Molecular phylogeny of Panaspis and Afroablepharus skinks (Squamata: Scincidae) in the savannas of sub-Saharan Africa

摘要: African snake-eyed skinks are relatively small lizards of the genera Panaspis and Afroablepharus. Species allocation these frequently changed during 20th century based on morphology, ecology, biogeography. Members occur primarily in savanna habitats throughout sub-Saharan Africa include species whose highly conserved morphology poses challenges for taxonomic studies. We sequenced two mitochondrial (16S cyt b) nuclear genes (PDC RAG1) from 76 Afroablepharus samples across eastern, central, southern Africa. Concatenated gene-tree divergence-dating analyses were conducted to infer phylogenies biogeographic patterns. Molecular data sets revealed several cryptic lineages, with most radiations occurring mid-Miocene Pliocene. that rifting processes (including formation East Rift System) climatic oscillations contributed expansion contraction savannas, caused cladogenesis skinks. used this study, including type both genera, formed a monophyletic group. As result, latter genus should be synonymized former, which has priority. Conservatively, we continue West P. breviceps togoensis within an expanded Panaspis, but note they divergent clades, their status may change improved taxon sampling. Divergence estimates speciation patterns consistent previous studies other vertebrate lineages same areas examined study.