Additions to Philippine Slender Skinks of the Brachymeles bonitae Complex (Reptilia: Squamata: Scincidae) I: a new species from Lubang Island

Abstract

A new species of slender skink is described from the Philippines. The species is endemic to Lubang Island, and is assigned to the Brachymeles bonitae Complex based on phenotypic and genetic data. Specimens were collected from Lubang Island between 1991 and 2012, and were examined based on morphological data (qualitative traits, meristic counts, and mensural measurements). Published genetic sequence data from phylogenetic studies of the genus reveal the new species to be highly divergent from congeners. Brachymeles ligtas sp. nov. is differentiated from other members of the genus based on a number of distinct morphological features, including small body size (SVL 60.7-79.6 mm), bidactyl fore-limbs, digitless hind limbs, high number of presacral vertebrae (50), and the absence of auricular openings. Additionally, the new species has diagnostic, distinct dorsal head scale patterns. This new species becomes the only member of the genus known to occur on the deep-ocean island of Lubang.

Additions to Philippine Slender Skinks of the Brachymeles bonitae Complex (Reptilia: Squamata: Scincidae) II: a new species from the northern Philippines

“…nov. is a new species within the B. bonitae Complex found in areas of secondarygrowth forests on northern Luzon Island and Camiguin Norte Island. Originally thought to be a single widespread species distributed across the central and northern Philippines, B. bonitae is now recognized as a species complex containing multiple unique evolutionary lineages Geheber et al 2016). The new species is the sixth recognized species of the B. bonitae Complex, with a unique digitless body form only shared with one other species in the genus (B. mapalanggaon from Masbate Island; Davis et al 2014).…”

“…All species are slender, elongate lizards possessing relatively homogeneous brown scale coloration. Interestingly, the clade represents one of only a handful of scincid genera to possess a full spectrum of digit and limb states, from species with more robust, pentadactyl limbs to those with externally limbless bodies Siler et al 2011aSiler et al , 2012aDavis et al 2014) Geheber et al 2016). Non-pentadactyl, reducedlimbed species represent a sizeable portion of the morphological diversity observed within the genus.…”

“…Furthermore, much of the recent taxonomic resolution has been fueled by continued field surveys across the Philippines and the incorporation of genetic data into studies exploring specieslevel diversity in the genus. Guided by robust phylogenetic estimates, subsequent assessments of morphological diversity revealed many historically recognized widespread species were actually complexes of numerous distinct evolutionary lineages Siler et al 2011aSiler et al , 2012aDavis et al 2014;Geheber et al 2016). As a result, most of these complexes have now been appropriately revised to formally recognize all unique evolutionary lineages (four species of the B. boulengeri Complex , five species of the B. bonitae Complex Geheber et al 2016], seven species of the B. gracilis Complex [Siler et al 2012a], nine species of the B. samarensis Complex [Siler et al 2011b], two species of the B. schadenbergi Complex , and three species of the B. talinis Complex ).…”

“…1A; Siler et al 2011a), B. bonitae was recognized as having one of the largest distributions of any species within the genus, with populations found throughout much of the central and northern Philippines and spanning multiple PAICs (Siler et al 2011a;Davis et al 2014;Geheber et al 2016). However, recent investigations focused on this widespread species have clarified the distributions of true B. bonitae and the closely related tridactyl species B. tridactylus, and recognized three additional lineages within the species complex Geheber et al 2016). Currently, the B. bonitae Complex comprises five recognized species: B. bonitae, B. isangdaliri, B. ligtas, B. mapalanggaon, and B. tridactylus.…”

“…Currently, the B. bonitae Complex comprises five recognized species: B. bonitae, B. isangdaliri, B. ligtas, B. mapalanggaon, and B. tridactylus. Of these species, both B. tridactylus and true B. bonitae are known from a number of sites within the Philippines; however, based on our current understanding of their natural histories, B. isangdaliri, B. mapalanggaon, and B. ligtas have limited ranges Geheber et al 2016). Due to the secretive and semi-fossorial nature of these skinks, it is likely that additional, undescribed diversity exists within the complex Geheber et al 2016).…”