Phrynocephalus helioscopus

Filling gaps in the taxonomy of the Phrynocephalus helioscopus species complex (Reptilia, Squamata, Agamidae) with description of two new subspecies

Authors: Solovyeva E. N., Dunayev E. A., Nazarov R. A., Abduraupov T. V., Poyarkov N. A.

Phrynocephalus helioscopus species complex have been thoroughly studied during recent years, but several lineages remained unassigned. Based on the morphological differences and divergence in COI (mtDNA) gene sequences, two new subspecies are described in the present article within the Phrynocephalus helioscopus species complex: Ph. helioscopus karatauensis ssp. nov. from the environs of Karatau Ridge in Kazakhstan and Ph. saidalievi orlovae ssp. nov.

Introduction and reintroduction of the takyr roundhead Phrynocephalus helioscopus (Agamidae, Reptilia) in the Altai region

Authors: Krymov N. G.

Information is provided on the introduction and reintroduction of the takyr roundhead (Phrynocephalus helioscopus) in the Altai region under the “Program of Comprehensive Study of the Methods of Keeping and Breeding in Captivity of the Takyr roundhead (Phryno-cephalus helioscopus)”.

ON POSSIBLE ESTIVATION OF PHRYNOCEPHALUS HELIOSCOPUS (PALLAS, 1771) AND EREMIAS ARGUTA (PALLAS, 1773) IN THE ALTAI REGION

Authors: Krymov N. G.

Summer counts of Phrynocephalus helioscopus (Pallas, 1771) and Eremias arguta (Pallas, 1773) were conducted in the Altai Region during April - September, 2016. A sharp decline in the activity of lizards in June and July was noted, due to the high temperatures and dry weather. As a result of excavation of some burrows, lizards in a non-active state were found. The possibility of summer hibernation (estivation) of the species is considered.