Posted by:
RSNewton
at Sat Aug 2 13:08:21 2003 [ Email Message ] [ Show All Posts by RSNewton ]
Basically it is an argument between Lazell and Blaney. Lazell claims that it is a valid subspecies, but Blany claims, on the basis of color pattern, that it is an intergrade. If DNA evidence shows that it is genetically close to the mainland L. g. getulus, then Blaney lost his argument. IIRC, Lazell also pointed out that the head of this taxon is distinctive. Any resemblance to L. g. floridana would appear to be the result of convergent evolution. While I am at it, I think Blaney is also wrong about L. g. yumensis. Just because a few specimens here and there shows some characteristics of L. g. yumensis does not invalidate this subspecies. Other than these two issues, I think Blaney did a terrific job analyzing geographic variation within L. getulus.
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