A new cryptic species of lizard (Sauria: Teiidae: Gymnophthalmus) from Venezuela

Gymnophthalmus cryptus spec. nov. is described and illustrated on the basis of males and females collected in the Territorio Federal Amazonas, southern Venezuela. Some details on ecology and distribution are also presented. The females of G. cryptus are very similar to the unisexual Gymnophthalmus underwoodi, which also occurs in the Guianan Region. In fact, G. cryptus is one of the best candidates for future genetic research to determine whether it is the missing ancestor of G. underwoodi, a parthenogenetic species of hybrid origin (G. speciosus x G. spec.?). Two other series of previously unreported species of Gymnophthalmus from Venezuela are also discussed.