Vol.9, pp. 107-112

Asiatic Herpetological Research

2001

A New Species of Eremias (Sauna: Lacertidae) from Highlands of Kermanshah
Province, Western Iran2
Nasrullah Rastegar-Pouyani and Eskandar Rastegar-Pouyani
11Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Razi University, Kermanshah, Iran, e-mail: nasrullah® razi.ac.ir.
'Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Sabzevar University, Sabzevar, Iran.

A new and distinctive species of the genus and subgenus Eremias is described from the highlands of
Kermanshah Province, western Iran at about 1800 m elevation. It is easily distinguished from all other species of

Abstract.-

the typicalsubgenus (E. velox, E. persica, E. strauchi, E. nigrolateralis, E. lalezharica, E. afghanistanica, E.

smaller size, and distinctive
regeli, E. suphani, and E. nikolskii) by a variable number of postmentals (4-5 pairs),
color pattern. Furthermore,itcan be distinguished by having a combination of characters against any of thespecies in the typical subgenus. Systematics of the genus and subgenus Eremias is shortly discussed.

Key words.- Lacertidae, Eremias, Eremias (Eremias) montanus. Western Iranprovince, Siah-Darreh

45

Figure 1. Location of Kermanshah province on the Iranian Plateau.

Introduction
The lacertid genus Eremias Fitzinger, 1834 encompasses about 33 species of mostly sand, steppe, anddweller lizards which are distributed fromdesertnorthern China, Mongolia, Korea, Central and south-

west Asia to southeastern Europe (Rastegar-Pouyani
and Nilson, 1997). The genus is Central Asian in its
relationships and affinities (Szczerbak, 1974). About
15 species of the genus Eremias occur on the IranianPlateau mostly in northern, central, and easternregions (Rastegar-Pouyani and Nilson, 1997; Anderson, 1999). To date, no comprehensive study has been
carried out on Eremias fauna of the Iranian Plateau

and the systematic status of most taxa is in great needof a revisionary work. Szczerbak (1974), however,,

Zagros Mountains, Kermanshah

with steppe vegetation (e.g., Astragalus, Euphorbia,
Zygophyllurn), about 60 km northeast of city of Ker-manshah, Kermanshah province, western Iran

(Fig.

2).

Eremiasmontanus,newspecies(Figs. 3-4)

August 1995 from the upland regions of the Zagros
Mountains, 60 km northeast of city of Kermanshah(47° 5'E, 34° 52'N),, at about

middle of dorsum. A species belonging to the subgenus Eremias: subocular reaches mouth edge; one fron-

two supraoculars which are not completely
separated from frontal and frontoparietals; distancetonasal;between the femoral pores being narrow; color pattern"striped"; inhabitant of steppe and mountain-steppe
landscapes (Szczerbak, 1974: 83).

Holotype and type locality: An adult female, Field
number P198, collected by the senior author on 14

Iran

2001

Asiatic Herpetological ResearchVol. 9, p. 108

Kermanshah Province, western

1800 m elevation

Two adult females. Field number PI 99-

Paratypes:
P200, other information as for the holotype.

Diagnosis and comparison: A small-sized lacertid,

maximum snout-vent length (SVL)= 57.2mm, taillength = 95mm, with 13-14 longitudinal and 27-28transverse rows of ventral plates, slightly converging
posteriorly; with 63-67 small, granular scales acrossOn the other hand, it differs from all other speciesof its relevant subgenus based on having several distinguishing characters; the color pattern is distinctive
and it is distinguishable from all other species in thischaracter i. e., dorsum uniformly dark-brown without
spots and ocelli, interrupted by five light longitudinal
stripes; the vertebral stripe bifurcating on the nape,

two paravertebrals on each side; a broad dorso-lateral
stripe containing one or two regularly arranged lightspots (different from the other Eremias species in thischaracter);Furthermore, it differs from each speciesof the typical subgenus in the following character
combinations (Bischoff and Bohme, 1980; Bohme

and Szczerbak, 1991; Rastegar-Pouyani and Nilson,
1997; Szczerbak, 1974):

From Eremias nigrolateralis Rastegar-Pouyani
and Nilson, 1997 in having a much smaller size, lackof separation of the third pair of submaxillary shields

by granular scales (0% versus 100%), lower count ofgulars (23-24 versus 41-42), variable number of submaxillary shields (33% versus 0%), reach of femoral

Figure 3. Eremias (Eremias) montanus holotype.

Figure 4. Eremias (Eremias) montanusparatypes.

Asiatic Herpetological Research

2001

pores to the knee (100% versus 0%), and distinct differences in color pattern.

From Eremias persica Blanford, 1874 in having asmaller size, lower count of gulars (23-24 versus 2838), the absence of distinctly keeled

upper caudal

Vol. 9, p. 109

mouth; two large nasals in contact with rostral anteriwith first and second supralabials laterally, andorly,with frontonasal and first loreal posteriorly, the former

being single, broader than long and laterally in contact
with first loreal and posteriorly with prefrontals; two(100% versus 75%), variable number of submaxillary shields (33% versus 4%) and distinct differ-prefrontals each smaller than frontonasal and almost

ences in color pattern.

lorealscalesFrom E. velox
size, in thescalesand posteriorly withfrontaland granules ofwith distinct
supraocular region; only
frontalalmostasasconcavity;
long
prefrontal andfrontonasal(Pallas, 1771) in having a smaller

absence of distinctly keeled upper caudal(100%

as long as broad and laterally in contact with second

versus 0%), variable

number of sub-maxillary shields (33% versus 5%) and in color pattern.

frontonasal together, broadened and posteriorly andlaterally partly in contact with supraoculars (andpartly separated from the latter by 2-3 large scales, notby granules) and posteriorly with frontoparietals; twoFromstrauchi1878

having asmaller size, the absence of distinctly keeled upper
caudal scales (100% versus almost 0%), variable
E.

Kessler,innumber of submaxillary shields (33% versus 9%) andfrontopariatals almost as large as a single supraocular,
laterally being in contact with the second supraocular,

and posteriorly with interparietal and parietals, theformer being small and relatively lozenge-shaped,

in color pattern.

surrounded by frontoparietals and parietals; two vey

From E. lalezharica Moravec, 1994 in having
variable number of submaxillary shields (33% versus

large and plate-like parietals, almost as long as broad,0%), higher count of dorsals (63-68 versus 54-59), no
contact of gulars with the second pair of submaxillaryoccipital; two loreals, first one small, surrounded byfirst two supralabials, nasal, frontonasal, and the sec-

between prefrontals,

ond loreal which is distinctly large with an evident

shields, lack of a small scaleand distinct differences in color pattern.

From E. afghanistanica Bohme and Szczerbak,
1991 in a much higher count of dorsal scales (63-68

being

in

behindcontact

interparietal;avestigialkeel; 6-6 supraciliaries, separated from supraocular bya series of 42-44 granules; postocular elongate, sur-versus 44-46), lower count of gulars (23-24 versus 25-

rounded by granules anteriorly; temporal regionmostly covered by granular scales becoming large

number of submaxillary shields (33%

towards the orbit, more than 100 on each side; tym-28), variableversus 0%), and in color pattern.

From E. nikolskii Bedriaga, 1905 in a higher
count of dorsals (63-68 versus 45-59), variable number of submaxillary shields (33% versus 8%), and incolor pattern.

From E, regeli

panic scale distinct and elongated obliquely, almost
the same size on both sides; tympanum verticallyelongated,slightlylargerthan

orbit;

nodistinct

supratemporal; subocular huge, broader than longwith a distinct ridge being extensively in contact withthe lower edge of orbit; lower eyelids with a semi-

Bedriaga, 1905 in a higher countof dorsals (63-68 versus 43-61), higher number oftranslucent membrane made up of about 22 enlarged

scales in the 9th- 10th caudal annulus (27-28 versusof 10 scales, the two medial ones the largest; gularscales; collar well pronounced,

not serratted, made up

17-25), the absence of distinctly keeled upper caudal

fold weakly developed, 23-24 gulars from symphysis

scales(100% versus 0%), variable number of submaxillary shields (33% versus 3%), and in color pat-of chin shields to median gular, becoming enlarged
posteriorly; 13-14 longitudinal and 27-28 transversetern.

rows of almost squarish ventral plates from collar to

Description of holotype: An adult female, preserved

hindlimbs; anterior series of ventrals to some extent

in

75% ethyl alcohol in good condition; body small

and moderately depressed; a species of the subgenus

irregular,

medianventral longer than broad; dorsal

scales juxtaposed, smooth, granular, becoming slighly

Eremias (Szczerbak, 1974:83); five pairs of submaxil-

larger posteriorly, 63-68 scales across the middle oflary shields, first three pairs in contact, the fourth andfifth pairs

dorsum, and about 160-164 scales in a single row
from occiput to a point just above the vent; proximal

anteriorly, with first and second infralabials laterally;

caudals larger than posterior dorsals but the change
being gradual; caudals becoming large, elongate, andwidely separated; first pair of submaxillary
shileds as large as the fifth and in contact with mental
the fifth sabmaxillary pair each in contact with thefourth pair anteriorly, being surrounded by 8 granularslightly keeled distally, arranged in distinct whorls,

scales laterally and posteriorly; 7-8 supralabials, 4-5

27-28 scales in the 10th whorl behind the vent; upper
forearm covered dorsally by enlarged, juxtaposed, andof which anterior to subocular which borders thealmost lozenge-shaped scales; lower forearm covered

2001

Asiatic Herpetological ResearchVol. 9, p. 110

with granules; upper hindlimbs covered externally by
granules, externally by large shields; tibia covered

33 transverse rows of ventral plates; 9 collars, 4-5
median ones the largest; 24-25 gulars in a single lon-

dorsally by slightly pointed granules, ventrally bylarge plates which are slightly keeled, two plates in a

gitudinal row from chin shields to collar; 20-20 femo-transverse row; no fringes on the toes, 18-20 uni-and

scales;bi-carinate lamellae under fourth toe, proximal part ofsubdigital lamellae under fourth toe; 8-9 supra- and 46 infralabials; temporal scales relatively small; frontal

lower fourth toe containing two complete rows oflamellae, distal part with a single row (in this charac-ralpores, separated by a space corresponding to two
25-26 scales on the 10th tail annulus, 24-25

separated from thefirstsupraocular by two large

ter it is quite different from all other species of its rel-scales (not by granules); 65-67 scales around widest

evant subgenus); 18-19 femoral pores in each side, thepart of dorsum; 163-167 scales in a single longitudi-

two series separated anteriorly by a narrow space con-nal row from occiput to vent.

sisting of three scales; preanal region

Measurements (mm): SVL - 52.9; TL = incomplete;
Forelimb = 23; Hindlimb = 35.5; HL = 13.6.

encompassing

24 large shields, the four median ones being the largest; 6 plates in longitudinal row from the space
between femoral pores to anterior edge of the vent.
Coloration and color pattern: Dorsum uniformly
dark-brown without spots and ocelli, interrupted by
five light,

narrow longitudinal

stripes:

one vertebral

bifurcating on the nape, two paravertebrals on eachbroad dorso-lateral stripe containing one or
two regularly arranged light spots; a ventro-lateral

In color pattern they are quite similar to the holotype.

Habitat: During field work on the western regions of

we surveyed the Zagros
Mountains and the nearby mountain steppes in thenorthern parts of Kermanshah province. 60 km norththe Iranian Plateau in 1995,

east of Kermanshah city, in the highland steppes, inside; aseries of dark-brown spots, to some extent forming a
stripe; upper surface of head uniformly olivish-brown;

temporal and labial regions suffused by dark-brown;submaxillary region light-gray-cream; ventral region
dirty white, suffused by bluish-brown; upper surfaceof limbs dark-brown containing numerous light spots;

proximal upper surface of tail brown, distal part lightbrownish-gray; lower surfaces of limbs and tail yel-vicinityof the Village of Siah-Darreh

Zagros Mountains,

Description of paratypes: The paratypes, two adultspecimens, one male (PI 99) and one female (P200)

approximate the holotype in almost all pertinent
However, there are some minor differences
between paratypes and the holotype as follows:details.

an areaischaracterized by a mountain-

steppe; the vegetation is luxuriant steppe association:

mainlyAstragalus,

Euphorbia,

Artemisia,

andAmigdalus as well as various species of the families
Graminaceae and Compositeae (Fig. 5).
a mountainous region with relatively
high elevation, the winter being harsh and cold, theSincelowish-white.

innamed Sarpal, we came across to three specimens of a
new taxon of the genus Eremias, described here as a
new species. The habitat, which is surrounded by theitissummer being mild and rather short. All the specimens were foraging around the shrubs probably looking for prey. They were quite shy and wary and very
difficult to capture.

When alarmed, they took refuge

under the shrubs or inside the underground holes. One

Male paratype: five submaxillary shields on the rightofside but only four on the left, the fifth vestigial; 13-14

evolved in these lizards is the ability to lose the taillongitudinal and 30-31 transverse ventral plates; 101 1 collars, 3-4 median ones thelargest; 23-24 gulars(autotomy) when being touched by the predators (orcollectors). Hence, we could only collect one specimen with a complete tail and the other specimens lostin a longitudinalrow from chin shields to collar; 20-

20 femoral pores, separated by three small scales; 2324 lamellae under fourth toe; 23-27 scales around
10th

tail

annulus; 8-9 labials, 5 of them anterior to

subocular; 6-6 lower labials; lower nasal resting on
the first two supralabials; temporal scale vestigial; 62-

63 scales around widest part of dorsum; 162-167
scales in a single longitudinal row from occiput to

the

most

effective

anti-predatory

adaptations

their tails during capturing.

In September 1998, we re-surveyed the type local-

but
ity in order to find more specimens of this species

without success. Whether it being a relictual and rare
species, confined only to the type locality, or being
distributed over a wider area in the western margin of

the Iranian Plateau is yet to be established.

vent.

Measurements (mm): SVL = 58.5; TL = incomplete;
Forelimb = 24; Hindlimb = 39; HL = 15.5.
Female paratype: only

four pairs of submaxillary
the
fifth
shield,vestigial; 15-17 longitudinal and 31-

nusWith regard to the occurrence of Eremias montain the highlands of Kermanshah province, theProcter record of E. velox, as the westernmost record,from Kuretu (Iran-Iraq border)
should seriously be reconsidered.

(Procter,

1921:252)

Asiatic Herpetological ResearchVol. 9. p.

1

1

"ym

js»* h»-<#-*> •"

I

ilfc

E

•r

w

-**
Figure 5.

Habitat and type locality of Eremias (Eremias) montanus. 60 km northeast of Kermanshah, vicinity of

Siah-Darreh village, Kermanshah Province, Western Iran.

Etymology: Eremias montanus is so named as it isapparently restricted in distribution to the upland andmountainous steppes of northeastern regions of Kermanshah province, western Iran.

teau (Anderson, 1999). Arnold

thodactylus,

most complete work done on the complicated genus(Arnold.

studied almost

who

species and species complexes ofthis genus throughout the range. Based on morphologall

ical characters and geographic distribution,

S/.czerbak(1974) subdivided the inclusive genus Eremias (s. 1.)
into

two

distinct

genera; the genus Mesalina as anorth African and lowland southwest Asian clade, andgenus Eremias (sensu stricto) which is mainly
occurring in Central and northeast Asia. (Szczerbak.
the

(

and

Mesalina,

1989:238,

240).

Ophisops-Cabrita
But Mayer and Benir

1994) have proposed a different scenario. According

to

these

authors,

Eremiasisthesistertaxon

ofMesalina and both of them belong to a larger clade
containing Omanosaura and Ophisops. They
believe that Eremias is not closely related to Acantho-

also

dactylus.

The Czech Biological Expedition to Iran in 1996
collected 8 specimens of an undetermined species of
Eremias related to E. persica from the Zagros Mountains in1974).

1986) who studied thegeneric names. In a more recent study Arnold placed
Eremias as the sister (axon of a clade including Acan-

Taxonomic account: As mentioned before, so far, theof Eremias (sensu lato) is of Szczerbak (1974)(

hemipenes of lacertids supported the Szczerbak's sub-Esfahan province at about 2000-2200 m ele-

Furthermore. Szczerbak (1974) subdivided Ere-vation (Frynta et al., 1997: 9-10). Whether it is a newmias (s.s) into five distinct subgenera: Eremias (Szcz-

taxon or just a variety off. persica is yet to be known.

erbak,

1974:

83),

Rhabderemias (Szczerbak, 1974:

Material examined: Eremias montanus (n =3):P201 ), Ommateremias (Szczerbak, 1974: 146). Pareremias (Szczerbak, 1974: 22-23), and Scapteria Szcz-

Village (about

erbak, 1974:247).

city of Kermanshah. Kermanshah province, western

Except for the subgenus Pareremias, which is a
Central and east Asian clade, all of the major species

Iran.

(

groups of the genus are presented on the Iranian Pla-

198-200 (Field number), from around the Siah-Darreh

1800

m elevation). 60 km northeast

Vol. 9. p.

l

2001

Asiatic Herpetological Research:= 2): GNHM. Re. ex.

We thank the Gothenburg Natural History Museum

km northeast of Shiraz. Fars

(Gothenburg-Sweden) for loan of Eremias specimens.
Also we thank Dr. Michael Golubev for translation of

Eremias nigrolateralis
5147-5148, from 150(nprovince, south-central Iran.

Eremias persica= 4): GNHM. Re. ex. 5159-(n

the relevant Russian literature.

5162. from 150 km northeast of Shiraz. Fars province,

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ography of the Lacertidae
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:

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GNHM. Re. ex. 5122(1-4). from around the Carin River. 250

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GNHM. Re. ex. 5120(1-:Kurozek. eastern Kazakhstan.

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(

1

:

),

GNHM. GK. 18881 (1-2).
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(Eremias)

lalezharica

Procter.

Eremias strauchi
from Golestan

(n

= 3)

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GNHM. Re. ex. 441

NationalPark,

1

Mazandaranprovince, northeastern Iran.

GNHM. Re. ex. = Gothenburg Natural History Museum. Reptilia exotica; GNHM. GK. =Abbreviations:

Gothenburg Natural History Museum. General Katalogue.

Acknowledgements
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