Previous taxonomic assessments of species in this genus recognized six groups of species that shared similar morphologies (see Brown and Alcala, 1980). Subsequent analyses of morphology and phylogenetic studies have not supported the monophyly of these species groups, and large taxonomic revisions are needed in this diverse group of ground skinks to sort out the true species diversity and appropriate generic assignments of its members. This species has traditionally been considered a member of Group 4 species in the genus Sphenomorphus. Group 4 represents the variegatus group of Greer and Parker (1967), and species in the group were diagnosed on the basis of: 1) well developed limbs which overlap when adpressed; 2) frontal usually in contact with three or more supraoculars; 3) usually five or more supraoculars; 4) supranasal scale or double anterior loreal in many species; 5) high number of scales around the body (32 to 40 or more) (Greer and Parker, 1967; Brown and Alcala, 1980). Brown and Alcala (1980) considered several species in the Philippines to be members of this group on the basis of a number of morphological characters, including a relatively broad, bluntly rounded snout (Browna nd Alcala, 1980).
In recent study of Philippine forest skinks, Linkem et al. (2011) used molecular data to test the monophyly of previously hypothesized species groups within the genus Sphenomorphus. Results of the study indicated widespread taxonomic instability, and as a result, broad taxonomic changes were made to the genus, resurrecting available names as well as describing new genera.
Sphenomorphus variegatus can be distinguished from congeners by the following combination of characters (1) medium to medium body size (SVL 49.9–62.6 mm); (2) paravertebral scales 66–76; (3) midbody scales 38–44; (4) number of supraoculars contacting frontal 3; (5) Toe IV lamellae 19–25; (6) prefrontal scales separated; (7) frontoparietal scales not fused; (8) venter golden yellow.
This species is known from the Sulu Archipelago, as well as Mindanao, Dinagat, Leyte, Bohol, and Camiguin Sur islands in the Philippines.
Mindanao Pleistocene Aggregate Island Complex (PAIC; Brown and Diesmos, 2002) as well as the islands of the Sulu Archipelago.
SVL 49.9–62.6 mm
Currently recognized and accepted as Mindanao Island, Philippines (Brown and Alcala, 1980); type presumed to be in Berlin Museum
Sphenomorphus variegatus is a species of skink. It is found throughout most of the Philippines, and in some parts of Malaysia (Borneo) and Indonesia (Sulawesi).[1]
Sphenomorphus variegatus is a species of skink. It is found throughout most of the Philippines, and in some parts of Malaysia (Borneo) and Indonesia (Sulawesi).
