Denzer, W., H. Cogger & W. Böhme

Lacerta varia – and then there were four: multiple use of the same species name for various lizards (Squamata: Lacertidae, Teiidae, Varanidae). pp. 355-361.

Abstract. The taxon name Lacerta varia has been independently coined four times. Such homonymy can result in nomenclatural instability. We show that all but one name are nomina oblita. This way we protect the longstanding name Lacerta bilineata Daudin, 1802. With respect to the species epithet varia in combination with the genus name Lacerta only Lacerta varia by Shaw in White, 1790 is available for nomenclatural purposes representing Varanus varius (Shaw in White, 1790).

Key words. Homonymy, Varanus varius, Lacerta viridis, Lacerta bilineata, Ameiva ameiva, Cnemidophorus lemniscatus.