A fertile hybrid between Ctenosaura similis (Gray, 1831) and C. bakeri Stejneger, 1901 (Squamata: Iguanidae) on Isla de Utila, Honduras
Salamandra
2004
Journal Article
40
3/4
201-206
Ctenosaura bakeri;Ctenosaura similis
A case of a natural fertile hybrid between Ctenosaura bakeri and C. similis on Isla de Utila is reported, which represents the first record of a fertile backcross within the subfamily Iguaninae. The hybrid is a female which was collected in gravid conditions and which, in morphological, colouration, scalation and clutch data, showed characters being intermediate between C. bakeri and C. similis. Characters of the offspring were distinct from those of their mother and of C. bakeri, but rather similar to C. similis, indicating a successful backcross of the hybrid female with a C. similis male. Potential factors, which may contribute to the natural hybridization between both species, as well as the recent impact on the Ctenosaura-populations on Utila are discussed.