Siren Taxonomy

Prior to this study, only three species of Siren were recognized: lesser (S. intermedia), greater (S. lacertina), and the recently described reticulated (S. reticulata). All three species occur in Florida, but it has been recognized for decades that additional undescribed siren species are present. In this study, we collected siren and dwarf siren specimens and habitat information from major river drainages in Florida. We then conducted genetic and morphological analyses to update Siren taxonomy and describe a small, seepage-dwelling species, S. sphagnicola, which ranges from Louisiana to the western Florida panhandle.

Read the publication to learn more!