NEW DISTRIBUTIONAL RECORDS OF Colobosaura modesta AND Micrablepharus maximiliani (REPTILIA: GYMNOPHTHALMIDAE) IN PARAGUAY

Abstract

Gymnophthalmidae is a highly diverse family of small to medium sized South American lizards. In Paraguay, seven species are currently known. Among these, Colobosaura modesta and Micrablepharus maximiliani are two poorly sampled species in the country: C. modesta was only recorded in two localities in Amambay and San Pedro Departments, whilst M. maximiliani was recorded in Central, Cordillera, Paraguarí and San Pedro Departments. During two field surveys in 2022 we captured one C. modesta and three M. maximiliani individuals. The C. modesta record is 134.7 km west from the nearest known locality, and it is the third confirmed locality in the country, the first in the Concepción Department and the first associated with the Humid Chaco. The M. maximiliani records are 81, 131 and 137 km north from the nearest known locality and are the first records from Concepción and Amambay Departments. We provide habitat characterization for where the lizards were found and discuss their conservation status in Paraguay.