Valentina Orlova

Lomonosov Moscow State University | MSU · Research and Scientific Museum of Zoology

We provide a diversity assessment of Iranian species of the genus Eremias based on the cytochrome oxidase I mtDNA gene fragment. We analyzed 93 genetic samples from the entire distribution of the Eremias fasciata species complex in Iran and surrounding regions, along with morphological data to support the description of two new species from Central...

An integrative taxonomic analysis of newly discovered populations of Hemiphyllodactylus from Indochina recovered a new species from Peninsular Thailand and two others from Laos. The new Thai species, Hemiphyllodactylus pardalis sp. nov. described herein, is the sister species to all other species in the newly designated Indochina clade and has a un...

Reproductive mode, ancestry, and climate are hypothesized to determine body size variation in reptiles but their effects have rarely been estimated simultaneously, especially at the intraspecific level. The common lizard (Zootoca vivipara) occupies almost the entire Northern Eurasia and includes viviparous and oviparous lineages, thus representing...

Case 3711-Iberolacerta Arribas and Darevskia Arribas (Chordata, Squamata, Lacertidae): proposals to deem these names available either from Arribas (1997) or from Arribas (1999) Abstract. The purpose of this application under Articles 78.1 and 81 of the Code is to request the Commission to use its plenary power to choose among two alternatives in or...

We describe a new species of skink in the genus Eumeces Wiegmann 1834 from Iran. Eumeces persicus sp. nov. is a medium sized skink, distinguished by two clear, wide, and brown lateral lines extending from the ear opening to the hindlimbs, with scattered light orange spots, and two median rows of dorsal scales broadly enlarged in eight longitudinal...

We provide an integrative analysis of the diversity of the E. multiocellata — E. przewalskii species complex in Central and Middle Asia using morphological and molecular (COI DNA-barcoding) data. We report preliminary data on mtDNA variation within this group and clarify the taxonomic status and distribution of the members of the species complex. W...

Busack et al. (2016) concluded that the name Darevskia should be attributed to Arribas (1999) instead of Arribas (1997), rendering the latter name a junior synonym of Caucasilacerta Harris et al. (1998). In this paper, we provide a detailed answer to Busack et al. (2016) and argue that Arribas (1997) fulfilled the publication requirements of the In...

Four species from the E. multiocellata-complex occur in Kyrgyzstan and south-eastern Kazakhstan. The taxonomic state of the populations from Kazakhstan is ambiguous. The results of comparative morphological analysis (habitus, color pattern on the dorsal side of the body, metric and meristic characters) in the E. stummeri from two localities in Kyrg...

Steppe racerunner, Eremias (Eremias) arguta, is one of the most widespread species of the Asian racerunners (genus Eremias). Several subspecies were traditionally recognized however, morphological variability is so high that delimitation of these subspecies was always problematic. Here we present a phylogenetic hypothesis for this species based on...

Steppe racerunner, Eremias (Eremias) arguta, is one of the most widespread species of the Asian racerunners (genus Eremias). Several subspecies were traditionally recognized however, morphological variability is so high that delimitation of these subspecies was always problematic. Here we present a phylogenetic hypothesis for this species based on...

Here we present the main results of our 2008 field research held in the south-western Mongolia by a her- petological team of the Russian – Mongolian biological expedition. 13 reptile species belonging to five families and eight genera have been recorded. Phrynocephalus versicolor was the most widespread and abundant lizard species. Eremias przewals...

The European common lizard, Zootoca vivipara, is the most widespread terrestrial reptile in the world. It occupies almost the entire Northern Eurasia and includes four viviparous and two oviparous lineages. We analysed how female snout-vent length (SVL), clutch size (CS), hatchling mass (HM), and relative clutch mass (RCM) is associated with the re...

The snout-vent length (SVL), a conventional measure of overall body size in lizards and snakes, is used in a wide variety of ecological, evolutionary, and taxonomical studies. Trends in SVL variation are often analysed using data from several researchers (observers), but possible confounding effects due to inter-observer differences in measurement...

Eremias, or racerunners, is a genus of Lacertids inhabiting steppes and deserts of Near East, Middle and Central Asia. The genus consists of 40 species and up to now their phylogenetic relationships are poorly studied molecularly. Because of high morphological variability of racerunners the delimitation of Eremias species was always problematic. Am...

The evolution of viviparity in squamates has been the focus of much scientific attention in previous years. In particular, the possibility of the transition from viviparity back to oviparity has been the subject of a vigorous debate. Some studies have suggested this reversal is more frequent than previously thought. However, none of them provide co...

MAZANAEVA, L. & ORLOVA, V., Distribution and ecology of Emys orbicu-laris in Daghestan, Russia. Biologia, Bratislava, 59/Suppl. 14: 47—53, 2004; ISSN 0006-3088. The European pond turtle, Emys orbicularis, is widely distributed in the plains and foothills of Daghestan (southernmost Russia). Recent distribution records for different zones of Daghesta...