"Nowhere in science are such sweeping pronouncements made on such a shaky foundation as is the case in taxonomy-particularly reptile taxonomy!"



I can definitely agree with that statement Brad, but it also applies to the "old" taxonomy, based solely on morphology, as well. One thing I think we can all agree on is that the current taxonomy of mexicana and triangulum needs some serious revisions.



I can agree with Frank that several factors need to be considered, morphology, DNA, behavior, habitat, etc... rather than just one. I would like to know which animals in this paper Frank thinks weren't wild caught. I see where this paper criticizes another paper (Hilken & Schlepper) for using pet trade animals.



This paper, unlike the Pyron & Burbrink getula paper, makes no recommendations to change the current taxonomy. I think it justifiably questions the current taxonomy and suggests further study is necessary.



I think its an interesting paper that ask more questions than it attempts to provide answers. Bryson is doing some awesome work with Mexican herpetofauna. I hope he does eventually make some recommendations to change the current taxonomy of mexicana and triangulum.



Greg Huston

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