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 cumingi is now recognized to be a member of the genus Otosaurus.
Otosaurus cumingi can be distinguished from congeners by the following combination of characters (1) large body size (SVL 115.0–156.5 mm); (2) paravertebral scales 75–90; (3) midbody scales 48–54; (4) number of supraoculars contacting frontal 4; (5) Toe IV lamellae 22–27; (6) prefrontal scales separated; (7) frontoparietal scales not fused; (8) venter cream.
This species is known from Mindanao, Bohol, Dinagat, Leyte, Luzon, Mindoro, Calotcot, Sibuyan and Sicogon islands in the Philippines.
Luzon, Mindoro, and Mindanao Pleistocene Aggregate Island Complexes (PAIC; Brown and Diesmos, 2002) and the Romblon Island Group.
SVL 115.0–156.5 mm
Philippines; type in the British Musem of Natural History
Otosaurus cumingii, commonly called Cuming's sphenomorphus or the Luzon giant forest skink, is a species of skink, a lizard in the family Scincidae. The species is endemic to the Philippines.
The specific name, cumingii, is in honor of English naturalist Hugh Cuming.[3]
O. cumingii is found up to 1,000 metres (3,300 ft) above sea level in the forests throughout most of the Philippines.[1]
The Luzon giant forest skink reaches a total length (including tail) of 35 cm (14 inches).[4]
O. cumingii tends to hide under leaves and logs.[1][4][5]
Otosaurus cumingii, commonly called Cuming's sphenomorphus or the Luzon giant forest skink, is a species of skink, a lizard in the family Scincidae. The species is endemic to the Philippines.
