Scripta Herpetologica. Studies on Amphibians and Reptiles in honour of Benedetto Lanza: pp. 137-164, 2014 Catalogue of Arabian reptiles in the collections of the La Specola Museum, Florence Roberto Sindaco 1 *, Riccardo Nincheri 2, Benedetto Lanza 3 1 c/o Museo Civico di Storia Naturale - Via San Francesco di Sales 88, 10022 Carmagnola (TO), Italy 2 Via Empolese 85/B, San Vincenzo a Torri, 50020 Scandicci (FI), Italy 3 c/o Museo di Storia Naturale dell Università degli Studi di Firenze, Sezione di Zoologia, «La Specola» Via Romana 17, 50125 Firenze, Italy * Corresponding author: rsindaco@gmail.com Abstract. A catalogue of the Arabian reptiles in the collection of La Specola Museum in Florence is presented. The collection includes more than 1000 specimens, belonging to 83 taxa (species and subspecies), 43 genera and 13 families. Keywords. Reptiles, Arabian Peninsula, collections, catalogue. Introduction The origin of this catalogue is twofold. In 1992-93 the compilation of a catalogue of the Arabic herpetological collection of the La Specola Museum was the object of the thesis of one of the authors (R.N.). The thesis was carried out under the supervision of Bettino Lanza, Giuliano Frangioni and Marta Poggesi. After more than 10 years Bettino Lanza invited the other co-author (R.S.) to revise the Arabic collection to publish a catalogue, which took place between 2004 and 2006, but for various reasons, the work remained unfinished. The project of this monograph seemed to us an excellent opportunity to accomplish this catalogue, strongly backed by Bettino Lanza, and publish it in a book dedicated to him. Materials and methods The collection of the Arabian Reptiles of the Museum of Natural History La Specola, Department of Zoology, University of Florence, is partly the result of collections made by the staff of the Museum, and in part is due to acquisitions or exchanges. The study area includes the following countries (from north-west to southeast): Syria, Iraq, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Yemen (including the Socotra Archipelago) and Oman. Saudi Arabia and Bahrain are represented by samples collected through a series 137
Sindaco et al. of donations from the following people: B. Lanza (1968), F. Sammicheli (1971), Valenti and Scavengers (1978), J. Gasperetti (1980, 1984, 1985), Brett and Connolly (1982), H. Al Khalidi (1982), Kluyver (1982), Pollinger (1982), Barnes (1983), Brett and Daniels (1983), Buttiker (1983), A. Kidwai (1983), D. Lickfold (1983), Stoesser (1983), A.K. Nasher (1984), Sweeney (1984), Tilbury (1985). Other undated donations were made by J. Mc Stay and by the Zoological Museum Koenig in Bonn. A small collection comes from the Farasan Islands, which were visited by B. Lanza in April 1984 during a mission by the Group L. Mares for Scientific Research and Diving Techniques. Jordan has been visited four times by the Group L. Mares for Scientific Research and Diving Techniques, whose missions also included the collection of Reptiles and Amphibians. The collections were made by Marco Borri in April 1978, by Fabio Sammicheli in April 1976, by Benedetto Lanza and Paola Giorgio Lanza in April 1975, and by Marta Poggesi in December 1974. Some samples from Jordan were also donated to the Museum by Silvio Bruno in 1987. Syria is represented almost exclusively by a small, but representative collection donated by Gianluca Serra and published by Sindaco et al. (2006). As for Yemen, which gave the biggest contribution to the Arabic collections, the rich material was collected during five expeditions in northern Yemen, organized by the Museum La Specola in 1979. The missions were carried out in November 1979 (B. Lanza, M. Borri, M. Poggesi and P. Giorgio Lanza), in July-August 1980 (M. Borri and M. Poggesi), in November 1980 (M. Borri and M. Poggesi), in June-July 1981 (M. Borri and M. Poggesi), and finally in February 1984 (M. Borri, M. Poggesi, F. Sammicheli and P. Manetti). A limited number of Yemeni specimens was donated in 1988 by Beat Schätti (Muséum d Histoire Naturelle in Geneva), and by Mousa M. Al Safadi (University of Sana a) in 1989. The archipelago of Socotra is represented in the collection by two snakes only, obtained in exchange from the Natural History Museum of London. All the specimens were determined by B. Lanza at the time of their inclusion in the collection, verified by R. Nincheri while working on his thesis, and subsequently revised by R. Sindaco. For the identification and taxonomy of specimens were consulted most influential papers, recent and past, related to the systematic treatment of Amphibians and Reptiles of these regions (e.g. Arnold, 1986; Gasperetti, 1988; Leviton et al. 1992; Schätti and Gaspe ret ti, 1994; Sindaco, 1998; Disi et al., 2001; Venchi and Sindaco, 2006). When not indicated otherwise, the taxonomy follows mainly the monographs on Western Palearctic reptiles by Sindaco and Jeremčenko (2008) and Sindaco et al. (2013). Within the same taxon, finds are sorted by Country and Catalogue number. Each record corresponds to a jar, so you can find more repeated records of the same species from the same locality. For each record the following informations are reported: Catalogue Number, Country, Location, Altitude (in meters, if available), Date, Collector/Donor (Leg. = legit, Don. = donavit), Sex and/or developmental stage of the specimens (spec. = specimen, = male, = female, ad. = adult, imm. = immature, j = juvenile). 138
Arabian reptiles in the collections of the La Specola Museum R E P T I L I A Laurenti, 1768 TESTUDINATA Linnaeus, 1758 Family Geoemydidae Theobald, 1868 Genus Mauremys Gray, 1869 Mauremys caspica siebenrocki Wischuf and Fritz, 1997 MZUF 7789 - Saudi Arabia, Hufuf oasis (Dharan); 1971; F. Sammicheli leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 15540-41 - Saudi Arabia, Al Qatif; xi.1971; collector unknown; 2 spec. and 4 eggs. Family Testudinidae Gray, 1825 Genus Testudo Linnaeus, 1758 Testudo graeca terrestris Forskål, 1775 Taxonomy according to Fritz et al. (2007). MZUF 30118 - Jordan, Petra; 1986; J. Gasperetti leg.; 1 spec. SQUAMATA Oppel, 1811 S a u r i a Mac Cartney, 1802 Family Agamidae Gray, 1827 Genus Acanthocercus Fitzinger, 1843 Acanthocercus adramitanus (Anderson, 1896) MZUF 27835-837 - Yemen, Azzou (wadi), further Falla and Al Hejira villages; ix.1980; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 2, 1. MZUF 27838-840 - Yemen, Ar Akua (wadi), about 36 km NW of Sa dah, m 1950; ix.1980; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 1, 2. MZUF 27845 - Yemen, Umm Laylah - Bagim [= Baqim] road, about 60 km NW of Sa dah; vi.1981; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 1. MZUF 27863, 27867 - Yemen, Nefah (jabal), 4 km W of Ju Amlah; ix.1980; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 1, 1 j. MZUF 27869 - Yemen, Jaddah (jabal) area, about 20 km NNW of Ju Amlah; vi.1981; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 1. MZUF 27873 - Yemen, Jaddah (jabal) area, about 20 km NNW of Ju Amlah; vi.1981; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 1. MZUF 27877 - Yemen, between Al Funduk and Katabar; vii.1981; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 1. MZUF 27894-895 - Yemen, Madak and neighb., on the track of Maqsala, about 25 km from Ju Amlah; 6.vi.1981; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 1, 1. MZUF 27908-912 - Yemen, Maqsala (wadi), about 26 km WNW of Sadah; ix.1980; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 3, 2 ). MZUF 28139-140 - Yemen, Sharawa village, 43 km on the road Sa dah Sandia; 29.viii.1980; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 2. MZUF 28148 - Yemen, Khazain hills, 17 km NWN of Sadah, m 2000; ix.1980; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 1. MZUF 28152-157 - Yemen, Maqsala (wadi), about 26 km WNW of Sadah; 14.xi.1979; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 1, 4 j. 139
Sindaco et al. MZUF 28166 - Yemen, Yesnam (wadi), about 25 km NW of Ju Amlah; vii.1981; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 1. MZUF 28167-170 - Yemen, Ar Akua (wadi), about 36 km NW of Sa dah, m 1950; 19.xi.1979; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 1, 3 j. MZUF 28171 - Yemen, Madi (wadi), 21 km WNW of Sadah; 6.vii.1981; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 1. MZUF 28172-174 - Yemen, Madi (wadi), 21 km WNW of Sadah; 22.xi.1979; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 1, 2 j. MZUF 28177-179 - Yemen, Itlah (wadi), about 34 km NW Sa dah, m 1950; 8.ix.1980; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 1, 1, 1 j. MZUF 28180-181, 28183-184, 28186 - Yemen, Sa dah; 17.vi.1981; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 2, 2, 1 j. MZUF 28188-190, 28192, 28195, 28197-200, 28202-204 - Yemen, Ju Amlah (26 km NW Sadah), m 1950; ix.1979; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 4, 8 j. MZUF 28205-207, 28211 - Yemen, Ju Amlah (26 km NW Sadah), m 1950; ix.1979; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 3, 1 j. MZUF 28214, 28217-219, 28221-2 - Yemen, Ju Amlah (26 km NW Sadah), m 1950; viiiix.1980; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 4, 2 j. MZUF 28242, 28250 - Yemen, Madak and neighb., on the track of Maqsala, about 25 km from Ju Amlah; 14.xi.1979; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 1, 1. MZUF 28652 - Yemen, Dhar (wadi); 6.ii.1983; M. Borri, M. Poggesi, F. Samicheli leg.; 1. MZUF 28684-744 - Yemen, Shibam neighb. (38 km NW Sana a ), along the Wadi Ahyar; m 2500; 5-17.ii.1984; M. Poggesi, M. Borri, M. Manetti, M. Sammicheli leg.; 16, 12, 32 j. MZUF 28748-751 - Yemen, Kanin (jabal); 3.i.1984; M. Poggesi, M. Borri, M. Manetti, M. Sammicheli leg.; 2, 2 j. MZUF 33611-613 - Yemen, Hadja [= Hajjah]; iii.1988; collector unknown; 3 j. Acanthocercus yemensis (Klausewitz, 1954) MZUF 27830-834 - Yemen, Jaddah (jabal) area (about 20 km NNW of Ju Amlah; 11.vii.1981; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 4, 1. MZUF 27870-872 - Yemen, Jaddah (jabal) area (about 20 km NNW of Ju Amlah; 11.vi.1981; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 3 spec. MZUF 27875-877, 27879-883 - Yemen, Al Funduk - Katabar, between * (50th km of the road Sada - Sandia); 2.vii.1981; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 2, 6. MZUF 27891-893, 27896-903 - Yemen, Madak and neighb., on the track of Maqsala, about 25 km from Ju Amlah; 6.vi.1981; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 7, 4. MZUF 28141-146 - Yemen, San a - Shibam road, about 40 km NW of San a; 25.viii.1980; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 3, 3. MZUF 28158-163 - Yemen, L Anam area; 3.ix.1980; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 3, 2, 1 indet. MZUF 28243-249, 28251-256 - Yemen, Madak and neighb., on the track of Maqsala, about 25 km from Ju Amlah; 21.x.1980; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 6, 7. MZUF 28745 - Yemen, Bab al Filak, 10 km E of Dhomar, on road to Rodah, m 2420; 2.ii.1984; M. Poggesi, M. Borri, M. Manetti, M. Sammicheli leg.; 1. MZUF 28746 - Yemen, Kawkaban, 38 km NW San a; 31.i.1984; M. Poggesi, M. Borri, M. Ma netti, M. Sammicheli leg.; 1. MZUF 28752-754 - Yemen, Hadda, 6 km SW of San a, m 2500; 4.ii.1984; M. Poggesi, M. Borri, M. Manetti, M. Sammicheli leg.; 1, 2. 140
Arabian reptiles in the collections of the La Specola Museum Genus Laudakia Gray, 1845 Laudakia stellio stellio (Linnaeus, 1958). MZUF 40043-45 - Syria, Jebel Bilas and Jebel Abu Rigimin; Spring 2001; G. Serra leg.; 2 spec. MZUF 40046 - Syria, Halili Jezel; 3.ii.2001; G. Serra leg.; 1 spec. Laudakia stellio brachydactyla (Haas, 1951) MZUF 21455-456 - Jordan, Wadi Rum; iv.1975; B. Lanza, P. Giorgio leg.; 2 spec. MZUF 21456 - Jordan, Petra; iv.1975; B. Lanza, P. Giorgio leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 21532-535 - Jordan, Wadi Rum; iv.1976; F. Sammicheli leg.; 4 spec. MZUF 22454 - Jordan, Petra; undated; collector unknown; 1. MZUF 25607-631 - Jordan, Petra; 15-17.iv.1978; M. Borri leg.; 24 spec. MZUF 25642-643 - Jordan, Wadi Rum; 19.iv.1978; M. Borri leg.; 1, 1. MZUF 25667-668 - Jordan, Khor el Ayran (wadi Rum); 2.iv.1978; M. Borri leg.; 2 spec. MZUF 25674 - Jordan, Jebel Rehbi, 4 km SSE Qa Disah; 23.iv.1978; M. Borri leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 25690-691 - Jordan, El Khozeili, about 5 km S Wadi Rum; 14.iv.1978; M. Borri leg.; 2 spec. MZUF 32147-157 - Jordan, Petra; 24.vi.1963; collector unknown; 11 spec. Genus Phrynocephalus Kaup, 1825 Phrynocephalus arabicus J. Anderson, 1894 MZUF 28946 - Saudi Arabia, Az Zalim; 14.xi.1982; J. Smith, R. Agar leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 28756 - Yemen, Ma rib; 8.ii.1984; M. Poggesi, M. Borri, P. Manetti, F. Sammicheli leg.; 1 spec. Genus Pseudotrapelus Fitzinger, 1843 Pseudotrapelus sinaitus sinaitus Heyden, 1827 MZUF 21511 - Jordan, Wadi Rum; undated; collector unknown; 1. MZUF 21528-531 - Jordan, Wadi Rum; iv.1976; F. Sammicheli leg.; 3, 1. MZUF 25658 - Jordan, Abu Rashrasha, about 10 km NNW Qa Disa; 22.iv.1978; M. Borri leg.; 1 j. MZUF 27859-862, 27864-866 - Yemen, Nefah (jabal); ix.1980; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 4, 3. Pseudotrapelus sp. Until recently, the genus Psedotrapelus was considered monospecific, but recent studies (Melnikov et al. 2012a, 2012b, 2013) have led to the description of new species for single localities, whereby at the moment it is not clear to what taxon assign animals of Yemen. MZUF 27878 - Yemen, Al Funduk - Katabar, 50th km road Sa dah - San a; vii.1981; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 1. 141
Sindaco et al. MZUF 27890 - Yemen, Khazain hills, 17 km NWN of Sadah, m 2000; 18.vi.1981; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 1. MZUF 28147 - Yemen, Khazain hills, 17 km NWN of Sadah, m 2000; 1.ix.1980; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 28147 - Yemen, Khazain hills, 17 km NWN of Sadah; m 2000; ix.1980; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 1. MZUF 28149-151 - Yemen, Khazain hills, 17 km NWN of Sadah, m 2000; 9.xi.1979; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 3 spec. MZUF 28164-165 - Yemen, Al Arf, about 80 km S of Sa dah; vi.1981; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 1, 1. MZUF 28175-176 - Yemen, Nefah (jabal); 16.vi.1981; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 2. MZUF 28182 - Yemen, Sa dah; vi.1981; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 1. MZUF 28185 - Yemen, 34 km NW of Sa dah; vi.1981; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 1. MZUF 28191, 28193-194, 28196, 28201 - Yemen, Ju Amlah (26 km NW Sadah); m 1950; xi.1979; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 3, 2 indet. MZUF 28208-210, 28212-213 - Yemen, Ju Amlah (26 km NW Sadah); m 1950; undated; collector unknown; 5. MZUF 28215-216, 28220, 28223 - Yemen, Ju Amlah (26 km NW Sadah); m 1950; 27.viii - 3I.x.1980; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 1, 3. MZUF 28640-644 - Yemen, Mokha; 11.ii.1984; M. Poggesi, M. Borri, M. Manetti, M. Sammicheli leg.; 3, 2 j. MZUF 28747 - Yemen, 60 km from San a on the road to Hodeidah; 1.i.1984; M. Poggesi, M. Borri, M. Manetti, M. Sammicheli leg.; 1 j. MZUF 28755 - Yemen, Ma rib; ii.1984; M. Poggesi, M. Borri, M. Manetti, M. Sammicheli leg.; 1 j. MZUF 33606-610 - Yemen, Sug ad Dabab, Ta izz; iii.1988; collector unknown; 5 spec. Genus Trapelus Cuvier, 1814 Trapelus agnetae (F. Werner, 1929) Status according to Wagner et al. (2012). MZUF 21510 - Jordan, Jurf Ed; 11.iv.1976; F. Sammicheli leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 40048-049 - Syria, Palmyra area; 2000-2003; G. Serra leg.; 2 spec. Trapelus flavimaculatus (Rüppell, 1835) MZUF 28926 - Saudi Arabia, Rabigh, 20 km N; 5.iii.1983; collector unknown; 2 spec. MZUF 28943-944 - Saudi Arabia, Mastabah neighb.; 16.vii.1982; collector unknown; 2. MZUF 28945 - Saudi Arabia, Mand adh Dhahab, 24.5 km SW, m 95; 2.vii.1982; collector unknown; 1. Trapelus lessonae (De Filippi, 1865) MZUF 10421 - Jordan, H4 pipeline station; 3.vii.1966; V. Sbordoni leg.; 1 spec. 142
Arabian reptiles in the collections of the La Specola Museum Genus Uromastyx Merrem, 1826 Uromastyx aegyptia microlepis Blanford, 1874 MZUF 21508 - Jordan, Aqaba, 50-60 km ENE, Gal area, about 12 km E of the reclaimed area; 17.v.1975; B. Rosas, R. Barducci leg.; 1. MZUF 28899 - Saudi Arabia, Sawawin [about 27 59 N 35 47 E], m 50; vi.1983; Digby Liekgold leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 28906-907 - Saudi Arabia, Ar Rika (wadi) [about 22 03 N 44 35 E]; v.1983; Digby Liekgold leg.; 2 spec. Uromastyx yemenensis shobraki Wilms & Schmitz, 2007 MZUF 33614-615 - Yemen, between Mafraq and Moka, km 13.5; 5-6.iv.1988; B. Schätti leg.; 1 ad., 1 j. Uromastyx ornata Heyden, 1827 MZUF 37130 - Saudi Arabia, Saudi Arabia ; undated; J. Gasperetti leg.; 1 spec. Uromastyx ornata philbyi Parker, 1930 MZUF 27884-885 - Yemen, Ju Amlah dint., about 26 km NW of Sa dah, m 1950; undated; M. Borri and M. Poggesi leg.; 2 spec. MZUF 27906 - Yemen, Ju Amlah dint., about 26 km NW of Sa dah, m 1950; 3.iv.1980; M. Borri and M. Poggesi leg.; 1 spec. Family Chamaeleonidae Gray, 1827 Genus Chamaeleo Laurenti, 1768 Chamaeleo calyptratus calcarifer Peters, 1869 MZUF 28910 - Saudi Arabia, Ash Shaaban [= Shaban]; 14.iv.1983; A.K. Nasher leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 31453 - Saudi Arabia, Fayfa (jebel); 1.x.1984; A.K. Nasher leg.; 1 spec. Chamaeleo calyptratus calyptratus Duméril & Duméril, 1851 MZUF 28806 - Yemen, Shibam (38 km NW Sana a ), 17.ii.1984; M. Poggesi, M. Borri, M. Manetti, M. Sammicheli leg.; 1. MZUF 33619-625 - Yemen, Suq ad Dabab (Ta izz); 3.iii-2.IV.1988; collector unknown; 7 spec. Chamaeleo chamaeleon orientalis Parker, 1938 MZUF 31445 - Saudi Arabia, Bani Sar; 3.ix.1984; collector unknown; 1 spec. MZUF 28084 - Yemen, Ju Amlah (26 km NW Sadah), m 1950; xi.1980; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 28085-086 - Yemen, Bagim [= Baqim]; 10-17.vi.1981; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 2 spec. 143
Sindaco et al. MZUF 28087-088 - Yemen, Ju Amlah (26 km NW Sadah) neighb., m 1950; vi-vii.1981; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 1 spec. Family Gekkonidae Gray, 1825 sensu lato The family Gekkonidae, as traditionally known, has been recently splitted in five families, of which three occur in the Arabian Peninsula: Gekkonidae s.s. (Bunopus, Cyrtopodion, Hemidactylus, Stenodactylus, Tropiocolotes), Sphaerodactylidae (Pristurus, Teratoscincus) and Phyllodactylidae (Asaccus, Haemodracon, Ptyodactylus) (Han et al. 2004, Gamble et al. 2008). Bunopus spatalurus spatalurus J. Anderson, 1901 MZUF 27775 - Yemen, Ju Amlah env., about 26 km NW of Sa dah, m 1950; 1981; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 27781 - Yemen, Jabal Nefah; 1.ix.1980; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 2785 - Yemen, Al Arf, about 80 km S of Sa dah; 5.vi.1981; M. Borri leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 27852-853 - Yemen, Ju Amlah env., about 26 km NW of Sa dah, m 1950; 27.viii-3. ix.1980; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 2 spec. Bunopus tuberculatus Blanford, 1874 MZUF 25688 - Jordan, Jebel Umayd and Jebel El Kharaza, 18-20 km NNE of Qa Disah; 12.iv.1978; M. Borri leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 28924 - Saudi Arabia, Bani Malik (wadi); 8.i.1983; W. Buttiker W.; 1 spec. MZUF 28939 - Saudi Arabia, Makkah bypass, km 108; 3.v.1982; J. Gasperetti leg.; 1. MZUF 28940-941 - Saudi Arabia, Jiddah City dump; 11.vi.1985; collector unknown; 1, 1. MZUF 31455 - Saudi Arabia, Makkah bypass, km 80; 19.iv.1985; J. Gasperetti leg.; 1. MZUF 40039 - Syria, Palmyra area; 2000-2003; G. Serra leg.; 1 spec. Genus Hemidactylus Mocquard, 1895 The Arabian Hemidactylus are under revision. Moravec et al. (2011) show on the base of mtdna that in the Middle East there are some cryptic species previously included in H. turcicus. In Yemen, Busais and Joger (2011a, 2011b) recognize 8 monophyletic taxa on molecular basis, three belonging to the H. yerburii group, two to the H. robustus group and three belonging to a new group; of these, the authors described three new species and a subspecies, leaving out a fourth species until a more comprehensive sample is available. Lately, Carranza and Arnold (2012) described 8 new species from Oman. The classification of part of the MZUF collection will be therefore subject to change in the next future. Hemidactylus sp. MZUF 25180 - Yemen, San a; ii.1979; C. Poglayen leg.; 1 j. MZUF 27780 - Yemen, Ju Amlah env., about 26 km NW of Sa dah, m 1950; vi-vii.1981; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 1 j. 144
Arabian reptiles in the collections of the La Specola Museum MZUF 28000 - Yemen, Madaq village, about 25 km from Ju Amlah; 6.vi.1981; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 1 j. MZUF 28038 - Yemen, Ju Amlah env., about 26 km NW of Sa dah, m 1950; xi.1979; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 1 j. MZUF 35202 - Saudi Arabia, Seir Farasan Kebir I., Janaba Bay; iv.1985; Gigli et al. leg.; 1 j. Hemidactylus cf. dawudazraqi Moravec, Kratochvíl, Amr, Jandzik, Šmíd & Gvoždík, 2011 MZUF 20036-038 - Jordan, Petra; 31.xii.1974; M. Poggesi, Bucciarelli leg.; 3 spec. Hemidactylus flaviviridis Rüppel, 1835 MZUF 28900 - Saudi Arabia, Jiddah; vii.1983; J. Mc Stay leg.; 1. Hemidactylus sinaitus Boulenger, 1885 MZUF 29757-760 - Saudi Arabia, Seir Farasan Kebir I., Janaba Bay; 1.iv.1984; B. Lanza leg.; 4 spec. MZUF 28645-646 - Yemen, Moka, betw. Moka and hills, about 30 km from the sea; 15.ii.1984; Poggesi L. et al. leg.; 2 spec. Hemidactylus cf. robustus Heyden, 1827 MZUF 22517-519 - Saudi Arabia, Jeddah, 30 km N; i.1978; collector unknown; 3 spec. MZUF 28912-920 - Saudi Arabia, Jeddah; 25.ii.1983; collector unknown; 9 spec. MZUF 28015 - Yemen, Khazain hills, 17 km NWN of Sadah, m 2000; 9.xi.1979; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 28077-080 - Yemen, Ju Amlah env., about 26 km NW of Sa dah, m 1950; vi-vii.1981; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 4 spec. Hemidactylus cf. turcicus (Linnaeus, 1758) MZUF 20036-038 - Jordan, Petra; 31.xii.1974; M. Poggesi, Bucciarelli leg.; 3 spec. MZUF 2438, 13503-504 - Syria, Damascus; collector unknown; 3 spec. MZUF 40040 - Syria, Palmyra area; 2000-2003; G. Serra leg.; 1 spec. Hemidactylus cf. yerburii J. Anderson, 1895 MZUF 27846-850 - Yemen, Ar Akua (wadi), about 36 km NW of Sa dah, m 1950; 14.ix.1980; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 5 spec. MZUF 27855-856 - Yemen, Khazain hills, 17 km NWN of Sadah, m 2000; 18.v.1981; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 2. MZUF 27857-858, 27780 - Yemen, Ju Amlah env., about 26 km NW of Sa dah, m 1950; vivii.1981; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 1, 1, 1 juv. MZUF 27907 - Yemen, Al Alb, 2 km from the Saudi Arabian border; 1.vi.1981; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 1. MZUF 28007-008 - Yemen, Nefah (jabal), about 4 km W of Ju Amlah; 1.ix.1980; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 1, 1. 145
Sindaco et al. MZUF 28012-014 - Yemen, Khazain hills, 17 km NWN of Sadah, m 2000; 9.xi.1979; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 1, 2. MZUF 28016-018 - Yemen, Umm Laylah - Bagim [= Baqim] road, about 60 km NW of Sa dah; 4.vi.1981; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 3 spec. MZUF 28020-037 - Yemen, Ju Amlah env., about 26 km NW of Sa dah, m 1950; ix.1979; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 4, 8, 5 j. MZUF 28081-083 - Yemen, Umm Laylah - Bagim [= Baqim] road, about 60 km NW of Sa dah; vi.1981; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 3 spec. MZUF 28803 - Yemen, Shibam env.; 5.ii.1984; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 2 spec. MZUF 35439-441 - Yemen, Ju Amlah env., about 26 km NW of Sa dah, m 1950; 27.viii-30. ix.1980; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 2 j, 1 ad. Pristurus celerrimus Arnold, 1977 Genus Pristurus Rüppell, 1835 MZUF 36870 - U.A.E., Tayybal [= Tayybah]; iv.1992; R. Leptien leg.; 1 spec. Pristurus crucifer (Valenciennes, 1861) MZUF 28807-824 - Yemen, Moka, betw. Moka and hills, about 30 km from the sea; ii.1984; M. Poggesi, M. Borri, M. Manetti, M. Sammicheli leg.; 5, 9, 4 j. MZUF 33590-594 - Yemen, Khawkha, m 24.iii.1988; B. Schätti leg.; 3 ad., 2 j. Pristurus flavipunctatus (Rüppell, 1835) MZUF 33616-618 - Yemen, between Mafraq and Moka, km 13.5; 5.iv.1988; B. Schätti leg.; 3 spec. Pristurus popovi Arnold, 1982 MZUF 27767-768 - Yemen, Sana a - Shibam road, about 40 km from Sana a; 25.viii.1980; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 1 ad., 1 j. MZUF 27784 - Yemen, Jabal Anam area; 3.ix.1980; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 28675-682 - Yemen, Shibam env.; ii.1984; M. Poggesi, M. Borri, M. Manetti, M. Sammicheli leg.; 4, 2, 2 j. MZUF 28683 - Yemen, Kawkaban; 31.i.1984; M. Poggesi, M. Borri, M. Manetti, M. Sammicheli leg.; 1 j. MZUF 28758-765 - Yemen, Kawkaban; 31.i.1984; M. Poggesi, M. Borri, M. Manetti, M. Sammicheli leg.; 4, 1, 3 j. MZUF 28766-777 - Yemen, village at foots of Jabal Kanin, 35 km SSE of Sana a; 30.i.1984; M. Poggesi, M. Borri, M. Manetti, M. Sammicheli leg.; 8, 2, 3 j. MZUF 28778 - Yemen, village at foots of Jabal Kanin, 35 km SSE of Sana a; 30.i.1984; M. Poggesi, M. Borri, M. Manetti, M. Sammicheli leg.; 1. MZUF 28780-796, 28798-802 - Yemen, Bab al Filak, 10 km E of Dhomar, on road to Rodah, m 2420; 2.ii.1984; M. Poggesi, M. Borri, M. Manetti, M. Sammicheli leg.; 14, 7, 1 j. MZUF 28797 - Yemen, Bab al Filak, 10 km E of Dhomar, on road to Rodah, m 2420; 2.ii.1984; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 1 spec. 146
Arabian reptiles in the collections of the La Specola Museum Pristurus cf. rupestris Blanford, 1874 Preliminary genetic data show that under the name P. rupestris more taxa are involved (Salvador Carranza in litt.). The taxonomy of Yemeni populations is therefore subject to future taxonomic changes. MZUF 27746-748 - Yemen, Umm Laylah - Bagim [= Baqim] road, about 20 km NW of Sa dah; vi.1981; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 2, 1. MZUF 27749-751 - Yemen, Maqsala (wadi), about 26 km WNW of Sadah; ix.1980; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 2, 1. MZUF 27752-753 - Yemen, Umm Laylah foothills, about 50 km NW of Sa dah, m 2350; xi.1979; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 1 j, 1 ad. MZUF 27754-755 - Yemen, Maqsala (wadi) - Jabal Anam road; 29.viii.1980; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 1, 1. MZUF 27761-762 - Yemen, Ar Akua (wadi), about 36 km NW of Sa dah, m 1950; xi.1979; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 2 j. MZUF 27763-766 - Yemen, Umm Laylah - Bagim [= Baqim] road, about 20 km NW of Sa dah; viii.1980; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 3, 1. MZUF 27769 - Yemen, Sana a, Zubeiri street; viii.1980; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 27769b - Yemen, Sana a - Shibam road, about 40 km from Sana a; 25.viii.1980; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 27770 - Yemen, Sana a, Zubeiri street; 24.viii.1980; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 27771 - Yemen, Ar Akua (wadi), about 36 km NW of Sa dah, m 1950; xi.1979; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 27773, 27776, 27778-779 - Yemen, Ju Amlah env., about 26 km NW of Sa dah, m 1950 29.viii.1980; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 2, 2. MZUF 27783 - Yemen, Nefah (jabal), about 4 km W of Ju Amlah; ix.1980; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 27785 - Yemen, Sa dah; 23.xi.1979; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 1 j. MZUF 27786 - Yemen, Maqsala (wadi), about 26 km WNW of Sadah; xi.1979; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 1. MZUF 27787-790 - Yemen, Sharawa village, on the road Sa dah - Sandia; viii.1980; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 1, 3. MZUF 27806 - Yemen, Ju Amlah env., about 26 km NW of Sa dah, m 1950; xi.1979; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 1. MZUF 27807-822 - Yemen, Ju Amlah env., about 26 km NW of Sa dah, m 1950; xi.1979; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 4, 7, 5 j. MZUF 33595-605 - Yemen, Samh (Haabar - Hadinat); iv.1988; B. Schätti leg.; 5, 3, 3 j. Pristurus rupestris guweirensis Haas, 1943 MZUF 20039 - Jordan, Wadi Rum; 2.i.1975; 1. MZUF 21516-517 - Jordan, Wadi Rum; iv.1976; F. Sammicheli leg.; 2 spec. Pristurus saada Arnold, 1976 MZUF 27756, 27758-760 - Yemen, Al Arf, about 80 km S of Sa dah; 5.vi.1981; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 3, 1. MZUF 27772, 27774, 27777 - Yemen, Ju Amlah env., about 26 km NW of Sa dah, m 1950; vivii.1981; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 1 ad., 2 j. 147
Sindaco et al. MZUF 27782 - Yemen, ponds at the base of Jabal Nefah; 1.ix.1981; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 27791-798, 27800-805 - Yemen, Ju Amlah env., about 26 km NW of Sa dah, m 1950; xi.1979; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 6, 8. MZUF 27823-829 - Yemen, Ju Amlah env., about 26 km NW of Sa dah, m 1950; vi-vii.1981; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 4, 1, 2 j. Pristurus sp. MZUF 27785 - Yemen, Wadi Itlah, about 34 km NW of Sa dah; m 1950; 23.xi.1979; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 1 spec. Ptyodactylus guttatus Heyden, 1827 Genus Ptyodactylus Gray, 1825 MZUF 21470 - Jordan, Petra; 1975; B. Lanza and P. Giorgio leg.; 1. MZUF 21477-482 - Jordan, Wadi Rum; 1975; B. Lanza and P. Giorgio leg.; 2, 1, 3 j. MZUF 21512-514 - Jordan, Wadi Rum; iv.1976; F. Sammicheli leg.; 1, 2. MZUF 21515 - Jordan, reclaimed area 50-60 km ENE Aqaba; iv.1976; F. Sammicheli leg.; 1. MZUF 25591-598 - Jordan, Petra, m 15-17.iv.1978; M. Borri leg.; 2, 2, 4 j. MZUF 25655-657 - Jordan, Wadi Rum; m 2.iv.1978; M. Borri leg.; 3 spec. MZUF 25659 - Jordan, Abu Rashrasha, about 10 km NNW Qa Disa; M. Borri leg.; 1. MZUF 25672 - Jordan, Jebel Rehbi, 4 km SSE Qa Disah; iv.1978; M. Borri leg.; 1 j. MZUF 25697 - Jordan, Khor el Ayran (wadi Rum); 2.iv.1978; M. Borri leg.; 1. MZUF 32143-144 - Jordan, Petra, m 24.vi.1963; S. Bruno leg.; 2 spec. MZUF 36874 - Jordan, Wadi Musa, m 3.v.1975; B. Lanza and P. Giorgio leg.; 1 spec. Ptyodactylus cf. hasselquistii (Donndorf, 1798) The taxonomic status of Arabian Ptyodactylus is unsatisfactory. Preliminary genetic data show that more species are involved (Salvador Carranza in litteris). Therefore, pending for results of genetic researches, we prefer to list them as Ptyodactylus cf. hasselquistii. MZUF 28009 - Yemen, Madi [= Magif] (wadi), 21 km WNW of Sa dah; 6.vii.1981; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 28010-011 - Yemen, Yesnam (wadi), about 25 km NW of Ju Amlah; 4.vii.1981; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 1, 1. MZUF 28019 - Yemen, Khazain hills, 17 km NWN of Sadah, m 2000; 9.xi.1979; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 28039 - Yemen, Ar Akua (wadi), about 36 km NW of Sa dah, m 1950; 19.xi.1979; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 28040-042 - Yemen, Ar Akua (wadi), about 36 km NW of Sa dah, m 195 14.xi.1980; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 3 spec. MZUF 28043 - Yemen, Maqsala (wadi); m 13.ix.1980; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 28044, 28054 - Yemen, Ju Amlah env., about 26 km NW of Sa dah, m 1950; 14.ix.1980; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 2 j. MZUF 28055-063 - Yemen, Ju Amlah env., about 26 km NW of Sa dah, m 1950; collector unknown; 5, 4. 148
Arabian reptiles in the collections of the La Specola Museum MZUF 28064-065 - Yemen, Khazain hills, 17 km NWN of Sadah, m 2000; 16.ix.1980; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 2 spec. MZUF 28075 - Yemen, Ar Akua (wadi), about 36 km NW of Sa dah, m 195; vi.1981; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 28075 - Yemen, Ju Amlah env., about 26 km NW of Sa dah, m 1950; vi.1981; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 28076 - Yemen, between Umm Laylah and Bagim; 15.vi.1981; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 1. MZUF 28627-639 - Yemen, Moka, betw. Moka and hills, about 30 km from the sea; ii.1984; M. Poggesi, M. Borri, M. Manetti, M. Sammicheli leg.; 7, 5. Stenodactylus grandiceps Haas, 1952 Genus Stenodactylus Fitzinger, 1826 MZUF 40041-042 - Syria, Palmyra area, between 2000 and 2003, G. Serra leg.; 2 spec. Genus Tropiocolotes Peters, 1880 Tropiocolotes nattereri Steindachner, 1901 MZUF 21474-476 - Jordan, Wadi Rum; iv.1975; B. Lanza and P. Giorgio leg.; 3 spec. MZUF 25671 - Jordan, Jebel Rehbi, 4 km SSE Qa Disah, m 23.iv.1978; M. Borri leg.; 1 j. Family Lacertidae Bonaparte, 1831 Genus Acanthodactylus Wiegmann, 1834 Acanthodactylus boskianus asper (Daudin, 1803) MZUF 20334 - Jordan, Petra; iv.1975; B. Lanza and P. Giorgio leg.; 1. MZUF 21483-507 - Jordan, Wadi Rum; iv.1975; B. Lanza leg.; 9, 12, 2 j. MZUF 21518-524 - Jordan, Wadi Rum; iv.1976; F. Sammicheli leg.; 3, 2, 1 j. MZUF 25589-590 - Jordan, Petra; iv.1978; M. Borri leg.; 2. MZUF 25633, 25637-638 - Jordan, Wadi Rum; m 25.iv.1978; M. Borri leg.; 1, 2. MZUF 25669-670 - Jordan, Khor el Ayran (wadi Rum); 2.iv.1978; M. Borri leg.; 1, 1. MZUF 25673 - Jordan, Jebel Rehbi, 4 km SSE Qa Disah, m 23.iv.1978; M. Borri leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 25676-678, 25683 - Jordan, Jebel Umayd and Jebel El Kharaza, 18-20 km NNE of Qa Disah; 12.iv.1978; M. Borri leg.; 2, 2 j. MZUF 37361 - Jordan, Wadi Musa; 3.v.1975; B. Lanza e P. Giorgio leg.; 1. MZUF 40050-051 - Syria, Palmyra area; 2000-2003; G. Serra leg.; 2 spec. MZUF 18107 - Yemen, between Wadi Maqsala and Anam; 28.viii.1980; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 1. MZUF 28090 - Yemen, Sa dah, 34 km N [= wadi Itlah]; 17.vi.1981; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 1. MZUF 28091 - Yemen, Itlah (wadi) (about 34 km NW Sa dah), m 1950; 23.xi.1979; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 1 j. MZUF 28092-095 - Yemen, Itlah (wadi) (about 34 km NW Sa dah), m 1950; 8.ix.1980; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 3, 1 j. MZUF 28096 - Yemen, Ju Amlah (26 km NW Sadah), m 1950; vi-vii.1991; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 1. 149
Sindaco et al. MZUF 28097-099 - Yemen, Ju Amlah (26 km NW Sadah), m 1950; 27.viii-3.ix.1980; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 2, 1. MZUF 28100-104 - Yemen, Ju Amlah (26 km NW Sadah), m 1950; xi.1979; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 2, 3 j. MZUF 28105-106 - Yemen, Nefah (jabal); 1.ix.1980; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 1, 1 indet. MZUF 28108 - Yemen, Al Arf, about 80 km S of Sa dah; vi.1981; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 1. MZUF 28109-110 - Yemen, Ar Akua (wadi), about 36 km NW of Sa dah, m 1950; 19.xi.1979; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 1, 1 j. MZUF 28130 - Yemen, Ju Amlah (26 km NW Sadah), m 1950; xi.1979; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 28620-626 - Yemen, Mokha; 11-16.ii.1984; M. Poggesi, M. Borri, M. Manetti, M. Sammicheli; 3, 4. MZUF 28653-668 - Yemen, Mokha and env.; 11-16.ii.1984; M. Poggesi, M. Borri, M. Manetti, M. Sammicheli; 16 j. MZUF 28669 - Yemen, Mokha; 11-16.ii.1984; M. Poggesi, M. Borri, M. Manetti, M. Sammicheli leg.; 1 j. Not cataloged - Yemen, Sana a; xii.1985; collector unknown; 1 spec. Acanthodactylus grandis Boulenger, 1909 MZUF 32142 - Jordan, Petra, m 24.vi.1963; S. Bruno leg.; 1. The reliability of the collecting locality is doubtful. MZUF 40052-054 - Syria, Palmyra area; 2000-2003; G. Serra leg.; 3 spec. Acanthodactylus opheodurus Arnold, 1980 MZUF 21500, 21503 - Jordan, Wadi Rum; v.1975; B. Lanza and P. Giorgio leg.; 1, 1. MZUF 21522 - Jordan, Wadi Rum; iv.1976; F. Sammicheli leg.; 1. MZUF 25634-636, 25639 - Jordan, Wadi Rum; m 25.iv.1978; M. Borri leg.; 2, 2. MZUF 25653 - Jordan, Qa Disa; 2.iv.1978; M. Borri leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 25660-662 - Jordan, Abu Rashrasha, about 10 km N Qa Disa, 22.iv.1978; M. Borri leg.; 3 spec. MZUF 25663-666 - Jordan, Aqaba, 20 km NE on road to Amman; 21.iv.1978; M. Borri leg.; 2, 2. MZUF 25679-682, 25684-87 - Jordan, Jebel Umayd and Jebel El Kharaza, 18-20 km NNE of Qa Disah; 12.iv.1978; M. Borri leg.; 6, 2. MZUF 25962 - Jordan, El Khozeili, about 5 km S Wadi Rum; 14.iv.1978; M. Borri leg.; 1, 1 j. MZUF 28757 - Yemen, Ma rib; 8.ii.1984; M. Poggesi, M. Borri, F. Sammicheli leg.; 1. Acanthodactylus orientalis Angel, 1936 MZUF 40055 - Syria, Palmyra area; 2000-2003; G. Serra leg.; 1 spec. Acanthodactylus schmidti Haas, 1957 MZUF 21461-69 - Jordan, Wadi Rum; iv.1975; B. Lanza and P. Giorgio leg.; 6, 1, 2 j. 150
Arabian reptiles in the collections of the La Specola Museum MZUF 21525-527 - Jordan, Wadi Rum; iv.1976f. Sammicheli leg.; 2, 1 imm.) MZUF 25640-641 - Jordan, Wadi Rum; m 25.iv.1978; M. Borri leg.; 2. MZUF 25652 - Jordan, Qa Disa; 2.iv.1978; M. Borri leg.; 1. MZUF 25689 - Jordan, El Khozeili, about 5 km S Wadi Rum; m 14.iv.1978; M. Borri leg.; 1. MZUF 25693-696 - Jordan, Khor el Ayran (wadi Rum); 2.iv.1978; M. Borri leg.; 2, 1, 1 j. Acanthodactylus sp. MZUF 21538 - Jordan, Wadi Rum; iv.1976; F. Sammicheli leg.; 1 j. Genus Mesalina Gray, 1838 Mesalina cf. guttulata (Lichtenstein, 1823) Under the name M. guttulata (type locality: Egypt) are involved different taxa. As shown by Kapli et al. (2008), the population from south-west Asia are genetically distinct from the Egyptian ones, whereas the Arabian populations have not yet been studied. The populations from Highlands of Yemen and SW Saudi Arabia have been considered as a different species, Mesalina sp. A, by Arnold (1986), but never formally described. MZUF 21471-473 - Jordan, Wadi Rum; iv.1975; B. Lanza and P. Giorgio leg.; 3 indet. MZUF 29775 - Saudi Arabia, Dumsung [= Dumsuk] island (Farasan Ids.); 6.iv.1984; B. Lanza leg.; 1 j. MZUF 29756 - Saudi Arabia, Farasan Kebir island (Farasan Ids.); 2.iv.1984; B. Lanza leg.; 1 j. MZUF 27874 - Yemen, Maqsala (wadi) (about 21 km NW Sa dah); m 29.viii.1980; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 27889 - Yemen, Nefah (jabal), about 4 km W of Ju Amlah, m 16.vi.1981; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 28089 - Yemen, Ju Amlah (26 km NW Sadah), m 1950; 8.ix.1980; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 1. MZUF 28111 - Yemen, Azzou (wadi), further Falla and Al Hejira villages; ix.1980; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 1. MZUF 28112 - Yemen, Umm Laylah, near the top, about 49 km NNW Sa dah, m 2300; 16.xi.1979; B. Lanza, M. Poggesi, M. Borri leg.; 1. MZUF 28113 - Yemen, Itlah (wadi) (about 34 km NW Sa dah), m 1950; 23.xi.1979; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 28114 - Yemen, Madi (wadi); 22.xi.1979; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 28115-116 - Yemen, Maqsala (wadi) (about 26 km NW Sa dah); 14.xi.1979; B. Lanza and P. Giorgio leg.; 1, 1. MZUF 28117-125 - Yemen, Khazain hills, 17 km NWN of Sadah, m 2000; 9.xi.1979; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 9 spec. MZUF 28126-129, 28131-138 - Yemen, Ju Amlah (26 km NW Sadah), m 1950; ix.1979; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 5, 4, 3 indet. MZUF 28670 - Yemen, Kawkaban; 31.i.1984; M. Poggesi, M. Borri, M. Manetti, M. Sammicheli leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 28671-674 - Yemen, Kanin (jabal); 3.i.1984; M. Poggesi, M. Borri, M. Manetti, M. Sammicheli leg.; 4 spec. MZUF 28805 - Yemen, Shibam (38 km NW Sana a); 17.ii.1984; M. Poggesi, M. Borri, M. Manetti, F. Sammicheli leg.; 1 spec. 151
Sindaco et al. Mesalina martini (Boulenger, 1897) MZUF 28669 - Yemen, between Moka and the hills, about 30 km from the sea; ii.1984; M. Poggesi, M. Borri, M. Manetti, M. Sammicheli leg.; 1 spec. Genus Omanosaura Lutz, Bischoff and Mayer, 1985 Omanosaura jayakari (Boulenger, 1887) MZUF 32800 - U.A.E., born in captivity (parents from Wadi Siji near Masafi), Langerwerf don.; 1. MZUF 39122 - U.A.E., Wadi Hamm [about 25 18 N 56 1 E]; R. Leptien leg.; 1. Genus Ophisops Ménétriés, 1832 Ophisops elegans cf. ehrenbergi Wiegmann, 1853 The intra-specific systematics of this taxon needs to be revised, as shown by the genetics studies by Kyriazi et al. (2008). MZUF 32139-140 - Jordan, Petra; 24.vi.1963; S. Bruno leg.; 1, 1. MZUF 32141 - Jordan, Petra; 24.vi.1963; S. Bruno leg.; 1 spec. Genus Phoenicolacerta Arnold, Arribas and Carranza, 2007 Phoenicolacerta kulzeri petraea Bischoff and Müller, 1999 MZUF 21457 - Jordan, Wadi Rum; iv.1975; B. Lanza leg.; 1. MZUF 21509 - Jordan, Wadi Rum; iv.1976; F. Sammicheli leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 21509 - Jordan, Wadi Rum; iv.1976; F. Sammicheli leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 25326 - Jordan, Petra; 15-17.iv.1978; B. Lanza leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 29752-753 - Jordan, Petra; 1975; B. Lanza and P. Giorgio leg.; 2 spec. Phoenicolacerta laevis Gray, 1838 MZUF 420, 18003-005 - Syria, Damascus; undated; Pilastri don.; 4 spec. Chalcides ocellatus (Forsskål,1775) Family Scincidae Gray, 1825 MZUF 9522 - Jordan, Katrura to Birket Ziphrijeh; J.H. Hoofien leg.; 1. MZUF 9523 - Jordan, Katrura to Har Henachem (or Menachem?), m 9.v.1953; J.H. Hoofien leg.; 1. MZUF 9526 - Jordan, Ein Hussub; 14.iv.1954; Hoofien leg.; 1. MZUF 9528 - Jordan, Ras Um Abadin; 8.iv.1953; J.H. Hoofien leg.; 1. MZUF 25585-587 - Jordan, Petra; 15-17.iv.1978; M. Borri leg.; 1 j, 2 indet. MZUF 32990 - Saudi Arabia, Gedda; undated; V. Ragazzi don.; 1 spec. MZUF 40056 - Syria, Wadi Abiad-Jebel Abu Rigimin; Spring 2002; G. Serra leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 9524 - Country not identified, road to wadi Haaira; 23.iv.1953; collector unknown; 1. 152
Arabian reptiles in the collections of the La Specola Museum Genus Eumeces Wiegmann, 1834 Eumeces schneideri pavimentatus Daudin, 1802 MZUF 21459 - Jordan, Petra; iv.1975; B. Lanza leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 25599-606 - Jordan, Petra; 15-17.iv.1978; M. Borri leg.; 7 ad., 1 j. MZUF 40057 - Syria, Wadi Abiad-Jebel Abu Rigimin; Spring 2002; G. Serra leg.; 1 spec. Genus Eurylepis Blyth, 1854 Eurylepis taeniolatus arabicus (Ščerbak, 1990) MZUF 35442 - Yemen, Wadi Warazan (Ta izz); 1988; M.M. Al Safadi don.; 1. MZUF 35443 - Yemen, Quelaiah (wadi), Mahweet; 1988; M.M. Al Safadi don.; 1. Note: paratypus of Eumeces yemensis Al-Safadi, 1989. Genus Trachylepis Fitzinger, 1843 Trachylepis cf. brevicollis (Wiegmann, 1837) Preliminary data by Sindaco et al. (2008) show that the taxonomic status of the Arabian and African T. brevicollis needs to be reassessed, as current data are insufficient to establish whether more than one species is present in Arabia and whether animals genetically similar to African T. brevicollis also occur on the Arabian side of the Red Sea. According to these authors Owing to the morphological plasticity of members of the T. brevicollis complex, a genetic analysis of specimens coming from the type localities of all of the described taxa would appear to be necessary to solve the systematics of the group and draw species boundaries. MZUF 28611-615 - Yemen, between Moka and hills, about 30 km from the sea; 15-16.ii.1984; M. Poggesi, M. Borri, M. Manetti, M. Sammicheli leg.; 3, 2. MZUF 28651 - Yemen, Marib; 8.ii.1984; M. Poggesi, M. Borri, M. Manetti, M. Sammicheli leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 28902-903 - Saudi Arabia, Abha env.; 20.iii. and 1.vi.1983; A.K. Nasher leg.; 2 spec. Scincus hemprichii Wiegmann, 1837 Genus Scincus Laurenti, 1768 MZUF 28616-617 - Yemen, between Moka and hills, about 30 km from the sea; 15-16.ii.1984; M. Poggesi, M. Borri, M. Manetti, M. Sammicheli leg.; 1, 1. Scincus mitranus J. Anderson, 1871 MZUF 37255 - U.A.E., Dhaid desert; ii.1980; W. Bischoff and J. Schmidtler leg.; 1 spec. 153
Sindaco et al. Scincus scincus meccensis Wiegmann, 1837 MZUF 29749-751 - Jordan, Wadi Rum; 1975; B. Lanza and P. Giorgio leg.; 1 ad., 2 j. MZUF 23213 - Saudi Arabia, Makkah [bypass], km 80, m 200; J. Gasperetti leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 28937-938 - Saudi Arabia, Makkah bypass, km 91, m 220; 9.iv. and 19.x.1982; J. Gasperetti leg.; 2 spec. Family Varanidae Gray, 1827 Genus Varanus Merrem, 1820 Varanus griseus griseus (Daudin, 1802) MZUF 28942 - Saudi Arabia, Makkah bypass, m 254; 28.v.1982; J. Gasperetti leg.; 1 j. Cat. number missed - Yemen; xii.1985; Sana a University don.; 1 spec. Varanus yemenensis (Böhme, Joger e Schätti, 1989) MZUF 33589 - Yemen, Sug Sharas; 23.iv.1988; B. Schätti don.; 1 spec. Family Trogonophidae Gray, 1865 Genus Diplometopon Nikol skij, 1907 Diplometopon zarudnyi Nikol skij, 1907 MZUF 31444 - Bahrain; 1.i.1985; J. Gasperetti don.; 1 spec. Eryx jaculus (Linnaeus, 1758) Serpentes Family Boidae Gray, 1825 Genus Eryx Daudin, 1803 MZUF 40058 - Syria, Palmyra oasis; ix.2000; G. Serra leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 40059 - Syria, Jebel Bilas; vi.2001; G. Serra leg.; 1 spec. Eryx jayakari Boulenger, 1888 MZUF 22500 - U.A.E., Mafraq, m 2 v.1978; Valenti leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 22510 - U.A.E., Abu Dhabi, 30 km WSW; iv.1978; E. Spazzini leg.; 1 j. Family Colubridae Oppell, 1811 sensu lato Some recent phylogenetic studies (i.e. Zaher et al. 2009, Pyron et al. 2011) split the colubroids in several families (or subfamilies), four of which occur in Arabia: Atractaspididae (including only Atractaspis), Lamprophiidae (occurring in Arabia with the genera Lamprophis and Micrelaps, and in Socotra with the genus 154
Arabian reptiles in the collections of the La Specola Museum Ditypophis), Psammophiidae (represented in Arabia by the genera Malpolon, Rhagheris and Psammophis) and Colubridae s.s. (including all the remaining genera). Genus Dasypeltis Wagler, 1830 Dasypeltis cf. scabra (Linnaeus, 1758) The taxonomy of the Arabian populations of Dasypeltis should be considered just provisional, since D. scabra seems in fact a taxon limited to southern and eastern Africa, while in Ethiopia and Eritrea occur other taxa (Trape and Mané 2006). MZUF 28228 - Yemen, Ju Amlah dint., about 26 km NW of Sa dah; 27.viii.-30.ix.1980; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 1 j. Ditypophis vivax Günther, 1881 Genus Ditypophis Günther, 1881 MZUF 04471 - Yemen, Socotra Island, Adho Dimellus; undated; W.R. Ogilvie-Grant and H.O. Forbes leg.; 1 spec. Genus Eirenis Jan, 1863 Eirenis coronella coronella (Schlegel, 1837) MZUF 40060 - Syria, Mayuf; Spring 2003; G. Serra leg.; 1 spec. Hemerophis socotrae Günther, 1881 Genus Hemerophis Schätti & Utiger, 2001 MZUF 04470 - Yemen, Socotra Island, Hanefu; 13.iii.1943; G. Popov leg.; 1 spec. Hemorrois nummifer (Reuss, 1834) Genus Hemorrhois Boie, 1826 MZUF 40061 - Syria, Palmyra area; 2000-2003; G. Serra leg.; 1 spec. Genus Lythorhynchus Peters, 1863 Lythorhynchus diadema (Duméril, Bibron and Duméril, 1854) MZUF 25654 - Jordan, Qa Disa; 20.iv.1978; S. Bruno leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 28229-230 - Jordan, Ju Amlah dint., about 26 km NW of Sa dah; xi.1979; B. Lanza, M. Borri, M. Pogge si; 2 spec. 155
Sindaco et al. MZUF 28931-932 - Saudi Arabia, 24 45 N - 43 49 E; 1983; Brett and Daniels leg.; 2 j. MZUF 22511 - United Arab Emirates, Mafraq yard, 30 km WSW of Abu Dhabi; iv.1978; Spazzini E. leg.; 1 spec. Lythorhynchus kennedyi K.P. Schmidt, 1939 MZUF 40065 - Syria, Mayuf; Spring 2003; G. Serra leg.; 1 spec Natrix tessellata (Laurenti, 1768) Genus Natrix Laurenti, 1768 MZUF 32343 - Jordan, Petra; 24.vi.1963; ex coll. S. Bruno; 1 spec. Note: the reliability of the locality reported in the label is doubtful. Genus Platyceps Blyth, 1860 Platyceps elegantissimus (Günther, 1878) MZUF 28936 - Saudi Arabia, Pumping Station 8 E-W [about 24 45 N 43 49E], m 90; 1982; Brett and Connelly leg.; 1 spec. Platyceps cf. rhodorachis (Jan in De Filippi, 1865) According to Schätti (2006a) The phylogenetic relationships and systematic status of the Arabian populations require a more detailed analysis. The same author state that P. r. subniger Boettger, 1893 from NE Africa is morphologically closer to P. rhodorachis auct. of SW Arabia, suggesting possible conspecificity, According to Schätti and McCarty (2004) it cannot be excluded that the high ventral phenotype from Yemen belongs to P. saharicus. MZUF 28928 - Saudi Arabia; 25.vi.1983; J. Gasperetti leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 28947 - Saudi Arabia, Qatam (wadi); xi.1982; M. Kluyvert leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 31452 - Saudi Arabia, Sawawim (wadi), m 500; 1984; J. Sweeney; 1 spec. MZUF 36610 - Saudi Arabia; x.1992; J. Gasperetti leg.; 1 spec. Note: melanistic specimen. MZUF 36614 - Saudi Arabia; without data; 1 spec. MZUF 25194 - Yemen, Sana a, hospital; ii.1979; L. Polayen leg.; 1 j. MZUF 27886-887 - Yemen, Sana a; vi-vii.1981; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 2 j. MZUF 28231 - Yemen, Ju Amlah dint., about 26 km NW of Sa dah; xi.1979; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 1 j. MZUF 28235 - Yemen, Ju Amlah dint., about 26 km NW of Sa dah; ii.1981; L. Curatola leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 28238-240 - Yemen, Khazain hills, 17 km NWN of Sadah, m 200 9.xi.1979; B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 3 j. 156
Arabian reptiles in the collections of the La Specola Museum Platyceps cf. ventromaculatus (Gray, 1834) After numerous authors have remarked that no significant morphological differences exist between P. rogersi and the western populations of P. ventromaculatus, Schätti (2006b) and Schätti and Schmitz (2006) put definitely in synonymy these two taxa. Moreover, P. ventromaculatus s.s. is a species ranging in Pakistan and NW India; because the western populations differ in colour pattern, hemipenis morphology as well as in molecular features (Schätti and Utiger 2001, Schätti et al. 2005), it might justify the recognition of two separated taxonomic entities. Therefore we list the specimens as P. cf. ventromaculatus in the MZUF collections. MZUF 40062 - Syria, Palmyra; 30.v.2000; G. Serra leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 40063 - Syria, between Palmyra and Deyr-ez-Zor; 25.x.2000; G. Serra leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 40064 - Syria, Palmyra surroundings; x.2002; G. Serra leg.; 1 spec. Genus Spalerosophis Jan, 1865 Spalerosophis diadema cliffordii (Schlegel, 1837) MZUF 21458 - Jordan, Aqaba; 26.iv.1975; B. Lanza and P. Giorgio leg.; 1. MZUF 28933 - Saudi Arabia, 24 45 N - 43 49 E; m 90; 1983; P. Brett and B. Daniels leg.; 1 j. MZUF 40070 - Syria, Al Talila; 8.ix.2002; G. Serra leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 40071 - Syria, Al Talila; Spring 2001; G. Serra leg.; 1 j. MZUF 27905 - Yemen, after Umm Laylah, about 51 km NW of Sa da; 17.ix.1980; T. Pellicciani leg.; 1 spec. Telescopus nigriceps Ahl, 1924 Genus Telescopus Wagler, 1830 MZUF 40072 - Syria, Sed Wadi Abiad; v.2002; G. Serra leg.; 1 spec. Family Lamprophiidae Fitzinger, 1843 Genus Lamprophis Fitzinger, 1843 Lamprophis fuliginosus arabicus Parker, 1931 MZUF 28241 - Yemen, Sana a; ix.1979; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 1 j. Genus Malpolon Fitzinger, 1826 Malpolon insignitus (Geoffroy de Saint-Hilaire, 1827) MZUF 40067 - Syria, Palmyra area; Spring 2001; G. Serra leg.; 1 spec. 157
Sindaco et al. Psammophis schokari (Forskål, 1775) Genus Psammophis Boie, 1826 MZUF 21537 - Jordan, Wadi Rum; iv.1976; F. Sammicheli leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 28901 - Saudi Arabia, Shoiba, m 3 vi.1983; D. Stoesser leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 28927 - Saudi Arabia, Ram Ram; ii.1983; D. Lickgold leg.; 1 spec. Note: Only head and fore part of the body. MZUF 31447 - Saudi Arabia, Abha env., m 2000; 1984; A.K. Nasher leg.; 1 j. MZUF 40068 - Syria, Al Talila; 14.xii.2000; G. Serra leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 40069 - Syria, Al Talila; 10.v.2000; G. Serra leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 28234 - Yemen, Ju Amlah env.; 1981; collected by local people; 1 spec. MZUF 28618 - Yemen, Moka and env.(up to 30 km inland); 15.ii.1984; M. Poggesi, M. Borri, M. Manetti, M. F. Sammicheli leg.; 1 j. MZUF 28619 - Yemen, Moka and env. (up to 30 km inland); 13.ii.1984; M. Poggesi, M. Borri, M. Manetti, M. F. Sammicheli leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 28648 - Yemen, Moka and env.(up to 30 km inland); 14.ii.1984; M. Poggesi, M. Borri, M. Manetti, F. Sammicheli leg.; 1 j. Rhagerhis moilensis (Reuss, 1834) Genus Rhagerhis Peters, 1862 MZUF 28911 - Saudi Arabia, Ailith; 13.iii.1983; collector unknown; 1 spec. MZUF 28925 - Saudi Arabia, Ad Dawadami, m 95; iii.1983; collector unknown; 1 j. MZUF 28948 - Saudi Arabia, Khawr umm Waal; xii.1982; M. Kluyver leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 28949 - Saudi Arabia, Jiddah City dump; 24.xii.1982; Smith leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 40066 - Syria, Al Talila; 26.x.2000; G. Serra leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 28647 - Yemen, Moka, betw. Moka and hills, about 30 km from the sea; 13.ii.1984; M. Poggesi, M. Borri, M. Manetti, M. Sammicheli leg.; 1 spec. Naja arabica Scortecci, 1932 Family Elapidae Boie, 1827 Genus Naja Laurenti, 1768 MZUF 28905 - Saudi Arabia, Niwar (wadi); m 1500; 2.v.1983; W: Buttiker leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 27904 - Yemen, Rugaffah villsge env.; m 23.ix.1980; M. Borri, B. Lanza, M. Poggesi leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 28224 - Yemen, Ju Amlah dint., about 26 km NW of Sa dah, m 1950; ii-iii.1980; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 1 spec. MZUF 28236 - Yemen, Ju Amlah, 30 km N along road; 2.vi.1981; M. Borri, M. Poggesi leg.; 1 spec. Walterinnesia aegyptia Lataste, 1887 Genus Walterinnesia Lataste, 1887 MZUF 25588 - Jordan, Petra; 15-17.iv.1978; M. Borri leg.; 1 j. 158