Archive · 22 May 2025
Scientists Clarify Persian Lizard Identity After 150 Years
Imagine scientists found a type of lizard a long time ago, but they weren't sure which one was the exact right one.
This made it hard for other scientists.
Scientists studied old notes and lizard samples from museums to find one perfect lizard that everyone could agree on.
This lizard's name is Mesalina watsonana.
By choosing one official sample (the lectotype), scientists can now be sure when they talk about that lizard.
It is like picking the one true spelling of a word.
Scientists clarified the identity of the Persian long-tailed desert lizard, Mesalina watsonana.
The lizard was initially described in 1872 by Ferdinand Stolickza.
Confusion over the lizard's identification existed across various museums.
ZSI scientists designated ZSI-R-5050 as the definitive lectotype.
The research was published in the journal Zootaxa.
- Who
- Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI), including Sumidh Ray and Pratyush P. Mohapatra, and naturalist Ferdinand Stolickza.
- What
- Scientists designated a definitive lectotype to clarify the species identification.
- When
- Published May 22, 2025; Initial description in 1872
- Where
- Sindh, Pakistan; Study involved museums in Kolkata, London, and Vienna
- Why
- To resolve confusion over the identification of the Persian long-tailed desert lizard (Mesalina watsonana).
- Species Name
- Mesalina watsonana
- Initial Description
- 1872 by Ferdinand Stolickza
- Location of Original Specimens
- Sindh, Pakistan
- Current Distribution
- Afghanistan, India, Iran, Pakistan, and Turkmenistan
- Key Action
- Designation of a lectotype
- Journal of Publication
- Zootaxa
- Director of ZSI
- Dhriti Banerjee