From Sphenomorphus to Lipinia: Generic Reassignment of Two Poorly Known New Guinea Skinks

Abstract

Lygosoma nototaenia Boulenger, 1914, and Lygosoma albodorsale Vogt, 1932, previously placed in the genus Sphenomorphus, are redescribed from the three known specimens of each (including two new specimens of the latter species) and transferred to the genus Lipinia. The phenotypically similar genus Scincella is distinguished from Lipinia by an apomorphic feature of the secondary temporal scales. A novel phalangeal condition, shortening of the third phalanx of the fourth toe, is identified in Lipinia cheesmanae and Lipinia longiceps.