"A taxonomist who tolerates paraphyletic taxa, for example, may recognize a paraphyletic Clemmys for the 4 North American species of emydid turtles, whereas a Hennigian may splinter the 4 species of Clemmys into two or more genera. This is the case because taxonomy is independent of systematic methodology."

If splitting them is problematic because you cannot tell them apart why not lump them? It is a valid means of dealing with paraphyly and should be looked at as an equal option as splitting. Then the most appropriate course taken.

As we did for the E. macquarii group, we got rid of E. signata, E. krefftii and a host of subspecies. Put them all in one taxa with just four subspecies.

Cheers, Scott

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