% plastral depth --------- berlandieri
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Apalone

turtles, bibliographic addendum III. North Bennington, Vt. John Johnson, 1044 Pp. Actualizacin por Fernando Mendoza
Quijano y Walter Schmidt Ballardo.
A. Carapace very dark, gray or brown-black; plastron black-flecked; rear margen of

carapace rugose, ragged, specially in large females; light marginal rim absent
or indistinct; to 290 mm carapace length . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ater
B. Carapace relatively light; plastron unmarked; rear margen of carapace smooth; light
marginal rim prominent; to 450 mm carapace lenght . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . spinifera
CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE COCODRILOS DE MEXICO

FUENTE: Smith, H. M. and R. B. Smith. 1980. Synopsis of the Herpetofauna of Mexico. Volume V. Guide to Mexican
Amphisbaenians and Crocodilians, bibliographic addendum II. North Bennington, Vt. John Johnson, 187 Pp.
Se reproduce con el permiso del primer autor.
1 . E nla rged 4th too th of l o we r ja w ente ring a s oc k e t in
up per ja w an d no t vis i ble whe n ja ws c los ed (Fi gs . C2 ,
C 6- 7); no apic al pi ts ( follic l e gla nds ) on v ent ral
s c al es - -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --- --- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- - 2
E nla rged 4th too th of l o we r ja w fit ting into a groo ve
on s ide of uppe r j a w and read il y vis i ble whe n ja ws
c los ed (Figs . C9, C1 2); apic al pi ts (fol lic le gland s )
on ven tral s c ales (1 /s c ale ) (Fig . C14) - -- -- -- -- -- ---- -- -- -- -- - 3
2 . A bac k wa rds -c ur ved , b ony ridg e be t ween ante rio r bo rde rs
o f o rbits (F igs . C6 -7 ); ven tral s c ut es eac h with a
s m al l r ec tan gula r an ter ior os t eode rm an d a lar ger,
s qu aris h pos teri or os teode rm ; no l ight c ros s bands i n
y ou ng -- -- -- --- -- -- -- -- -- -- --- -- -- C aim an c roc o dilus c hi apas ius
N o s uc h r idge (F ig, C2 ); v en tra l s c u tes with out os t eode rm s , or wi th s i ngle , c en tral os t eode rm s lim i ted t o
t hroa t, ne ve r on bel I y; y oun g bl ac k ab o ve, wi th l ig h t,
y el lo w or white c ros s bands - --- -- - Allig ato r m is s is s ip piens is
3 . Ta il who rls o fte n i rreg ular , ve ntr al s u pern um er a ries
al wa ys pr es ent (F ig. C1 4) ; wid th o f m an dible at pos te rio r m a rgin of s ym ph ys is equal to or gr eate r t han
dis tanc e f rom t hat le vel to tip of m andi ble (Fig .
C 13 ); h ead wid th at l e vel of l arg es t m a xi lla r y to oth
ab out equa l to dis tanc e o f th at le vel from or bit (Fig .
C 12a ); c om bine d p rem a xill ar y -m a xill ar y s utu re W -s ha ped
o r ne arl y s tr aigh t t rans vers el y (Fig . C12a ); pala ta l
in ter prem a xilla r y s u ture c ons ide rabl y s hor ter than
c om b ined wi dth of prem axi ll ari es ( Fig. C 12d ); p refr ont al a rea oft en i n ad ults wi th lo w late ral rid ges c o nv e rgin g fo r ward f rom a nte rio r o rbit al bo rde r a nd
m ee ting bef ore m ids no ut; s c ales on s ides of l im bs
s m oo th; uni form gra y -bl ac k abo ve ; to 8 ft. in natur e
- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- C roc od yl us m orel eti
Ta il who rls us uall y (8% ) r egula r, ne ve r with ven tra l
s up ern um era ries ; widt h of m andi ble at pos te rio r m a rgin
o f s ym ph ys is les s tha n dis t anc e from tha t le v el to t ip
o f m an dible (F ig. C9 d); hea d widt h at le ve l of la rg es t
m a xi llar y too th no m o re tha n 2 /3 dis tanc e f rom t ha t
le v el t o o rbit ( Fig. C9 a); c om b ined prem a xilla r ym a xi llar y s utu re V -s haped (F ig. C9e ); pala tal inter p rem a xil lar y s utu re 1.3 -1. 5 tim es c om b ined prem axi l l ar y
wi dt h ( Fig. C 9e) ; p ref ront al a rea oft en i n ad uIts
s om e wh at e le vat ed m e dial l y, n ot bound ed b y lat er al
r idges ; s c al es on s ides of lim bs k eele d; b rig ht o li v e
ab o ve; to 23 ft. in n atu re -- -- -- -- -- -- --- -- - Cr oc od ylus ac ut us

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1.

Publicaciones Especiales del Museo de Zoologa

OSCAR A. FLORES VILLELA

Universidad Nacional Autnoma de Mxico

Publ. esp. Mus. Zool. 10: 1-285 (1995)

OSCAR A. FLORES VILLELA1

Departamento de Biologa, Facultad de Ciencias. UNAM. Mxico, DF 04510, Mxico.

Publ. esp. Mus. Zool. 10: 1-285 (1995)

Publ. esp. Mus. Zool. 10: 1-285 (1995)

Recopilacin de claves para la determinacin de Anfibios y Reptiles de Mxico 1

OTRAS CLAVES PUBLICADAS PREVIAMENTE

2 Flores-Villela, Mendoza-Quijano y Gonzlez-Porter

herpetofauna del pas, y es de uso generalizado por investigadores nacionales y extranjeros,

ALCANCES DE ESTE TRABAJO

Recopilacin de claves para la determinacin de Anfibios y Reptiles de Mxico 3

4 Flores-Villela, Mendoza-Quijano y Gonzlez-Porter

Recopilacin de claves para la determinacin de Anfibios y Reptiles de Mxico 5

6 Flores-Villela, Mendoza-Quijano y Gonzlez-Porter

Recopilacin de claves para la determinacin de Anfibios y Reptiles de Mxico 7

8 Flores-Villela, Mendoza-Quijano y Gonzlez-Porter

Recopilacin de claves para la determinacin de Anfibios y Reptiles de Mxico 9

Fig. 1 Caractersticas de Salamandras

10 Flores-Villela, Mendoza-Quijano y Gonzlez-Porter

Fig. 2 Caractersticas de Sapos y Ranas adultos

Recopilacin de claves para la determinacin de Anfibios y Reptiles de Mxico 11

Fig. 3 Caractersticas de Sapos y Ranas adultos

12 Flores-Villela, Mendoza-Quijano y Gonzlez-Porter

Fig. 4 Caractersticas de las Tortugas

Recopilacin de claves para la determinacin de Anfibios y Reptiles de Mxico 13

Fig. 5 Caractersticas de las Lagartijas

14 Flores-Villela, Mendoza-Quijano y Gonzlez-Porter

Fig. 6 Caractersticas de las Lagartijas (Anolis)

Recopilacin de claves para la determinacin de Anfibios y Reptiles de Mxico 15

COMO CONTAR FILAS

Fig. 7 Caractersticas de las Serpientes

16 Flores-Villela, Mendoza-Quijano y Gonzlez-Porter

Fig. 8 Caractersticas de las Serpientes

Recopilacin de claves para la determinacin de Anfibios y Reptiles de Mxico 17

Fig. 9 Caractersticas de los Cocodrilos

18 Flores-Villela, Mendoza-Quijano y Gonzlez-Porter

Recopilacin de claves para la determinacin de Anfibios y Reptiles de Mxico 19

CLAVES PARA LA DETERMINACION

20 Flores-Villela, Mendoza-Quijano y Gonzlez-Porter

Recopilacin de claves para la determinacin de Anfibios y Reptiles de Mxico 21

CLAVE PARA LAS ESPECIES DE Bufo

22 Flores-Villela, Mendoza-Quijano y Gonzlez-Porter

CLAVE PARA LOS GENEROS Y ESPECIES DE LA FAMILIA HYLIDAE EN MEXICO

Se reproduce con permiso del autor.

Pupil vertically elliptical (fig. 5A), dorsum

A fleshy proboscis (fig, 41); head triangular in

Recopilacin de claves para la determinacin de Anfibios y Reptiles de Mxico 23

13. Moderate to large-sized frogs; males having

paired subgular vocal sacs (fig. 7C); dorsum

Fig. 3 Lateral views of heads of hylid frogs show-ing

Fig. 4 External morphological characters of hylid

Recopilacin de claves para la determinacin

Recopilacin de claves para la determinacin de Anfibios y Reptiles de Mxico 27

Key to the species of Agalychnis

Flanks uniformly colored, lacking vertical or