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 2 species in the genus Sphenomorphus. Group 2 species were diagnosed on the basis of being relatively small species with short limbs and low lamellae and body-scale counts (Brown and 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 atrigularis is now recognized to be a member of the genus Tytthoscincus.
Tytthoscincus atrigularis can be distinguished from congeners by the following combination of characters (1) small body size (SVL 29.5–34.5 mm); (2) paravertebral scales 53–60; (3) midbody scales 28–30; (4) number of supraoculars contacting frontal 2; (5) Toe IV lamellae 8–11; (6) prefrontal scales in contact or separated; (7) frontoparietal scales not fused; (8) venter salmon to red.
Tytthoscincus atrigularis is known from western Mindanao Island and Basilan Island in the southern Philippines.
Mindanao Pleistocene Aggregate Island Complex (PAIC; Brown and Diesmos, 2002) and Basilan Island.
SVL 29.5–34.5 mm
Mindanao Island; type in the United States National Museum; USNM 37886
The Zamboanga sphenomorphus (Tytthoscincus atrigularis) is a species of skink. It is endemic to the Philippines.[2]
The Zamboanga sphenomorphus (Tytthoscincus atrigularis) is a species of skink. It is endemic to the Philippines.
