Gymnodactylus amarali Barbour, 1925, was previously considered to be a subspecies of G. geckoides, with a wide distribution in the Brasilian cerrados. Examination of a specimen from Alto Parnaíba, Maranhão, near the type locality (Engenheiro Dodt, Piauí), indicates that it is a proper species, apparently limited to the upper Parnaíba basin. The form previously identified as G. geckoides amarali is described as a new species, G. carvalhoi, type locality Ipueiras, State of Tocantins, thus diagnosed: color pattern plain or, more often, with moderately contrasted ocelli; dorsal tubercles in 13 - 16 poorly organized longitudinal rows (mode 14, 72%); 31 - 49 tubercles in a paramedian row; 17 - 22 transverse rows of ventral scales; 13 - 18 infradigital lamellae on toe IV; tail longest in the genus. The new species is statistically compared to parapatric G. geckoides, widespread in the caatingas. Although only one meristic character (number of tubercle rows) is by itself diagnostic, the species are easily told apart. It is thought on provisional evidence that they are better considered for the time being as full species, not subspecies. A brief consideration is made of the speciation model that seems suitable, to wit, parapatric.
Speciation; Lizards
