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Issue: Vol. 5543 No. 4: 5 Dec. 2024
Type: Article
Published: 2024-12-05
DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5543.4.5
Page range: 579-590
Abstract views: 360
PDF downloaded: 30

What is Sphenomorphus maculatus (Blyth, 1854 “1853”) (Reptilia: Squamata: Scincidae)? Validating cryptic diversity and the designation of a neotype

School of Biological Sciences; National Institute of Science Education and Research; An OCC of Homi Bhabha National Institute; Khordha; Jatni; Odisha; India 752050
La Sierra University; 4500 Riverwalk Parkway; Riverside; California 92505; USA; Department of Herpetology; San Diego Natural History Museum; PO Box 121390; San Diego; California 92112; USA; Institute for Tropical Biology and Conservation; Universiti Malaysia Sabah; Kota Kinabalu; Malaysia
Wildlife Institute of India; Chandrabani; Dehradun; Uttarakhand; India. PIN 248001
Help Earth; 16; RNC Path; Lachitnagar; Guwahati; Assam; India; PIN 781007
Zoological Survey of India (ZSI); Prani Vigyan Bhawan; M-Block; New Alipore Kolkata; West Bengal; India. PIN 700053
Department of Zoology; Mizoram University; Aizawl; Mizoram; India. PIN 796004
School of Biological Sciences; National Institute of Science Education and Research; An OCC of Homi Bhabha National Institute; Khordha; Jatni; Odisha; India 752050
Reptilia Skinks Systematics Sphenomorphinae Lizards Reptiles India Holotype

Abstract

The Spotted Litter Skink, Sphenomorphus maculatus, initially described by Edward Blyth in 1854, lacks a taxonomic reference point, as the holotype was reported lost by 1868. A preliminary molecular phylogenetic analysis revealed indications of cryptic diversity within S. maculatus across its range in Northeast India. We aimed to pinpoint the precise type locality, concluding that it corresponds to the peripheral forested regions surrounding Guwahati, India. To establish a robust taxonomic foundation for future investigations, we designate a neotype under the provisions of the ICZN Code (Article 75). We also provide a comprehensive redescription of the neotype. This analysis and redescription were based on recently collected specimens from the identified type locality, and approximate areas based on the movements of Col. Jenkins, who was the original collector of the holotype. Genetic data from six loci of the neotype and from the other specimens were deposited in GenBank, contributing valuable information for future reference.

 

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