The phylogenetic position of fossils assigned to the Gerrhonotinae (Squamata: Anguidae)

Abstract

A total of 166 fossil specimens, all of which have been assigned in the past to the anguid lizard subfamily Gerrhonotinae, were examined from the point of view of the derived features of the nested sets of monophyletic taxa including the subfamily and the evidence, or lack of it, for or against their inclusion in it is discussed. Of these fossils, strong evidence for the inclusion of only three was seen. It is concluded that identification of fossil specimens without sound phylogenetic information should be avoided.