Proteic and morphological variations in ocellated lizards (Lacertidae): A complex of species across the Strait of Gibraltar

Abstract

We have studied protein and morphological variation patterns in lizards belonging to several European and African populations of the ocellated lizard complex, a group of species distributed in the western Mediterranean region. European ocellated lizard (Lacerta lepida ssp. lepida, iberica, nevadensis) are highly variable in body shape, folidosis, colour and dentition characteristics along the large latitudinal range of their distribution area, but relatively homogeneous for electrophoretic characteristics.</p>