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 3 species in the genus Sphenomorphus. Group 3 species were diagnosed on the basis of being small to intermediate sized, slender species that possess a number of scale characters in common (Brown and Alcala, 1980). Brown and Alcala (1980) also considered the Borneo species S. murudensis and S. kinabaluensis from Borneo as part of this group; however, Greer and Parker (1967) considered these species part of Group 4 or "variegatus" group.
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 mindanensis is now recognized to be a member of the genus Pinoyscincus.
Pinoyscincus mindanensis can be distinguished from congeners by the following combination of characters (1) small to medium body size (SVL 42.0–56.0 mm); (2) paravertebral scales 66–78; (3) midbody scales 30–32; (4) number of supraoculars contacting frontal 2; (5) Toe IV lamellae 17–20; (6) prefrontal scales separated; (7) frontoparietal scales not fused; (8) venter yellow.
This species is known only from eastern Mindanao, Leyte, and Bohol islands in the Philippines.
Mindanao Pleistocene Aggregate Island Complex (PAIC; Brown and Diesmos, 2002).
SVL 42.0–56.0 mm
Agusan, Mindanao Island, Philippines; type lost in the destruction of the Philippine Bureau of Science during World War II
The Mindanao sphenomorphus (Pinoyscincus mindanensis) is a species of skink, a lizard in the family Scincidae. The species is endemic to the Philippines.[2]
P. mindanensis is found in the southern Philippines, on the islands of Bohol, Leyte, and Mindanao.[2]
The preferred natural habitat of P. mindanensis is forest, at altitudes of 500–1,500 m (1,600–4,900 ft).[1]
Adults of P. mindanensis have a snout-to-vent length (SVL) of about 5 cm (2.0 in).[2]
The mode of reproduction of P. mindanensis is unknown.[2]
The Mindanao sphenomorphus (Pinoyscincus mindanensis) is a species of skink, a lizard in the family Scincidae. The species is endemic to the Philippines.
