Data and scripts of "A guided protocol for phenotypic analyses in integrative taxonomy: application to <i>Diplolaemus</i> (Iguania: Leiosauridae) and the description of new species"

This study has two main objectives. The first is to present a protocol for phenotypic data analysis, along with recommendations for reporting results, in alignment with integrative taxonomic approaches and the broadly accepted concept of species as independently evolving lineages. The second objective is to examine phenotypic variability by expanding both the sample size and the range of quantified traits relative to Vrdoljak et al. (2025). To this end, we included additional samples from most lineages, particularly those not yet formally described as species, and have quantified a new phenotypic trait of historical significance: the dorsal spot pattern. Through this protocol, we aim to contribute to a taxonomy based on reproducible science. Additionally, we aim to enhance our understanding of phenotypic variability within the Diplolaemus clade, particularly by assessing evolutionary independence through phenotypic traits within an integrative framework. Refer to the readme file for more information