A new species of Pholidobolus (squamata: Gymnophthalmidae) from the Huancabamba depression of northern Peru

The occurrence of a previously undescribed species of Pholidobolus in the Huancabamba Depression represents the second species of the genus from Peru. The description of this species further increases the level of endemism of the Huancabamba Depression herpetofauna. The new species and P. annectens (and possibly P. anomalus) are proposed to represent a clade based on two synapomorphies-possession of a single transparent palpebral disc and absence of a lateral fold. The status of the poorly known P. anomalus is addressed. In addition, a single specimen of P. montium is reported from Colombia. This specimen seems to represent the first record of Pholidobolus from Colombia, even though P. montium long has been suspected to occur in extreme southern Colombia. A key is provided to the seven currently recognized species of Pholidobolus.