A taxonomic review of the endemic alligator lizard Elgaria paucicarinata (Anguidae: Squamata) of Baja California, Mexico with a description of a new species

A revision of the endemic alligator lizard, Elgaria paucicarinata from Baja California. Mexico, revealed that it is composed of at least three separate species: E. cedrosensis from Isla de Cedros and the narrow coastal margin of adjacent northwestern Baja California; E, paucicarinata which is restricted to the Cape Region of Baja California; and a new species described herein which extends along the Peninsular Ranges of central Baja California from at least 41.5 km west of Santa Rosalia in the north to Mision de Dolores in the south. The new species is unique in that it has strongly keeled dorsal scales, dark dorsal head markings in the shape of spots, bar-shaped transverse black and white markings in the lateral body told, a hatchling/juvenile color pattern of distinct, pale-colored, transverse bands, and lacks a distinct, dark dorsal postorbital stripe.