title: On the distribution of the genus Teius Merrem, 1820 (Reptilia: Squamata: Teiidae).
abstract: The lizard genus Teius is composed by three species: Teius teyou, T. oculatus, and T. suquiensis and is distributed in South America, east of Andes. Teius teyou and T. oculatus have wide parapatric distributions with contact zones. Teius suquiensis is present in a small range along a sympatric area of the former species. In this work we analyze the distribution of the three species of Teius across its whole geographic range, examining its relationships with climatic parameters. We based our analysis on specimens in collections and literature records. Our analysis shows that the genus Teius is distributed from central Bolivia southwards to north of Río Negro Province in northern Patagonia, Argentina. Teius teyou reaches the northernmost range limit of the genus whereas T. oculatus occupies the southernmost limit. Teius oculatus is related to open and moist environments whereas T. teyou is more adapted to xeric and forested areas. Teius suquiensis is present in xerophytic areas of Dry Chaco and Espinal. Climatic factors in the distribution of the distribution of the two widespread species show marked differences and seasonality.
authors.affiliation: Senckenberg Forschungsinstitut und Naturmuseum, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt a.M., Germany Instituto de Investigación Biológica del Paraguay, Del Escudo 1607, 1425 Asunción, Paraguay Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University, Institute for Ecology, Evolution & Diversity, Biologicum, Building C, Max-von-Laue-Straße 13, 60438 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Email: unknown.
authors.forename: Pier
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Cacciali
authors.affiliation: Grupo de Herpetología Patagónica. IPEEC-CENPAT-CONICET. Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina; Email: unknown.
authors.forename: Mariana
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Morando
authors.affiliation: Senckenberg Forschungsinstitut und Naturmuseum, Senckenberganlage 25, 60325 Frankfurt a.M., Germany; Email: unknown.
authors.forename: Gunther
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Köhler
authors.affiliation: Grupo de Herpetología Patagónica. IPEEC-CENPAT-CONICET. Puerto Madryn, Chubut, Argentina; Email: unknown.
authors.forename: Luciano
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Avila
mesh_terms: D063147:Animal Distribution; D000818:Animals; D017753:Ecosystem; D008116:Lizards / Q000145:classification / Q000502:physiology*; D013020:South America