Reptilia , Squamata , Gymnophthalmidae , Riama balneator and Riama vespertina : Distribution extension , Ecuador

The lizard genus Riama includes 25 species distributed through the central Andes of Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, the Cordillera de la Costa in Venezuela, and extending into the Caribbean island of Trinidad (Doan and Castoe 2005; Rivas et al. 2005; Uetz 2008). Sixteen species of Riama (previously placed under the name Proctoporus, see Kizirian 1996; Doan and Castoe 2005) are known to occur in Ecuador and most of them are endemic to the Ecuadorian Andes and have restricted distributions, with the exception of Riama simotera that also occurs in Colombia (Kizirian 1996). Riama lizards are semi-fossorial and secretive organisms, consequently little is known about their natural history and conservation status.

Two species of Riama were recently collected during surveys conducted by the División de Herpetología of the Museo Ecuatoriano de Ciencias Naturales, Quito, Ecuador (DHMECN), in the central and southern Andes of Ecuador.Study of their morphology leads us to conclude that they represent Riama balneator and R. vespertina, both previously known only from their type series (two and one specimens respectively) and from single localities.Herein we present new distribution records, notes on morphological variation, color descriptions, and photographs in life of these little known Ecuadorian endemics.Kizirian, 1996Kizirian (1996) described this species based on two specimens collected in the Puela River valley (Pastaza river drainage), on the southern versant of Tungurahua volcano (01°32'01" S, 78°25'01" W; 2,750 m), province of Tungurahua in the central Ecuadorian Andes.Two specimens (DHMECN 04111-2) were collected in the San Antonio Mountains, on the eastern slope of the Tungurahua volcano (01°26'22" S, 78°24'39" W; 2,950 m), 10.5 km north of the type locality on 07 April 2007 by Juan Pablo Reyes-Puig, Nelson Palacios, and Salomón Ramírez.Two additional specimens were captured, but not collected, at the same locality on 06 September 2007.The collected specimens were found under the same fallen log in a pasture near secondary mountain forest.Sixteen eggs in different stages of development were found with the lizards, and presumably belong to the same species.

Riama balneator
Riama balneator can be distinguished from similar species by the following characteristics (data by Kizirian 1996  In life, dorsal colour pattern is primarily brown peppered with minute blackish spots.The dorsal surface of the head is dark brown.A dorsolateral dark-bordered pale stripe is distinct on the head and neck, is less distinct at mid body, and is weakly organized on the anterior portion of the tail.Approximately 12-14 faintly defined ocelli are present laterally from the neck to just before to hind limb.The ventral surfaces of the body are dark brown.Iridescent tones are present everywhere.Males are darker than females, which also has reddish shades on the posteriors half of the body and cream shades on the edges of ventral scales (Figures 1 and  2).In life, Riama vespertina is dark brown with light copper dorsolateral stripes that extends from the neck to the middle body.Minute black marks are randomly arranged in the head and body.Small white marks are present below the eye and the upper labials.Ten distinct ocelli are present laterally from the neck to the hind limb.The ventral surfaces are reddish cream with brown marks.The male has darker and more distinctive ocelli than females (Figures 3  and 4).

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These new records of species of Riama represent a rediscovery of both species after 22 years in the case of R. balneator and 85 years in the case R. vespertina.Riama balneator is still known only from a restricted zone on the Tungurahua volcano.However a range extension of almost 50 km is reported for R. vespertina, but it is still endemic to the southwestern Andes of the province of Loja.Perhaps, the few records of these two species correspond to a lack of interest on these taxa and little research in their area of distribution.
The difference in femoral pore counts and altitudinal range between the type of R. vespertina and the new material might be significant, suggesting that the new material herein allocated to R. vespertina may represent an undescribed species.However, more collected individuals and an evaluation of habitat continuity between the type locality and the new collecting localities is necessary before drawing additional conclusions.
Given the restricted distribution, less than 50 km, between the type locality and the locality of the new material allocated for both endemic species (Figure 5), rates and extent of habitat destruction in the Andes and specific volcanic pressures in Tungurahua volcano; these species might qualify as endangered (EN) or critically endangered (CR) according with threatened categories of UICN (2001), however deficient data (DD) is an adequate category until more surveys in the type localities and nearby areas have been conducted and more information about both species is obtained.

Figure 5 .
Figure 5. Distribution records of two endemic species of Riama lizards in the Andes of Ecuador.Riama balneator: A, Puela River valley, type locality; B, San Antonio Mountains; both localities in the province of Tungurahua.Riama vespertina: C, Pampa de Chitoqué, type locality; D, Reserva Biológica Utuana; both localities in the province of Loja.