Abstract

The generic allocation and alpha systematics of the New Caledonian scincid lizard Lygosoma euryotis Werner are reviewed. The species was known only from the type specimen for most of the last century, and was most recently placed in the genus Marmorosphax in 1986 (type species Lygosoma tricolor Bavay). The recent acquisition of additional specimens from the type locality on the Isle of Pines and from the far north of the Grande Terre has provided additional information on scalation, osteology, and mode of reproduction. These data in combination with mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequence data indicate the current generic allocation for Lygosoma euryotis is inappropriate, and that it cannot be placed with confidence in any existing genus. A new genus is here proposed to accommodate the species. Further, L. euryotis is here recognized as comprising two widely allopatric species, euryotis from the Isle of Pines and a new species from the far north of the main island. Both species are regarded as threatened and categorized as Vulnerable, with the species from the north of the main island particularly at risk.

 
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Bibliographic Data

Short Form
Sadlier et al., 2006, Rec. Aust. Mus. 58(1): 19–28
Author
Ross A. Sadlier; Sarah A. Smith; Aaron M. Bauer
Year
2006
Title
A new genus for the New Caledonian scincid lizard Lygosoma euryotis Werner, 1909, and the description of a new species
Serial Title
Records of the Australian Museum
Volume
58
Issue
1
Start Page
19
End Page
28
DOI
10.3853/j.0067-1975.58.2006.1457
Language
en
Date Published
10 May 2006
Cover Date
10 May 2006
ISSN (print)
0067-1975
CODEN
RAUMAJ
Publisher
The Australian Museum
Place Published
Sydney, Australia
Subjects
REPTILIA; TAXONOMY; NEW CALEDONIA
Digitized
10 May 2006
Available Online
10 May 2006
Reference Number
1457
EndNote
1457.enw
Title Page
1457.pdf
File size: 35kB
Complete Work
1457_complete.pdf
File size: 626kB