Key to the Sphaerodactylus macrolepis species complex

1A. Sexual dichromatism present, distribution within the Puerto Rico Bank, scapular patch with discrete ocelli, body dorsal scales larger than ventral scales (Figs.13, 14)..................................................................... 2

1B. Sexual dichromatism absent, distribution on the Anguilla Bank, scapular patch ocelli very close or fused, body dorsal scales and ventral scales subequal....................................................... Sphaerodactylus parvus (Fig. 8).

2A. Dorsal body scales large and imbricate, dorsal scales with knob-like and hair-bearing organs in the free edge (Fig. 2), scapular patch mainly black, variable in size and shape, but never with two anteriorly projecting points or formed by two dark circles surrounding the ocelli, males with or without pattern on the head................................................ 3

2B. Dorsal body scales small and almost juxtaposed, dorsal scales without knob-like organs (Fig. 1), scapular patch oftentimes bicolor (brown and black), scapular patch with anteriorly projecting points (Fig. 10) or made by two dark circles surrounding the ocelli, males with marbled pattern on the head. Distributed on the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, also in the eastern and southern parts of Culebra Island......................................... Sphaerodactylus macrolepis (Figs. 9, 10).

3A. Males marked with head pattern, distributed in Puerto Rico and satellite islands (e.g. Piñeros), females with two medial lines separated, not forming a medial blotch..................................................................... 4

3B. Males without marked head pattern, distributed in Vieques and Western part of Culebra Island, females with two medial lines forming a medial blotch (Fig. 26)............................................ Sphaerodactylus inigoi (Figs 11,12).

4A. Males dorsal pattern formed by continuous or stippled lines, male head color variable from red to yellow................ 5

4B. Males dorsal pattern salt and pepper, male head color blue or gray............. Sphaerodactylus g. mimetes (Figs. 20, 21).

5A. Maximum SVL more than 32 mm (Fig. 7).................................................................. 6

5B. Maximum SVL equal or less than 30 mm .................................. Sphaerodactylus g. stibarus (Figs. 24, 25).

6A. Scapular patch reduced and not enclosing the ocelli, scapular patch not surrounded by white margin, snout scales hexagonal. ................................................................................................... 7

6B. Scapular patch large and enclosing the ocelli, scapular patch surrounded by white margin. snout scales rounded........... 8

7A. Nuchal spot well separated from with scapular patch........................... Sphaerodactylus g. ateles (Figs. 18, 19)

7B. Nuchal spot approaching or in contact with scapular patch.................... Sphaerodactylus g. spanius (Figs. 22, 23).

8A. Males head color brownish red, females with pigmentation on the belly and ventral side of the tail, seven lamellae on fourth toe.......................................................... Sphaerodactylus g. grandisquamis (Figs. 14, 15).

8B. Males head color orange, females without pigmentation on the belly and ventral side of the tail, nine lamellae on fourth toe.................................................................. Sphaerodactylus g. guarionex (Figs. 16, 17).