Systematics of the reduce-limbed and limbless skinks currently assigned to the genus Anomalopus (Lacertilia: Scincidae)
Abstract
The genus Anomalopus, as currently recognized, harbours many of the reduce-limbed and limbless skinks of eastern Australia. In this paper the genus is argued to be polyphyletic and, on the basis of shared derived character states, is subdivided into three genera, one with two subgenera. The taxa are: Anomalopus (Anomalopus) mackayi n. sp., A.(A.) verreauxii Duméril & Duméril, 1851 and A. (A.) leuckartii Weinland, 1862; Anomalopus (Vermiseps) swansoni n. subgen., n. sp., A.(V.) pluto Ingram, 1977, A.(V.) gowi n. sp. and A.(V.) brevicollis n. sp.; Ophioscincus truncatus Peters, 1876, O. ophioscincus Peters, 1873 and O. cooloolensis n. sp.; Coeranoscincus reticulatus Günther, 1873 and C. frontalis De Vis, 1888. Data on distribution, habitats, habits and mode of reproduction are given for all taxa as available, and inter- and intrageneric relationships are discussed. Morphological trends within each genus or subgenus are discussed. Keys are provided to the genera of reduce-limbed skinks of Australia and the limbless lygosomines of the world.
