Australasian Journal of Herpetology 65 ISSUE 29, PUBLISHED 1 JULY 2015 ISSN 1836-5698 (Print) ISSN 1836-5779 (Online) AustralasianAustralasian JournalJournal ofof HerpetologyHerpetology

A revision of the genus level taxonomy of the Acontinae and Scincinae, withwith thethe creationcreation ofof newnew genera,genera, subgenera,subgenera, tribestribes andand subtribes.subtribes. Raymond T. HoserHoser (Issue(Issue 28:1-6428:1-64 andand IssueIssue 29:65-128).29:65-128).

Hoser 2015 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 28:1-64 and 29:65-128. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved Cover photo: Raymond Hoser. Australasian66 Journal of AustralasianHerpetology 28:1-64 Journal and of 29:65-128. Herpetology ISSN 1836-5698 (Print) Published 1 July 2015. ISSN 1836-5779 (Online)

A revision of the genus level taxonomy of the Acontinae and Scincinae, with the creation of new genera, subgenera, tribes and subtribes. Raymond T. Hoser.

CONTINUED...

SUBGENUS BRYGOOSCINCUS SUBGEN. NOV. Voeltzkowia Boettger, 1893 is currently composed of Type species: Scelotes tsaratananensis Brygoo, 1981. three completely limbless species (V. lineata, V. mira Diagnosis: The subgenus of Amphiglossus, and V. rubrocaudata), and two species with very Brygooscincus subgen. nov. (type species Scelotes rudimentary hindlimbs (V. petiti and V. fierinensis), the tsaratananensis Brygoo, 1981) is separated from all latter two herein placed in a subgenus Grandidierina other similar species by the combination of having 36 Brygoo, 1981 on the basis of the presence of presacral vertebrae, 26 midbody rows and 72-82 scales rudimentary hindlimbs. This subgenus have species that along the belly. are eyeless and earless with no forelimbs but small, reduced, styliform hindlimbs that have 2 digits. The Amphiglossus sensu lato and Amphiglossus as defined nominate subgenus has eyeless, limbless, earless herein is defined as Malagasy scincinae species that species. lack the reduction of the head scales, the loss of an external ear opening, increased number of presacral The genus Madascincus Brygoo, 1981, as defined vertebrae, and the strong reduction of the limbs and within this paper is separated from other similar genera attenuation of the body that characterize to various by their small adult size of less than 80 mm snout-vent degrees all the other non-lygosomine genera of length, 29-30 presacral vertebrae (a relatively low Malagasy skinks. number), both pairs of limbs are pentadactyle; there is a postnasal shield between the supranasal and the first In common with other skink genera this genus has the labial. No praefrontals or frontoparietals. Lower eyelid following suite of characters: scaly. 24 midbody scale rows. Palatine bones in contact on the median line of the The genus Pseudoacontias Bocage, 1889 is palate, which is toothless. Teeth conical. Eyelids characterised by being limbless, with small eye, angular developed. Ear distinct or hidden. Nostril pierced snout and with no ear openings visible. between the rostral and a very small nasal, which may be reduced to a narrow ring; supranasals present; The genus Rubercaudatus gen. nov. is separated from praefrontals and frontoparietals small or absent. Body the other similar genera by the following suite of more or less elongate; limbs more or less developed or characters: Both pairs of limbs present and all absent. pentadactyle; a postnasal shield between the supranasal and the first labial; no praefrontals or Amphiglossus is separated from Madascincus Brygoo, frontoparietals. Lower eyelid with an undivided 1981 by having 4-7 teeth on each side versus 8-11 in transparent disk. 24 midbody scale rows; interparietal Madascincus (as commonly defined to date, e.g. narrower than the frontal. Miralles and Vences 2013, Pyron et al. 2013), including the genera formally defined herein, Cummingscincea The genus Cummingscincea gen. nov. is separated gen. nov., Rubercaudata gen. nov. and Gracilescincus from the other similar genera by the following suite of gen. nov. all of which have until now been treated as characters: one or other of the following three: within Madascincus by authors including Miralles and 1/ Both pairs of limbs present; a postnasal shield Vences (2013) and Pyron et al. 2013. between the supranasal and the first labial. Limbs The genus Pygomeles Grandidier, 1867 is separated pentadactyle. No praefrontals nor frontoparietals. Lower from Amphiglossus by the lack of a postnasal and as a eyelid scaly. 30 midbody scale rows (subgenus probable consequence, the supranasal contacts the Cummingscincea subgen. nov.), or: supralabials, as well as no forelimbs and reduced hind 2/ Loreal not extending ventrally to supralabial row; limb, a small eye and a shovel-shaped head. separation of loreal from supralabial row by contact One of these species, which has 48 or more presacral between postnasal and enlarged presubocular instead vertebrae, namely Pygomeles trivittatus Boulenger, of by contact between postnasal and preocular; scales 1896 is the type species of the genus Androngo Brygoo, between lower secondary temporal and ear opening two 1982, and this is herein treated as a subgenus within instead three; longitudinal scale rows at mid-body 20 Pygomeles. and subdigital lamellae on fourth digit of pes 6±9 instead Hoser 2015 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 28:1-64 and 29:65-128. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved Australasian Journal of Herpetology 67

of 5 (subgenus Gracilescincus subgen. nov.), or: frequently dark brown. Limbs pentadactyle. 22-32 3/ Both pairs of limbs are pentadactyle with 8-11 midbody rows. lamellae under the fourth finger; 16-20 lamellae under The subgenus Comoroscincus subgen. nov. is the fourth toe; 63-66 ventral scale rows; 60-65 separated from the nominate subgenus Clarascincus paraventral rows; 28-30 longitudunal rows at the mid subgen. nov. by having 30-32 midbody scale rows, body; one row (only) of enlarged nuchal scales; versus 22-28. postnasal present between the supranasal and the first The genus Crottyscincus gen. nov. is separated from all labial. The praefrontals and frontoparietals are usually other similar species by the following suite of fused. Lower eyelid scaly; Colouration is all brown on characters: All limbs pentadactyle. The fore-limb, the top with a slightly darker band on the flanks, framed stretched forwards, reaches beyond the ear. 28 to 30 by two small lighter stripes and mainly creamish white midbody rows, those of the two vertebral series much upper labials (subgenus Leucolabialus subgen. nov.). broader than the others and being the only genus with 8 The genus Sloppyscincus gen. nov. is separated from nuchals. all other similar species by the following suite of The genus Oxyscincus gen. nov. is separated from all characters: other similar species by the following suite of Pentadactyle limbs, 24-28 or 38 midbody rows, 44-52 characters: One or other of the following four: presacral vertebrae; snout bluntly rounded in both lateral 1/ All limbs pentadactyle, the fore limb, stretched and medial aspect; rostral band-like with dorsomedial forwards, reaches beyond the ear. 26 to 28 scales round edge gently posteriorly concave; supranasals in contact; the body of equal size (subgenus Rubercollumus frontonasal wider than long; prefrontals absent; frontal subgen. nov.); or: constricted anteriorly by first supraocular, that is, frontal 2/ All limbs pentadactyle, the fore limb, stretched hourglass-shaped; supraoculars four, first constricting forwards, reaches beyond the ear. 28-30 midbody rows frontal, all contacting frontal; frontoparietals absent; round the body of equal size. Colouration dorsally is interparietal present, well separated from supraoculars; dark brown with small circular yellow spots on the head, parietal eyespot present; parietals in contact posterior to body and tail which are largest on the anterior half of the interparietal; nuchals 2/2 ± 2/3. The nostril is not body. The tail on the underside is pink and unspotted positioned centrally above the first upper labial as seen (subgenus Roseacaudatus subgen. nov.); or: in members of the genus Amphiglossus. 3/ 22 midbody rows, all of the same size; 64-69 scales The subgenus Commendatscincus subgen. nov. along the belly (mental to anal); 30-31 presacral includes three species included in the genus Androngo, vertebrae; 17-20 lamellae under the fourth toe of the Brygoo, 1982 until removed by Andreone and Greer in hind foot; dorsal colouration is pale brown with each 2002, when they placed them back into Amphiglossus. scale on the body, limbs and tail marked with a single They are within a newly named subgenus brown spot; the head is longitudinally striped with stripes Commendatscincus subgen. nov. defined and running down to the shoulders or full length of the body; diagnosed and separated from other similar species by a central pair of dark brown stripes which diverge at the the following suite of characters: More than 48 presacral snout tip run back through the supraoculars and onto vertebrae, the presence of a postnasal and the the shoulders and may continue down the lower back; a supranasal does not contact the supralabials. second lateral stripe runs along the upper labials, The species described as Amphiglossus stylus through the eye and onto the neck; before fading Andreone and Greer, 2002 is herein placed in a new (subgenus Oxyscincus subgen. nov.); or: monotypic subgenus within Sloppyscincus gen. nov. 4/ 28-32 midbody rows, all of the same size; 62-72 defined herein. The subgenus Degenerescincus scales along the belly (mental to anal); 17-20 lamellae subgen. nov. is diagnosed and separated from all similar under the fourth toe of the hind foot; brown dorsally, species by the following set of characters: having the each scale with the edges darker; nape and anterior part front and rear limbs reduced to a minute, clawless nub of back with interrupted dark brown cross bands; belly and style, respectively. It is also the only skink to have in whitish (subgenus Oxyscincus subgen. nov.). combination: the absence an external ear opening and Distribution: Known only from near the type locality, both the front and rear limbs reduced to small clawless massif du Tsaratanana in far northern Madagascar. stubs. Etymology: Named in honour of Édouard-Raoul Brygoo The genus Clarascincus gen. nov. is separated from all of Germany for his work on the skinks of Madagascar other similar species by the following suite of and in reflection of the kind of lizard this taxon is, that characters: being a skink. Very similar in many respects to members of the genus Content: Amphiglossus (Brygooscincus) Crottyscincus gen. nov., from which it differs in having tsaratananensis (Brygoo, 1981) (monotypic). shorter limbs. In Clarascincus gen. nov. the fore limb reaches the ear, or not quite as far, versus noticeably SUBGENUS AMPHIGLOSSUS DUMÉRIL AND further than the ear in Crottyscincus gen. nov.. The BIBRON, 1839. limb’s length in Clarascincus gen. nov. is slightly less Type species: Amphiglossus astrolabe Duméril and than that of the head. Colouration is usually brown Bibron, 1839. above, scales edged with darker; sides sometimes Diagnosis: The other subgenus of Amphiglossus, brown-dotted; belly brownish white, lower surface of tail Brygooscincus subgen. nov. (type species Scelotes Hoser 2015 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 28:1-64 and 29:65-128. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved 68 Australasian Journal of Herpetology tsaratananensis Brygoo, 1981 and monotypic for that The genus Pseudoacontias Bocage, 1889 is taxon) is separated from all other similar species (this characterised by being limbless, with small eye, angular subgenus) by the combination of having 36 presacral snout and with no ear openings visible. vertebrae, 26 midbody rows and 72-82 scales along the The genus Rubercaudatus gen. nov. is separated from belly. the other similar genera by the following suite of Amphiglossus sensu lato and Amphiglossus as defined characters: Both pairs of limbs present and all herein is defined as Malagasy scincinae species that pentadactyle; a postnasal shield between the lack the reduction of the head scales, the loss of an supranasal and the first labial; no praefrontals or external ear opening, increased number of presacral frontoparietals. Lower eyelid with an undivided vertebrae, and the strong reduction of the limbs and transparent disk. 24 midbody scale rows; interparietal attenuation of the body that characterize to various narrower than the frontal. degrees all the other non-lygosomine genera of The genus Cummingscincea gen. nov. is separated Malagasy skinks. from the other similar genera by the following suite of In common with other skink genera this genus has the characters: one or other of the following three: following suite of characters: 1/ Both pairs of limbs present; a postnasal shield Palatine bones in contact on the median line of the between the supranasal and the first labial. Limbs palate, which is toothless. Teeth conical. Eyelids pentadactyle. No praefrontals nor frontoparietals. Lower developed. Ear distinct or hidden. Nostril pierced eyelid scaly. 30 midbody scale rows (subgenus between the rostral and a very small nasal, which may Cummingscincea subgen. nov.), or: be reduced to a narrow ring; supranasals present; 2/ Loreal not extending ventrally to supralabial row; praefrontals and frontoparietals small or absent. Body separation of loreal from supralabial row by contact more or less elongate; limbs more or less developed or between postnasal and enlarged presubocular instead absent. of by contact between postnasal and preocular; scales Amphiglossus is separated from Madascincus Brygoo, between lower secondary temporal and ear opening two 1981 by having 4-7 teeth on each side versus 8-11 in instead three; longitudinal scale rows at mid-body 20 Madascincus (as commonly defined to date, e.g. and subdigital lamellae on fourth digit of pes 6±9 instead Miralles and Vences 2013, Pyron et al. 2013), including of 5 (subgenus Gracilescincus subgen. nov.), or: the genera formally defined herein, Cummingscincea 3/ Both pairs of limbs are pentadactyle with 8-11 gen. nov., Rubercaudata gen. nov. and Gracilescincus lamellae under the fourth finger; 16-20 lamellae under gen. nov. all of which have until now been treated as the fourth toe; 63-66 ventral scale rows; 60-65 within Madascincus by authors including Miralles and paraventral rows; 28-30 longitudunal rows at the mid Vences (2013) and Pyron et al. 2013. body; one row (only) of enlarged nuchal scales; The genus Pygomeles Grandidier, 1867 is separated postnasal present between the supranasal and the first from Amphiglossus by the lack of a postnasal and as a labial. The praefrontals and frontoparietals are usually probable consequence, the supranasal contacts the fused. Lower eyelid scaly; Colouration is all brown on supralabials, as well as no forelimbs and reduced hind the top with a slightly darker band on the flanks, framed limb, a small eye and a shovel-shaped head. by two small lighter stripes and mainly creamish white One of these species, which has 48 or more presacral upper labials (subgenus Leucolabialus subgen. nov.). vertebrae, namely Pygomeles trivittatus Boulenger, The genus Sloppyscincus gen. nov. is separated from 1896 is the type species of the genus Androngo Brygoo, all other similar species by the following suite of 1982, and this is herein treated as a subgenus within characters: Pygomeles. Pentadactyle limbs, 24-28 or 38 midbody rows, 44-52 Voeltzkowia Boettger, 1893 is currently composed of presacral vertebrae; snout bluntly rounded in both lateral three completely limbless species (V. lineata, V. mira and medial aspect; rostral band-like with dorsomedial and V. rubrocaudata), and two species with very edge gently posteriorly concave; supranasals in contact; rudimentary hindlimbs (V. petiti and V. fierinensis), the frontonasal wider than long; prefrontals absent; frontal latter two herein placed in a subgenus Grandidierina constricted anteriorly by first supraocular, that is, frontal Brygoo, 1981 on the basis of the presence of hourglass-shaped; supraoculars four, first constricting rudimentary hindlimbs. This subgenus have species that frontal, all contacting frontal; frontoparietals absent; are eyeless and earless with no forelimbs but small, interparietal present, well separated from supraoculars; reduced, styliform hindlimbs that have 2 digits. The parietal eyespot present; parietals in contact posterior to nominate subgenus has eyeless, limbless, earless interparietal; nuchals 2/2 ± 2/3. The nostril is not species. positioned centrally above the first upper labial as seen The genus Madascincus Brygoo, 1981, as defined in members of the genus Amphiglossus. within this paper is separated from other similar genera The subgenus Commendatscincus subgen. nov. by their small adult size of less than 80 mm snout-vent includes three species included in the genus Androngo, length, 29-30 presacral vertebrae (a relatively low Brygoo, 1982 until removed by Andreone and Greer in number), both pairs of limbs are pentadactyle; there is a 2002, when they placed them back into Amphiglossus. postnasal shield between the supranasal and the first They are within a newly named subgenus labial. No praefrontals or frontoparietals. Lower eyelid Commendatscincus subgen. nov. defined and scaly. 24 midbody scale rows. diagnosed and separated from other similar species by Hoser 2015 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 28:1-64 and 29:65-128. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved Australasian Journal of Herpetology 69

the following suite of characters: More than 48 presacral snout tip run back through the supraoculars and onto vertebrae, the presence of a postnasal and the the shoulders and may continue down the lower back; a supranasal does not contact the supralabials. second lateral stripe runs along the upper labials, The species described as Amphiglossus stylus through the eye and onto the neck; before fading Andreone and Greer, 2002 is herein placed in a new (subgenus Oxyscincus subgen. nov.); or: monotypic subgenus within Sloppyscincus gen. nov. 4/ 28-32 midbody rows, all of the same size; 62-72 defined herein. The subgenus Degenerescincus scales along the belly (mental to anal); 17-20 lamellae subgen. nov. is diagnosed and separated from all similar under the fourth toe of the hind foot; brown dorsally, species by the following set of characters: having the each scale with the edges darker; nape and anterior part front and rear limbs reduced to a minute, clawless nub of back with interrupted dark brown cross bands; belly and style, respectively. It is also the only skink to have in whitish (subgenus Oxyscincus subgen. nov.). combination: the absence an external ear opening and Distribution: Madagascar and immediately adjacent both the front and rear limbs reduced to small clawless islands. stubs. Content: Amphiglossus (Amphiglossus) astrolabi The genus Clarascincus gen. nov. is separated from all Duméril and Bibron, 1839 (type species); A. other similar species by the following suite of (Amphiglossus) andranovahensis (Angel, 1933); A. characters: (Amphiglossus) ardouini (Mocquard, 1897); Very similar in many respects to members of the genus A. (Amphiglossus) mandady Andreone and Greer, 2002; Crottyscincus gen. nov., from which it differs in having A. (Amphiglossus) meva Mitalles, Raselimanana, shorter limbs. In Clarascincus gen. nov. the fore limb Rakotomalala, Vences and Vieites, 2011; A. reaches the ear, or not quite as far, versus noticeably (Amphiglossus) reticulatus (Kaudern, 1922); A. further than the ear in Crottyscincus gen. nov.. The (Amphiglossus) spilostichus Andreone and Greer, 2002. limb’s length in Clarascincus gen. nov. is slightly less GENUS MADASCINCUS BRYGOO, 1981. than that of the head. Colouration is usually brown Type species: Gongylus melanopleura Günther, 1877. above, scales edged with darker; sides sometimes brown-dotted; belly brownish white, lower surface of tail Diagnosis: The genus Madascincus Brygoo, 1981, as frequently dark brown. Limbs pentadactyle. 22-32 defined within this paper is separated from other similar midbody rows. genera by their small adult size of less than 80 mm snout-vent length, 29-30 presacral vertebrae (a The subgenus Comoroscincus subgen. nov. is relatively low number), both pairs of limbs are separated from the nominate subgenus Clarascincus pentadactyle; there is a postnasal shield between the subgen. nov. by having 30-32 midbody scale rows, supranasal and the first labial. No praefrontals or versus 22-28. frontoparietals. Lower eyelid scaly. 24 midbody scale The genus Crottyscincus gen. nov. is separated from all rows. other similar species by the following suite of Amphiglossus sensu lato and Amphiglossus as defined characters: All limbs pentadactyle. The fore-limb, herein is defined as Malagasy scincinae species that stretched forwards, reaches beyond the ear. 28 to 30 lack the reduction of the head scales, the loss of an midbody rows, those of the two vertebral series much external ear opening, increased number of presacral broader than the others and being the only genus with 8 vertebrae, and the strong reduction of the limbs and nuchals. attenuation of the body that characterize to various The genus Oxyscincus gen. nov. is separated from all degrees all the other non-lygosomine genera of other similar species by the following suite of Malagasy skinks. characters: One or other of the following four: In common with other skink genera this genus has the 1/ All limbs pentadactyle, the fore limb, stretched following suite of characters: forwards, reaches beyond the ear. Palatine bones in contact on the median line of the 26 to 28 scales round the body of equal size (subgenus palate, which is toothless. Teeth conical. Eyelids Rubercollumus subgen. nov.); or: developed. Ear distinct or hidden. Nostril pierced 2/ All limbs pentadactyle, the fore limb, stretched between the rostral and a very small nasal, which may forwards, reaches beyond the ear. 28-30 midbody rows be reduced to a narrow ring; supranasals present; round the body of equal size. Colouration dorsally is praefrontals and frontoparietals small or absent. Body dark brown with small circular yellow spots on the head, more or less elongate; limbs more or less developed or body and tail which are largest on the anterior half of the absent. body. The tail on the underside is pink and unspotted Amphiglossus is separated from Madascincus Brygoo, (subgenus Roseacaudatus subgen. nov.); or: 1981 by having 4-7 teeth on each side versus 8-11 in 3/ 22 midbody rows, all of the same size; 64-69 scales Madascincus (as commonly defined to date, e.g. along the belly (mental to anal); 30-31 presacral Miralles and Vences 2013, Pyron et al. 2013), including vertebrae; 17-20 lamellae under the fourth toe of the the genera formally defined herein, Cummingscincea hind foot; dorsal colouration is pale brown with each gen. nov., Rubercaudata gen. nov. and Gracilescincus scale on the body, limbs and tail marked with a single gen. nov. all of which have until now been treated as brown spot; the head is longitudinally striped with stripes within Madascincus by authors including Miralles and running down to the shoulders or full length of the body; Vences (2013) and Pyron et al. 2013. Hoser 2015 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 28:1-64 and 29:65-128. a central pair of dark brown stripes which diverge at the Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved 70 Australasian Journal of Herpetology

The subgenus of Amphiglossus, Brygooscincus subgen. fused. Lower eyelid scaly; Colouration is all brown on nov. (type species Scelotes tsaratananensis Brygoo, the top with a slightly darker band on the flanks, framed 1981) is separated from all other similar species by the by two small lighter stripes and mainly creamish white combination of having 36 presacral vertebrae, 26 upper labials (subgenus Leucolabialus subgen. nov.). midbody rows and 72-82 scales along the belly. The genus Sloppyscincus gen. nov. is separated from The genus Pygomeles Grandidier, 1867 is separated all other similar species by the following suite of from Amphiglossus by the lack of a postnasal and as a characters: probable consequence, the supranasal contacts the Pentadactyle limbs, 24-28 or 38 midbody rows, 44-52 supralabials, as well as no forelimbs and reduced hind presacral vertebrae; snout bluntly rounded in both lateral limb, a small eye and a shovel-shaped head. and medial aspect; rostral band-like with dorsomedial One of these species, which has 48 or more presacral edge gently posteriorly concave; supranasals in contact; vertebrae, namely Pygomeles trivittatus Boulenger, frontonasal wider than long; prefrontals absent; frontal 1896 is the type species of the genus Androngo Brygoo, constricted anteriorly by first supraocular, that is, frontal 1982, and this is herein treated as a subgenus within hourglass-shaped; supraoculars four, first constricting Pygomeles. frontal, all contacting frontal; frontoparietals absent; Voeltzkowia Boettger, 1893 is currently composed of interparietal present, well separated from supraoculars; three completely limbless species (V. lineata, V. mira parietal eyespot present; parietals in contact posterior to and V. rubrocaudata), and two species with very interparietal; nuchals 2/2 ± 2/3. The nostril is not rudimentary hindlimbs (V. petiti and V. fierinensis), the positioned centrally above the first upper labial as seen latter two herein placed in a subgenus Grandidierina in members of the genus Amphiglossus. Brygoo, 1981 on the basis of the presence of The subgenus Commendatscincus subgen. nov. rudimentary hindlimbs. This subgenus have species that includes three species included in the genus Androngo, are eyeless and earless with no forelimbs but small, Brygoo, 1982 until removed by Andreone and Greer in reduced, styliform hindlimbs that have 2 digits. The 2002, when they placed them back into Amphiglossus. nominate subgenus has eyeless, limbless, earless They are within a newly named subgenus species. Commendatscincus subgen. nov. defined and The genus Pseudoacontias Bocage, 1889 is diagnosed and separated from other similar species by characterised by being limbless, with small eye, angular the following suite of characters: More than 48 presacral snout and with no ear openings visible. vertebrae, the presence of a postnasal and the The genus Rubercaudatus gen. nov. is separated from supranasal does not contact the supralabials. the other similar genera by the following suite of The species described as Amphiglossus stylus characters: Both pairs of limbs present and all Andreone and Greer, 2002 is herein placed in a new pentadactyle; a postnasal shield between the monotypic subgenus within Sloppyscincus gen. nov. supranasal and the first labial; no praefrontals or defined herein. The subgenus Degenerescincus frontoparietals. Lower eyelid with an undivided subgen. nov. is diagnosed and separated from all similar transparent disk. species by the following set of characters: having the 24 midbody scale rows; interparietal narrower than the front and rear limbs reduced to a minute, clawless nub frontal. and style, respectively. It is also the only skink to have in combination: the absence an external ear opening and The genus Cummingscincea gen. nov. is separated both the front and rear limbs reduced to small clawless from the other similar genera by the following suite of stubs. characters: one or other of the following three: The genus Clarascincus gen. nov. is separated from all 1/ Both pairs of limbs present; a postnasal shield other similar species by the following suite of between the supranasal and the first labial. Limbs characters: pentadactyle. No praefrontals nor frontoparietals. Lower eyelid scaly. 30 midbody scale rows (subgenus Very similar in many respects to members of the genus Cummingscincea subgen. nov.), or: Crottyscincus gen. nov., from which it differs in having shorter limbs. In Clarascincus gen. nov. the fore limb 2/ Loreal not extending ventrally to supralabial row; reaches the ear, or not quite as far, versus noticeably separation of loreal from supralabial row by contact further than the ear in Crottyscincus gen. nov.. The between postnasal and enlarged presubocular instead limb’s length in Clarascincus gen. nov. is slightly less of by contact between postnasal and preocular; scales than that of the head. Colouration is usually brown between lower secondary temporal and ear opening two above, scales edged with darker; sides sometimes instead three; longitudinal scale rows at mid-body 20 brown-dotted; belly brownish white, lower surface of tail and subdigital lamellae on fourth digit of pes 6±9 instead frequently dark brown. Limbs pentadactyle. 22-32 of 5 (subgenus Gracilescincus subgen. nov.), or: midbody rows. 3/ Both pairs of limbs are pentadactyle with 8-11 The subgenus Comoroscincus subgen. nov. is lamellae under the fourth finger; 16-20 lamellae under separated from the nominate subgenus Clarascincus the fourth toe; 63-66 ventral scale rows; 60-65 subgen. nov. by having 30-32 midbody scale rows, paraventral rows; 28-30 longitudunal rows at the mid versus 22-28. body; one row (only) of enlarged nuchal scales; postnasal present between the supranasal and the first The genus Crottyscincus gen. nov. is separated from all other similar species by the following suite of labial. The praefrontals and frontoparietals are usually Hoser 2015 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 28:1-64 and 29:65-128. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved Australasian Journal of Herpetology 71

characters: All limbs pentadactyle. The fore-limb, M. minutus (Raxworthy and Nussbaum, 1993), which all stretched forwards, reaches beyond the ear. 28 to 30 would ordinarily be identied as. midbody rows, those of the two vertebral series much However inspection of live (as opposed to preserved) broader than the others and being the only genus with 8 specimens of relevant specimens from relevant nuchals. locations shows quite clearly that two species are The genus Oxyscincus gen. nov. is separated from all involved (confirming the molecular results) and that the other similar species by the following suite of specimens from Nosy Mangabee are of the until now characters: One or other of the following four: undescribed species. 1/ All limbs pentadactyle, the fore limb, stretched Both M. minutus and M. nosymangabeensis sp. nov. are forwards, reaches beyond the ear. separated from other similar species by the following 26 to 28 scales round the body of equal size (subgenus suite of characters: 20-22 midbody rows, 48-54 scales Rubercollumus subgen. nov.); or: between the mental and anal, 29-30 presacral 2/ All limbs pentadactyle, the fore limb, stretched vertebrae, 10-11 lamellae under the fourth toe of the forwards, reaches beyond the ear. 28-30 midbody rows hind foot (versus 12-16 in both M. melanopleura and M. round the body of equal size. Colouration dorsally is ankodabensis). The head scales are pitted. dark brown with small circular yellow spots on the head, No other species of Madascincus sensu lato outside of body and tail which are largest on the anterior half of the the four species within Madascincus as defined herein body. The tail on the underside is pink and unspotted has such a low number of scales between the mental (subgenus Roseacaudatus subgen. nov.); or: and anal scales, the closest seen in a former congener 3/ 22 midbody rows, all of the same size; 64-69 scales being Cummingscincea macrolepis with 60 or more. along the belly (mental to anal); 30-31 presacral Both M. minutus and M. nosymangabeensis sp. nov. are vertebrae; 17-20 lamellae under the fourth toe of the separated from one another by colouration. hind foot; dorsal colouration is pale brown with each M. minutus is dark brown, being almost black dorsally, scale on the body, limbs and tail marked with a single including on the tail, with lighter brown flanks spotted brown spot; the head is longitudinally striped with stripes with small dark spots. There is a dark dorsolateral line running down to the shoulders or full length of the body; running from behind the head along the body and onto a central pair of dark brown stripes which diverge at the the tail, which has a well-defined upper border. This line snout tip run back through the supraoculars and onto is separated from the front leg by several scales. By the shoulders and may continue down the lower back; a contrast M. nosymangabeensis sp. nov. is medium second lateral stripe runs along the upper labials, brown dorsally (not blackish brown) and the dark through the eye and onto the neck; before fading dorsolateral line running from behind the head along the (subgenus Oxyscincus subgen. nov.); or: body and onto the tail loses it’s well-defined upper 4/ 28-32 midbody rows, all of the same size; 62-72 border midway along the body. Furthermore this line is scales along the belly (mental to anal); 17-20 lamellae considerably wider at the front end of the body under the fourth toe of the hind foot; brown dorsally, effectively reaching the top of the forelimb. each scale with the edges darker; nape and anterior part M. nosymangabeensis sp. nov. also has a lightening in of back with interrupted dark brown cross bands; belly colour on the anterior of the snout which is not seen in whitish (subgenus Oxyscincus subgen. nov.). M. minutus. Distribution: Madagascar; mainly in the north. Distribution: Known only from Nosy Mangabee, Content: Madascincus melanopleura (Günther, 1877) Madagascar. (type species); M. ankodabensis (Angel, 1930); M. Etymology: Named in reflection of the location where minutus (Raxworthy and Nussbaum, 1993); M. the type specimen was caught. nosymangabeensis sp. nov.. GENUS PSEUDOACONTIAS BOCAGE, 1889. SPECIES MADASCINCUS NOSYMANGABEENSIS Type species: Pseudoacontias madagascariensis SP. NOV. Bocage, 1889. Holotype: Specimen number ZSM 398/2005 at Diagnosis: The genus Pseudoacontias Bocage, 1889 is Zoologische Staatssammlung München, Germany. This characterised and diagnosed by being limbless, with is a facility that allows access to it’s holdings by small eye, angular snout and with no ear openings scientists. The specimen was collected at Nosy visible. Mangabe, Madagascar Lat. 15°30’S, Long. 49°46’E at Amphiglossus sensu lato and Amphiglossus as defined an elevation of between 50-100 metres above sea level. herein (including the genus Pseudoacontias Bocage, Paratypes: Specimen numbers ZSM 399/2005, ZSM 1889) is defined as Malagasy scincinae species that 400/2005 and ZSM 401/2005 also from the same lack the reduction of the head scales, the loss of an location as the holotype and held at the same facility in external ear opening, increased number of presacral Germany. vertebrae, and the strong reduction of the limbs and Diagnosis: These specimens are described as included attenuation of the body that characterize to various within Madascincus melanopleura-N by Miralles and degrees all the other non-lygosomine genera of Vences (2013). They also included in this group Malagasy skinks. specimens from elsewhere on the mainland of In common with other skink genera these genera have Madagascar which they tentatively assigned to the taxon the following suite of characters: Hoser 2015 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 28:1-64 and 29:65-128. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved 72 Australasian Journal of Herpetology

Palatine bones in contact on the median line of the The genus Cummingscincea gen. nov. is separated palate, which is toothless. Teeth conical. Eyelids from the other similar genera by the following suite of developed. Ear distinct or hidden. Nostril pierced characters: one or other of the following three: between the rostral and a very small nasal, which may 1/ Both pairs of limbs present; a postnasal shield be reduced to a narrow ring; supranasals present; between the supranasal and the first labial. Limbs praefrontals and frontoparietals small or absent. Body pentadactyle. No praefrontals nor frontoparietals. Lower more or less elongate; limbs more or less developed or eyelid scaly. 30 midbody scale rows (subgenus absent. Cummingscincea subgen. nov.), or: Amphiglossus (as defined in this paper) is separated 2/ Loreal not extending ventrally to supralabial row; from Madascincus Brygoo, 1981 by having 4-7 teeth on separation of loreal from supralabial row by contact each side versus 8-11 in Madascincus (as commonly between postnasal and enlarged presubocular instead defined to date, e.g. Miralles and Vences 2013, Pyron et of by contact between postnasal and preocular; scales al. 2013), including the genera formally defined herein, between lower secondary temporal and ear opening two Cummingscincea gen. nov., Rubercaudata gen. nov. instead three; longitudinal scale rows at mid-body 20 and Gracilescincus gen. nov. all of which have until now and subdigital lamellae on fourth digit of pes 6±9 instead been treated as within Madascincus by authors of 5 (subgenus Gracilescincus subgen. nov.), or: including Miralles and Vences (2013) and Pyron et al. 3/ Both pairs of limbs are pentadactyle with 8-11 2013. lamellae under the fourth finger; 16-20 lamellae under The subgenus of Amphiglossus, Brygooscincus subgen. the fourth toe; 63-66 ventral scale rows; 60-65 nov. (type species Scelotes tsaratananensis Brygoo, paraventral rows; 28-30 longitudunal rows at the mid 1981) is separated from all other similar species by the body; one row (only) of enlarged nuchal scales; combination of having 36 presacral vertebrae, 26 postnasal present between the supranasal and the first midbody rows and 72-82 scales along the belly. labial. The praefrontals and frontoparietals are usually The genus Pygomeles Grandidier, 1867 is separated fused. Lower eyelid scaly; Colouration is all brown on from Amphiglossus by the lack of a postnasal and as a the top with a slightly darker band on the flanks, framed probable consequence, the supranasal contacts the by two small lighter stripes and mainly creamish white supralabials, as well as no forelimbs and reduced hind upper labials (subgenus Leucolabialus subgen. nov.). limb, a small eye and a shovel-shaped head. The genus Sloppyscincus gen. nov. is separated from One of these species, which has 48 or more presacral all other similar species by the following suite of vertebrae, namely Pygomeles trivittatus Boulenger, characters: 1896 is the type species of the genus Androngo Brygoo, Pentadactyle limbs, 24-28 or 38 midbody rows, 44-52 1982, and this is herein treated as a subgenus within presacral vertebrae; snout bluntly rounded in both lateral Pygomeles. and medial aspect; rostral band-like with dorsomedial Voeltzkowia Boettger, 1893 is currently composed of edge gently posteriorly concave; supranasals in contact; three completely limbless species (V. lineata, V. mira frontonasal wider than long; prefrontals absent; frontal and V. rubrocaudata), and two species with very constricted anteriorly by first supraocular, that is, frontal rudimentary hindlimbs (V. petiti and V. fierinensis), the hourglass-shaped; supraoculars four, first constricting latter two herein placed in a subgenus Grandidierina frontal, all contacting frontal; frontoparietals absent; Brygoo, 1981 on the basis of the presence of interparietal present, well separated from supraoculars; rudimentary hindlimbs. This subgenus have species that parietal eyespot present; parietals in contact posterior to are eyeless and earless with no forelimbs but small, interparietal; nuchals 2/2 ± 2/3. The nostril is not reduced, styliform hindlimbs that have 2 digits. The positioned centrally above the first upper labial as seen nominate subgenus has eyeless, limbless, earless in members of the genus Amphiglossus. species. The subgenus Commendatscincus subgen. nov. The genus Madascincus Brygoo, 1981, as defined includes three species included in the genus Androngo, within this paper is separated from other similar genera Brygoo, 1982 until removed by Andreone and Greer in by their small adult size of less than 80 mm snout-vent 2002, when they placed them back into Amphiglossus. length, 29-30 presacral vertebrae (a relatively low They are within a newly named subgenus number), both pairs of limbs are pentadactyle; there is a Commendatscincus subgen. nov. defined and postnasal shield between the supranasal and the first diagnosed and separated from other similar species by labial. No praefrontals or frontoparietals. Lower eyelid the following suite of characters: More than 48 presacral scaly. 24 midbody scale rows. vertebrae, the presence of a postnasal and the The genus Rubercaudatus gen. nov. is separated from supranasal does not contact the supralabials. the other similar genera by the following suite of The species described as Amphiglossus stylus characters: Both pairs of limbs present and all Andreone and Greer, 2002 is herein placed in a new pentadactyle; a postnasal shield between the monotypic subgenus within Sloppyscincus gen. nov. supranasal and the first labial; no praefrontals or defined herein. The subgenus Degenerescincus frontoparietals. Lower eyelid with an undivided subgen. nov. is diagnosed and separated from all similar transparent disk. species by the following set of characters: having the 24 midbody scale rows; interparietal narrower than the front and rear limbs reduced to a minute, clawless nub frontal. and style, respectively. It is also the only skink to have in Hoser 2015 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 28:1-64 and 29:65-128. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved Australasian Journal of Herpetology 73

combination: the absence an external ear opening and Distribution: Northern Madagascar. both the front and rear limbs reduced to small clawless Content: Pseudoacontias madagascariensis Bocage, stubs. 1889 (type species); P. angelorum Nussbaum and The genus Clarascincus gen. nov. is separated from all Raxworthy, 1995; P. menamainty Andreone and Greer, other similar species by the following suite of 2002; P. unicolor Sakata and Hikida, 2003. characters: GENUS PYGOMELES GRANDIDIER, 1867. Very similar in many respects to members of the genus Type species: Pygomeles braconnieri Grandidier, 1867. Crottyscincus gen. nov., from which it differs in having Diagnosis: The genus Pygomeles Grandidier, 1867 is shorter limbs. In Clarascincus gen. nov. the fore limb separated from Amphiglossus by the lack of a postnasal reaches the ear, or not quite as far, versus noticeably and as a probable consequence, the supranasal further than the ear in Crottyscincus gen. nov.. The contacts the supralabials, as well as no forelimbs and limb’s length in Clarascincus gen. nov. is slightly less reduced hind limb, a small eye and a shovel-shaped than that of the head. Colouration is usually brown head. above, scales edged with darker; sides sometimes One of these species, which has 48 or more presacral brown-dotted; belly brownish white, lower surface of tail vertebrae, namely Pygomeles trivittatus Boulenger, frequently dark brown. Limbs pentadactyle. 22-32 1896 is the type species of the genus Androngo Brygoo, midbody rows. 1982, and this is herein treated as a subgenus within The subgenus Comoroscincus subgen. nov. is Pygomeles. separated from the nominate subgenus Clarascincus Amphiglossus sensu lato and Amphiglossus as defined subgen. nov. by having 30-32 midbody scale rows, herein is defined as Malagasy scincinae species that versus 22-28. lack the reduction of the head scales, the loss of an The genus Crottyscincus gen. nov. is separated from all external ear opening, increased number of presacral other similar species by the following suite of vertebrae, and the strong reduction of the limbs and characters: All limbs pentadactyle. The fore-limb, attenuation of the body that characterize to various stretched forwards, reaches beyond the ear. 28 to 30 degrees all the other non-lygosomine genera of midbody rows, those of the two vertebral series much Malagasy skinks. broader than the others and being the only genus with 8 In common with other skink genera this genus has the nuchals. following suite of characters: The genus Oxyscincus gen. nov. is separated from all Palatine bones in contact on the median line of the other similar species by the following suite of palate, which is toothless. Teeth conical. Eyelids characters: One or other of the following four: developed. Ear distinct or hidden. Nostril pierced 1/ All limbs pentadactyle, the fore limb, stretched between the rostral and a very small nasal, which may forwards, reaches beyond the ear. be reduced to a narrow ring; supranasals present; 26 to 28 scales round the body of equal size (subgenus praefrontals and frontoparietals small or absent. Body Rubercollumus subgen. nov.); or: more or less elongate; limbs more or less developed or 2/ All limbs pentadactyle, the fore limb, stretched absent. forwards, reaches beyond the ear. 28-30 midbody rows Amphiglossus is separated from Madascincus Brygoo, round the body of equal size. Colouration dorsally is 1981 by having 4-7 teeth on each side versus 8-11 in dark brown with small circular yellow spots on the head, Madascincus (as commonly defined to date, e.g. body and tail which are largest on the anterior half of the Miralles and Vences 2013, Pyron et al. 2013), including body. The tail on the underside is pink and unspotted the genera formally defined herein, Cummingscincea (subgenus Roseacaudatus subgen. nov.); or: gen. nov., Rubercaudata gen. nov. and Gracilescincus 3/ 22 midbody rows, all of the same size; 64-69 scales gen. nov. all of which have until now been treated as along the belly (mental to anal); 30-31 presacral within Madascincus by authors including Miralles and vertebrae; 17-20 lamellae under the fourth toe of the Vences (2013) and Pyron et al. 2013. hind foot; dorsal colouration is pale brown with each The subgenus of Amphiglossus, Brygooscincus subgen. scale on the body, limbs and tail marked with a single nov. (type species Scelotes tsaratananensis Brygoo, brown spot; the head is longitudinally striped with stripes 1981) is separated from all other similar species by the running down to the shoulders or full length of the body; combination of having 36 presacral vertebrae, 26 a central pair of dark brown stripes which diverge at the midbody rows and 72-82 scales along the belly. snout tip run back through the supraoculars and onto Voeltzkowia Boettger, 1893 is currently composed of the shoulders and may continue down the lower back; a three completely limbless species (V. lineata, V. mira second lateral stripe runs along the upper labials, and V. rubrocaudata), and two species with very through the eye and onto the neck; before fading rudimentary hindlimbs (V. petiti and V. fierinensis), the (subgenus Oxyscincus subgen. nov.); or: latter two herein placed in a subgenus Grandidierina 4/ 28-32 midbody rows, all of the same size; 62-72 Brygoo, 1981 on the basis of having of rudimentary scales along the belly (mental to anal); 17-20 lamellae hindlimbs. This subgenus have species that are eyeless under the fourth toe of the hind foot; brown dorsally, and earless with no forelimbs but small, reduced, each scale with the edges darker; nape and anterior part styliform hindlimbs that have 2 digits. The nominate of back with interrupted dark brown cross bands; belly subgenus has eyeless, limbless, earless species. Hoser 2015 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 28:1-64 and 29:65-128. whitish (subgenus Oxyscincus subgen. nov.). Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved 74 Australasian Journal of Herpetology

The genus Madascincus Brygoo, 1981, as defined in members of the genus Amphiglossus. within this paper is separated from other similar genera The subgenus Commendatscincus subgen. nov. by their small adult size of less than 80 mm snout-vent includes three species included in the genus Androngo, length, 29-30 presacral vertebrae (a relatively low Brygoo, 1982 until removed by Andreone and Greer in number), both pairs of limbs are pentadactyle; there is a 2002, when they placed them back into Amphiglossus. postnasal shield between the supranasal and the first They are within a newly named subgenus labial. No praefrontals or frontoparietals. Lower eyelid Commendatscincus subgen. nov. defined and scaly. 24 midbody scale rows. diagnosed and separated from other similar species by The genus Pseudoacontias Bocage, 1889 is the following suite of characters: More than 48 presacral characterised by being limbless, with small eye, angular vertebrae, the presence of a postnasal and the snout and with no ear openings visible. supranasal does not contact the supralabials. The genus Rubercaudatus gen. nov. is separated from The species described as Amphiglossus stylus the other similar genera by the following suite of Andreone and Greer, 2002 is herein placed in a new characters: Both pairs of limbs present and all monotypic subgenus within Sloppyscincus gen. nov. pentadactyle; a postnasal shield between the defined herein. The subgenus Degenerescincus supranasal and the first labial; no praefrontals or subgen. nov. is diagnosed and separated from all similar frontoparietals. Lower eyelid with an undivided species by the following set of characters: having the transparent disk. 24 midbody scale rows; interparietal front and rear limbs reduced to a minute, clawless nub narrower than the frontal. and style, respectively. It is also the only skink to have in The genus Cummingscincea gen. nov. is separated combination: the absence an external ear opening and from the other similar genera by the following suite of both the front and rear limbs reduced to small clawless characters: one or other of the following three: stubs. 1/ Both pairs of limbs present; a postnasal shield The genus Clarascincus gen. nov. is separated from all between the supranasal and the first labial. Limbs other similar species by the following suite of pentadactyle. No praefrontals nor frontoparietals. Lower characters: eyelid scaly. 30 midbody scale rows (subgenus Very similar in many respects to members of the genus Cummingscincea subgen. nov.), or: Crottyscincus gen. nov., from which it differs in having 2/ Loreal not extending ventrally to supralabial row; shorter limbs. In Clarascincus gen. nov. the fore limb separation of loreal from supralabial row by contact reaches the ear, or not quite as far, versus noticeably between postnasal and enlarged presubocular instead further than the ear in Crottyscincus gen. nov.. The of by contact between postnasal and preocular; scales limb’s length in Clarascincus gen. nov. is slightly less between lower secondary temporal and ear opening two than that of the head. Colouration is usually brown instead three; longitudinal scale rows at mid-body 20 above, scales edged with darker; sides sometimes and subdigital lamellae on fourth digit of pes 6±9 instead brown-dotted; belly brownish white, lower surface of tail of 5 (subgenus Gracilescincus subgen. nov.), or: frequently dark brown. Limbs pentadactyle. 22-32 3/ Both pairs of limbs are pentadactyle with 8-11 midbody rows. lamellae under the fourth finger; 16-20 lamellae under The subgenus Comoroscincus subgen. nov. is the fourth toe; 63-66 ventral scale rows; 60-65 separated from the nominate subgenus Clarascincus paraventral rows; 28-30 longitudunal rows at the mid subgen. nov. by having 30-32 midbody scale rows, body; one row (only) of enlarged nuchal scales; versus 22-28. postnasal present between the supranasal and the first The genus Crottyscincus gen. nov. is separated from all labial. The praefrontals and frontoparietals are usually other similar species by the following suite of fused. Lower eyelid scaly; Colouration is all brown on characters: All limbs pentadactyle. The fore-limb, the top with a slightly darker band on the flanks, framed stretched forwards, reaches beyond the ear. 28 to 30 by two small lighter stripes and mainly creamish white midbody rows, those of the two vertebral series much upper labials (subgenus Leucolabialus subgen. nov.). broader than the others and being the only genus with 8 The genus Sloppyscincus gen. nov. is separated from nuchals. all other similar species by the following suite of The genus Oxyscincus gen. nov. is separated from all characters: other similar species by the following suite of Pentadactyle limbs, 24-28 or 38 midbody rows, 44-52 characters: One or other of the following four: presacral vertebrae; snout bluntly rounded in both lateral 1/ All limbs pentadactyle, the fore limb, stretched and medial aspect; rostral band-like with dorsomedial forwards, reaches beyond the ear. edge gently posteriorly concave; supranasals in contact; 26 to 28 scales round the body of equal size (subgenus frontonasal wider than long; prefrontals absent; frontal Rubercollumus subgen. nov.); or: constricted anteriorly by first supraocular, that is, frontal 2/ All limbs pentadactyle, the fore limb, stretched hourglass-shaped; supraoculars four, first constricting forwards, reaches beyond the ear. 28-30 midbody rows frontal, all contacting frontal; frontoparietals absent; round the body of equal size. Colouration dorsally is interparietal present, well separated from supraoculars; dark brown with small circular yellow spots on the head, parietal eyespot present; parietals in contact posterior to body and tail which are largest on the anterior half of the interparietal; nuchals 2/2 ± 2/3. The nostril is not body. The tail on the underside is pink and unspotted positioned centrally above the first upper labial as seen (subgenus Roseacaudatus subgen. nov.); or: Hoser 2015 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 28:1-64 and 29:65-128. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved Australasian Journal of Herpetology 75

3/ 22 midbody rows, all of the same size; 64-69 scales Amphiglossus is separated from Madascincus Brygoo, along the belly (mental to anal); 30-31 presacral 1981 by having 4-7 teeth on each side versus 8-11 in vertebrae; 17-20 lamellae under the fourth toe of the Madascincus (as commonly defined to date, e.g. hind foot; dorsal colouration is pale brown with each Miralles and Vences 2013, Pyron et al. 2013), including scale on the body, limbs and tail marked with a single the genera formally defined herein, Cummingscincea brown spot; the head is longitudinally striped with stripes gen. nov., Rubercaudata gen. nov. and Gracilescincus running down to the shoulders or full length of the body; gen. nov. all of which have until now been treated as a central pair of dark brown stripes which diverge at the within Madascincus by authors including Miralles and snout tip run back through the supraoculars and onto Vences (2013) and Pyron et al. 2013. the shoulders and may continue down the lower back; a The subgenus of Amphiglossus, Brygooscincus subgen. second lateral stripe runs along the upper labials, nov. (type species Scelotes tsaratananensis Brygoo, through the eye and onto the neck; before fading 1981) is separated from all other similar species by the (subgenus Oxyscincus subgen. nov.); or: combination of having 36 presacral vertebrae, 26 4/ 28-32 midbody rows, all of the same size; 62-72 midbody rows and 72-82 scales along the belly. scales along the belly (mental to anal); 17-20 lamellae Voeltzkowia Boettger, 1893 is currently composed of under the fourth toe of the hind foot; brown dorsally, three completely limbless species (V. lineata, V. mira each scale with the edges darker; nape and anterior part and V. rubrocaudata), and two species with very of back with interrupted dark brown cross bands; belly rudimentary hindlimbs (V. petiti and V. fierinensis), the whitish (subgenus Oxyscincus subgen. nov.). latter two herein placed in a subgenus Grandidierina Distribution: Madagascar, mainly in the south, but also Brygoo, 1981 on the basis of the presence of found in the north-east. rudimentary hindlimbs. This subgenus have species that Content: Pygomeles braconnieri Grandidier, 1867 (type are eyeless and earless with no forelimbs but small, species); P. petteri Pasteur and Paulian, 1962; reduced, styliform hindlimbs that have 2 digits. The P. trivittatus Boulenger, 1896. nominate subgenus has eyeless, limbless, earless species. SUBGENUS ANDRONGO BRYGOO, 1982. The genus Madascincus Brygoo, 1981, as defined Type species: Pygomeles trivittatus Boulenger, 1896. within this paper is separated from other similar genera Diagnosis: The genus Pygomeles Grandidier, 1867 is by their small adult size of less than 80 mm snout-vent separated from Amphiglossus by the lack of a postnasal length, 29-30 presacral vertebrae (a relatively low and as a probable consequence, the supranasal number), both pairs of limbs are pentadactyle; there is a contacts the supralabials, as well as no forelimbs and postnasal shield between the supranasal and the first reduced hind limb, a small eye and a shovel-shaped labial. No praefrontals or frontoparietals. Lower eyelid head. scaly. 24 midbody scale rows. One of these species, which has 48 or more presacral The genus Pseudoacontias Bocage, 1889 is vertebrae, namely Pygomeles trivittatus Boulenger, characterised by being limbless, with small eye, angular 1896 is the type species of the genus Androngo Brygoo, snout and with no ear openings visible. 1982, and this is herein treated as a subgenus within The genus Rubercaudatus gen. nov. is separated from Pygomeles. the other similar genera by the following suite of Elsewhere (including in the accounts elsewhere in this characters: Both pairs of limbs present and all paper) that species is treated as monotypic for pentadactyle; a postnasal shield between the Androngo, and containing two subspecies, however they supranasal and the first labial; no praefrontals or are almost certainly in fact full species, these being frontoparietals. Lower eyelid with an undivided Pygomeles (Androngo) trivittatus Boulenger, 1896 and transparent disk. P. (Androngo) trilineatus (Angel, 1942). 24 midbody scale rows; interparietal narrower than the Amphiglossus sensu lato and Amphiglossus as defined frontal. herein is defined as Malagasy scincinae species that lack the reduction of the head scales, the loss of an The genus Cummingscincea gen. nov. is separated external ear opening, increased number of presacral from the other similar genera by the following suite of vertebrae, and the strong reduction of the limbs and characters: one or other of the following three: attenuation of the body that characterize to various 1/ Both pairs of limbs present; a postnasal shield degrees all the other non-lygosomine genera of between the supranasal and the first labial. Limbs Malagasy skinks. pentadactyle. No praefrontals nor frontoparietals. Lower In common with other skink genera this genus has the eyelid scaly. 30 midbody scale rows (subgenus following suite of characters: Cummingscincea subgen. nov.), or: Palatine bones in contact on the median line of the 2/ Loreal not extending ventrally to supralabial row; palate, which is toothless. Teeth conical. Eyelids separation of loreal from supralabial row by contact developed. Ear distinct or hidden. Nostril pierced between postnasal and enlarged presubocular instead between the rostral and a very small nasal, which may of by contact between postnasal and preocular; scales be reduced to a narrow ring; supranasals present; between lower secondary temporal and ear opening two praefrontals and frontoparietals small or absent. Body instead three; longitudinal scale rows at mid-body 20 more or less elongate; limbs more or less developed or and subdigital lamellae on fourth digit of pes 6±9 instead Hoser 2015 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 28:1-64 and 29:65-128. absent. of 5 (subgenus Gracilescincus subgen. nov.), or: Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved 76 Australasian Journal of Herpetology

3/ Both pairs of limbs are pentadactyle with 8-11 The subgenus Comoroscincus subgen. nov. is lamellae under the fourth finger; 16-20 lamellae under separated from the nominate subgenus Clarascincus the fourth toe; 63-66 ventral scale rows; 60-65 subgen. nov. by having 30-32 midbody scale rows, paraventral rows; 28-30 longitudunal rows at the mid versus 22-28. body; one row (only) of enlarged nuchal scales; The genus Crottyscincus gen. nov. is separated from all postnasal present between the supranasal and the first other similar species by the following suite of labial. The praefrontals and frontoparietals are usually characters: All limbs pentadactyle. The fore-limb, fused. Lower eyelid scaly; Colouration is all brown on stretched forwards, reaches beyond the ear. 28 to 30 the top with a slightly darker band on the flanks, framed midbody rows, those of the two vertebral series much by two small lighter stripes and mainly creamish white broader than the others and being the only genus with 8 upper labials (subgenus Leucolabialus subgen. nov.). nuchals. The genus Sloppyscincus gen. nov. is separated from The genus Oxyscincus gen. nov. is separated from all all other similar species by the following suite of other similar species by the following suite of characters: characters: One or other of the following four: Pentadactyle limbs, 24-28 or 38 midbody rows, 44-52 1/ All limbs pentadactyle, the fore limb, stretched presacral vertebrae; snout bluntly rounded in both lateral forwards, reaches beyond the ear. and medial aspect; rostral band-like with dorsomedial 26 to 28 scales round the body of equal size (subgenus edge gently posteriorly concave; supranasals in contact; Rubercollumus subgen. nov.); or: frontonasal wider than long; prefrontals absent; frontal 2/ All limbs pentadactyle, the fore limb, stretched constricted anteriorly by first supraocular, that is, frontal forwards, reaches beyond the ear. 28-30 midbody rows hourglass-shaped; supraoculars four, first constricting round the body of equal size. Colouration dorsally is frontal, all contacting frontal; frontoparietals absent; dark brown with small circular yellow spots on the head, interparietal present, well separated from supraoculars; body and tail which are largest on the anterior half of the parietal eyespot present; parietals in contact posterior to body. The tail on the underside is pink and unspotted interparietal; nuchals 2/2 ± 2/3. The nostril is not (subgenus Roseacaudatus subgen. nov.); or: positioned centrally above the first upper labial as seen in members of the genus Amphiglossus. 3/ 22 midbody rows, all of the same size; 64-69 scales along the belly (mental to anal); 30-31 presacral The subgenus Commendatscincus subgen. nov. vertebrae; 17-20 lamellae under the fourth toe of the includes three species included in the genus Androngo, hind foot; dorsal colouration is pale brown with each Brygoo, 1982 until removed by Andreone and Greer in scale on the body, limbs and tail marked with a single 2002, when they placed them back into Amphiglossus. brown spot; the head is longitudinally striped with stripes They are within a newly named subgenus running down to the shoulders or full length of the body; Commendatscincus subgen. nov. defined and a central pair of dark brown stripes which diverge at the diagnosed and separated from other similar species by snout tip run back through the supraoculars and onto the following suite of characters: More than 48 presacral the shoulders and may continue down the lower back; a vertebrae, the presence of a postnasal and the second lateral stripe runs along the upper labials, supranasal does not contact the supralabials. through the eye and onto the neck; before fading The species described as Amphiglossus stylus (subgenus Oxyscincus subgen. nov.); or: Andreone and Greer, 2002 is herein placed in a new 4/ 28-32 midbody rows, all of the same size; 62-72 monotypic subgenus within Sloppyscincus gen. nov. scales along the belly (mental to anal); 17-20 lamellae defined herein. The subgenus Degenerescincus under the fourth toe of the hind foot; brown dorsally, subgen. nov. is diagnosed and separated from all similar each scale with the edges darker; nape and anterior part species by the following set of characters: having the of back with interrupted dark brown cross bands; belly front and rear limbs reduced to a minute, clawless nub whitish (subgenus Oxyscincus subgen. nov.). and style, respectively. It is also the only skink to have in combination: the absence an external ear opening and Distribution: Southern Madagascar. both the front and rear limbs reduced to small clawless Content: Pygomeles (Androngo) trivittatus Boulenger, stubs. 1896 (monotypic). The genus Clarascincus gen. nov. is separated from all GENUS VOELTZKOWIA BOETTGER, 1893. other similar species by the following suite of Type species: Voeltzkowia mira Boettger, 1893. characters: Diagnosis: Voeltzkowia Boettger, 1893 is currently Very similar in many respects to members of the genus composed of three completely limbless species (V. Crottyscincus gen. nov., from which it differs in having lineata, V. mira and V. rubrocaudata), and two species shorter limbs. In Clarascincus gen. nov. the fore limb with very rudimentary hindlimbs (V. petiti and V. reaches the ear, or not quite as far, versus noticeably fierinensis), the latter two herein placed in a subgenus further than the ear in Crottyscincus gen. nov.. The Grandidierina Brygoo, 1981 on the basis of the limb’s length in Clarascincus gen. nov. is slightly less presence of rudimentary hindlimbs. This subgenus have than that of the head. Colouration is usually brown species that are eyeless and earless with no forelimbs above, scales edged with darker; sides sometimes but small, reduced, styliform hindlimbs that have 2 brown-dotted; belly brownish white, lower surface of tail digits. The nominate subgenus has eyeless, limbless, frequently dark brown. Limbs pentadactyle. 22-32 earless species. midbody rows. Hoser 2015 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 28:1-64 and 29:65-128. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved Australasian Journal of Herpetology 77

Neither subgenus is formally defined within this paper supranasal and the first labial; no praefrontals or as they are outlined herein and been defined on the frontoparietals. Lower eyelid with an undivided same basis by Brygoo in 1981. transparent disk. 24 midbody scale rows; interparietal Amphiglossus sensu lato and Amphiglossus as defined narrower than the frontal. herein is defined as Malagasy scincinae species that The genus Cummingscincea gen. nov. is separated lack the reduction of the head scales, the loss of an from the other similar genera by the following suite of external ear opening, increased number of presacral characters: one or other of the following three: vertebrae, and the strong reduction of the limbs and 1/ Both pairs of limbs present; a postnasal shield attenuation of the body that characterize to various between the supranasal and the first labial. Limbs degrees all the other non-lygosomine genera of pentadactyle. No praefrontals nor frontoparietals. Lower Malagasy skinks. eyelid scaly. 30 midbody scale rows (subgenus In common with other skink genera this genus has the Cummingscincea subgen. nov.), or: following suite of characters: 2/ Loreal not extending ventrally to supralabial row; Palatine bones in contact on the median line of the separation of loreal from supralabial row by contact palate, which is toothless. Teeth conical. Eyelids between postnasal and enlarged presubocular instead developed. Ear distinct or hidden. Nostril pierced of by contact between postnasal and preocular; scales between the rostral and a very small nasal, which may between lower secondary temporal and ear opening two be reduced to a narrow ring; supranasals present; instead three; longitudinal scale rows at mid-body 20 praefrontals and frontoparietals small or absent. Body and subdigital lamellae on fourth digit of pes 6±9 instead more or less elongate; limbs more or less developed or of 5 (subgenus Gracilescincus subgen. nov.), or: absent. 3/ Both pairs of limbs are pentadactyle with 8-11 Amphiglossus is separated from Madascincus Brygoo, lamellae under the fourth finger; 16-20 lamellae under 1981 by having 4-7 teeth on each side versus 8-11 in the fourth toe; 63-66 ventral scale rows; 60-65 Madascincus (as commonly defined to date, e.g. paraventral rows; 28-30 longitudunal rows at the mid Miralles and Vences 2013, Pyron et al. 2013), including body; one row (only) of enlarged nuchal scales; the genera formally defined herein, Cummingscincea postnasal present between the supranasal and the first gen. nov., Rubercaudata gen. nov. and Gracilescincus labial. The praefrontals and frontoparietals are usually gen. nov. all of which have until now been treated as fused. Lower eyelid scaly; Colouration is all brown on within Madascincus by authors including Miralles and the top with a slightly darker band on the flanks, framed Vences (2013) and Pyron et al. 2013. by two small lighter stripes and mainly creamish white The subgenus of Amphiglossus, Brygooscincus subgen. upper labials (subgenus Leucolabialus subgen. nov.). nov. (type species Scelotes tsaratananensis Brygoo, The genus Sloppyscincus gen. nov. is separated from 1981) is separated from all other similar species by the all other similar species by the following suite of combination of having 36 presacral vertebrae, 26 characters: midbody rows and 72-82 scales along the belly. Pentadactyle limbs, 24-28 or 38 midbody rows, 44-52 The genus Pygomeles Grandidier, 1867 is separated presacral vertebrae; snout bluntly rounded in both lateral from Amphiglossus by the lack of a postnasal and as a and medial aspect; rostral band-like with dorsomedial probable consequence, the supranasal contacts the edge gently posteriorly concave; supranasals in contact; supralabials, as well as no forelimbs and reduced hind frontonasal wider than long; prefrontals absent; frontal limb, a small eye and a shovel-shaped head. constricted anteriorly by first supraocular, that is, frontal One of these species, which has 48 or more presacral hourglass-shaped; supraoculars four, first constricting vertebrae, namely Pygomeles trivittatus Boulenger, frontal, all contacting frontal; frontoparietals absent; 1896 is the type species of the genus Androngo Brygoo, interparietal present, well separated from supraoculars; 1982, and this is herein treated as a subgenus within parietal eyespot present; parietals in contact posterior to Pygomeles. interparietal; nuchals 2/2 ± 2/3. The nostril is not The genus Madascincus Brygoo, 1981, as defined positioned centrally above the first upper labial as seen within this paper is separated from other similar genera in members of the genus Amphiglossus. by their small adult size of less than 80 mm snout-vent The subgenus Commendatscincus subgen. nov. length, 29-30 presacral vertebrae (a relatively low includes three species included in the genus Androngo, number), both pairs of limbs are pentadactyle; there is a Brygoo, 1982 until removed by Andreone and Greer in postnasal shield between the supranasal and the first 2002, when they placed them back into Amphiglossus. labial. No praefrontals or frontoparietals. Lower eyelid They are within a newly named subgenus scaly. 24 midbody scale rows. Commendatscincus subgen. nov. defined and The genus Pseudoacontias Bocage, 1889 is diagnosed and separated from other similar species by characterised by being limbless, with small eye, angular the following suite of characters: More than 48 presacral snout and with no ear openings visible. vertebrae, the presence of a postnasal and the supranasal does not contact the supralabials. The genus Rubercaudatus gen. nov. is separated from the other similar genera by the following suite of The species described as Amphiglossus stylus characters: Both pairs of limbs present and all Andreone and Greer, 2002 is herein placed in a new pentadactyle; a postnasal shield between the monotypic subgenus within Sloppyscincus gen. nov. defined herein. The subgenus Degenerescincus Hoser 2015 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 28:1-64 and 29:65-128. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved 78 Australasian Journal of Herpetology subgen. nov. is diagnosed and separated from all similar under the fourth toe of the hind foot; brown dorsally, species by the following set of characters: having the each scale with the edges darker; nape and anterior part front and rear limbs reduced to a minute, clawless nub of back with interrupted dark brown cross bands; belly and style, respectively. It is also the only skink to have in whitish (subgenus Oxyscincus subgen. nov.). combination: the absence an external ear opening and Distribution: Madagascar, mainly in the south-west. both the front and rear limbs reduced to small clawless Content: Voeltzkowia mira Boettger, 1893 (type stubs. species); V. fierinensis (Grandidier, 1869); V. lineata The genus Clarascincus gen. nov. is separated from all (Mocquard, 1901); V. petiti (Angel, 1924); V. other similar species by the following suite of rubrocaudata (Grandidier, 1869). characters: GENUS SLOPPYSCINCUS GEN. NOV. Very similar in many respects to members of the genus Type species: Amphiglossus mandokava Raxworthy Crottyscincus gen. nov., from which it differs in having and Nussbaum, 1993. shorter limbs. In Clarascincus gen. nov. the fore limb Diagnosis: Species within the genus Sloppyscincus reaches the ear, or not quite as far, versus noticeably gen. nov. have until now been treated as being within further than the ear in Crottyscincus gen. nov.. The the genus Amphiglossus Duméril and Bibron, 1839. limb’s length in Clarascincus gen. nov. is slightly less than that of the head. Colouration is usually brown The genus Sloppyscincus gen. nov. is however above, scales edged with darker; sides sometimes separated from all other similar species including brown-dotted; belly brownish white, lower surface of tail Amphiglossus by the following suite of characters: frequently dark brown. Limbs pentadactyle. 22-32 Pentadactyle limbs, 24-28 or 38 midbody rows, 44-52 midbody rows. presacral vertebrae; snout bluntly rounded in both lateral The subgenus Comoroscincus subgen. nov. is and medial aspect; rostral band-like with dorsomedial separated from the nominate subgenus Clarascincus edge gently posteriorly concave; supranasals in contact; subgen. nov. by having 30-32 midbody scale rows, frontonasal wider than long; prefrontals absent; frontal versus 22-28. constricted anteriorly by first supraocular, that is, frontal hourglass-shaped; supraoculars four, first constricting The genus Crottyscincus gen. nov. is separated from all frontal, all contacting frontal; frontoparietals absent; other similar species by the following suite of interparietal present, well separated from supraoculars; characters: All limbs pentadactyle. The fore-limb, parietal eyespot present; parietals in contact posterior to stretched forwards, reaches beyond the ear. 28 to 30 interparietal; nuchals 2/2 ± 2/3. The nostril is not midbody rows, those of the two vertebral series much positioned centrally above the first upper labial as seen broader than the others and being the only genus with 8 in members of the genus Amphiglossus. nuchals. The subgenus Commendatscincus subgen. nov. The genus Oxyscincus gen. nov. is separated from all includes three species included in the genus Androngo, other similar species by the following suite of Brygoo, 1982 until removed by Andreone and Greer in characters: One or other of the following four: 2002, when they placed them back into Amphiglossus. 1/ All limbs pentadactyle, the fore limb, stretched They are within a newly named subgenus forwards, reaches beyond the ear. Commendatscincus subgen. nov. defined and 26 to 28 scales round the body of equal size (subgenus diagnosed and separated from other similar species by Rubercollumus subgen. nov.); or: the following suite of characters: More than 48 presacral 2/ All limbs pentadactyle, the fore limb, stretched vertebrae, the presence of a postnasal and the forwards, reaches beyond the ear. 28-30 midbody rows supranasal does not contact the supralabials. round the body of equal size. Colouration dorsally is The species described as Amphiglossus stylus dark brown with small circular yellow spots on the head, Andreone and Greer, 2002 is herein placed in a new body and tail which are largest on the anterior half of the monotypic subgenus within Sloppyscincus gen. nov. body. The tail on the underside is pink and unspotted defined herein. The subgenus Degenerescincus (subgenus Roseacaudatus subgen. nov.); or: subgen. nov. is diagnosed and separated from all similar 3/ 22 midbody rows, all of the same size; 64-69 scales species by the following set of characters: having the along the belly (mental to anal); 30-31 presacral front and rear limbs reduced to a minute, clawless nub vertebrae; 17-20 lamellae under the fourth toe of the and style, respectively. It is also the only skink to have in hind foot; dorsal colouration is pale brown with each combination: the absence an external ear opening and scale on the body, limbs and tail marked with a single both the front and rear limbs reduced to small clawless brown spot; the head is longitudinally striped with stripes stubs. running down to the shoulders or full length of the body; Amphiglossus sensu lato and Amphiglossus as defined a central pair of dark brown stripes which diverge at the herein is defined as Malagasy scincinae species that snout tip run back through the supraoculars and onto lack the reduction of the head scales, the loss of an the shoulders and may continue down the lower back; a external ear opening, increased number of presacral second lateral stripe runs along the upper labials, vertebrae, and the strong reduction of the limbs and through the eye and onto the neck; before fading attenuation of the body that characterize to various (subgenus Oxyscincus subgen. nov.); or: degrees all the other non-lygosomine genera of 4/ 28-32 midbody rows, all of the same size; 62-72 Malagasy skinks. scales along the belly (mental to anal); 17-20 lamellae Hoser 2015 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 28:1-64 and 29:65-128. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved Australasian Journal of Herpetology 79

In common with other skink genera this genus has the frontoparietals. Lower eyelid with an undivided following suite of characters: transparent disk. 24 midbody scale rows; interparietal Palatine bones in contact on the median line of the narrower than the frontal. palate, which is toothless. Teeth conical. Eyelids The genus Cummingscincea gen. nov. is separated developed. Ear distinct or hidden. Nostril pierced from the other similar genera by the following suite of between the rostral and a very small nasal, which may characters: one or other of the following three: be reduced to a narrow ring; supranasals present; 1/ Both pairs of limbs present; a postnasal shield praefrontals and frontoparietals small or absent. Body between the supranasal and the first labial. Limbs more or less elongate; limbs more or less developed or pentadactyle. No praefrontals nor frontoparietals. Lower absent. eyelid scaly. 30 midbody scale rows (subgenus Amphiglossus is separated from Madascincus Brygoo, Cummingscincea subgen. nov.), or: 1981 by having 4-7 teeth on each side versus 8-11 in 2/ Loreal not extending ventrally to supralabial row; Madascincus (as commonly defined to date, e.g. separation of loreal from supralabial row by contact Miralles and Vences 2013, Pyron et al. 2013), including between postnasal and enlarged presubocular instead the genera formally defined herein, Cummingscincea of by contact between postnasal and preocular; scales gen. nov., Rubercaudata gen. nov. and Gracilescincus between lower secondary temporal and ear opening two gen. nov. all of which have until now been treated as instead three; longitudinal scale rows at mid-body 20 within Madascincus by authors including Miralles and and subdigital lamellae on fourth digit of pes 6±9 instead Vences (2013) and Pyron et al. 2013. of 5 (subgenus Gracilescincus subgen. nov.), or: The subgenus of Amphiglossus, Brygooscincus subgen. 3/ Both pairs of limbs are pentadactyle with 8-11 nov. (type species Scelotes tsaratananensis Brygoo, lamellae under the fourth finger; 16-20 lamellae under 1981) is separated from all other similar species by the the fourth toe; 63-66 ventral scale rows; 60-65 combination of having 36 presacral vertebrae, 26 paraventral rows; 28-30 longitudunal rows at the mid midbody rows and 72-82 scales along the belly. body; one row (only) of enlarged nuchal scales; The genus Pygomeles Grandidier, 1867 is separated postnasal present between the supranasal and the first from Amphiglossus by the lack of a postnasal and as a labial. The praefrontals and frontoparietals are usually probable consequence, the supranasal contacts the fused. Lower eyelid scaly; Colouration is all brown on supralabials, as well as no forelimbs and reduced hind the top with a slightly darker band on the flanks, framed limb, a small eye and a shovel-shaped head. by two small lighter stripes and mainly creamish white One of these species, which has 48 or more presacral upper labials (subgenus Leucolabialus subgen. nov.). vertebrae, namely Pygomeles trivittatus Boulenger, The genus Clarascincus gen. nov. is separated from all 1896 is the type species of the genus Androngo Brygoo, similar species by the following suite of characters: 1982, and this is herein treated as a subgenus within Very similar in many respects to members of the genus Pygomeles. Crottyscincus gen. nov., from which it differs in having Voeltzkowia Boettger, 1893 is currently composed of shorter limbs. In Clarascincus gen. nov. the fore limb three completely limbless species (V. lineata, V. mira reaches the ear, or not quite as far, versus noticeably and V. rubrocaudata), and two species with very further than the ear in Crottyscincus gen. nov.. The rudimentary hindlimbs (V. petiti and V. fierinensis), the limb’s length in Clarascincus gen. nov. is slightly less latter two herein placed in a subgenus Grandidierina than that of the head. Colouration is usually brown Brygoo, 1981 on the basis of the presence of above, scales edged with darker; sides sometimes rudimentary hindlimbs. This subgenus have species that brown-dotted; belly brownish white, lower surface of tail are eyeless and earless with no forelimbs but small, frequently dark brown. Limbs pentadactyle. 22-32 reduced, styliform hindlimbs that have 2 digits. The midbody rows. nominate subgenus has eyeless, limbless, earless The subgenus Comoroscincus subgen. nov. is species. separated from the nominate subgenus Clarascincus The genus Madascincus Brygoo, 1981, as defined subgen. nov. by having 30-32 midbody scale rows, within this paper is separated from other similar genera versus 22-28. by their small adult size of less than 80 mm snout-vent The genus Crottyscincus gen. nov. is separated from all length, 29-30 presacral vertebrae (a relatively low other similar species by the following suite of number), both pairs of limbs are pentadactyle; there is a characters: All limbs pentadactyle. The fore-limb, postnasal shield between the supranasal and the first stretched forwards, reaches beyond the ear. 28 to 30 labial. No praefrontals or frontoparietals. Lower eyelid midbody rows, those of the two vertebral series much scaly. 24 midbody scale rows. broader than the others and being the only genus with 8 The genus Pseudoacontias Bocage, 1889 is nuchals. characterised by being limbless, with small eye, angular The genus Oxyscincus gen. nov. is separated from all snout and with no ear openings visible. other similar species by the following suite of The genus Rubercaudatus gen. nov. is separated from characters: One or other of the following four: the other similar genera by the following suite of 1/ All limbs pentadactyle, the fore limb, stretched characters: Both pairs of limbs present and all forwards, reaches beyond the ear. 26 to 28 scales round pentadactyle; a postnasal shield between the the body of equal size (subgenus Rubercollumus

Hoser 2015 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 28:1-64 and 29:65-128. supranasal and the first labial; no praefrontals or subgen. nov.); or: Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved 80 Australasian Journal of Herpetology

2/ All limbs pentadactyle, the fore limb, stretched frontal, all contacting frontal; frontoparietals absent; forwards, reaches beyond the ear. 28-30 midbody rows interparietal present, well separated from supraoculars; round the body of equal size. Colouration dorsally is parietal eyespot present; parietals in contact posterior to dark brown with small circular yellow spots on the head, interparietal; nuchals 2/2 ± 2/3. The nostril is not body and tail which are largest on the anterior half of the positioned centrally above the first upper labial as seen body. The tail on the underside is pink and unspotted in members of the genus Amphiglossus. (subgenus Roseacaudatus subgen. nov.); or: The subgenus Commendatscincus subgen. nov. 3/ 22 midbody rows, all of the same size; 64-69 scales includes three species included in the genus Androngo, along the belly (mental to anal); 30-31 presacral Brygoo, 1982 until removed by Andreone and Greer in vertebrae; 17-20 lamellae under the fourth toe of the 2002, when they placed them back into Amphiglossus. hind foot; dorsal colouration is pale brown with each They are within a newly named subgenus scale on the body, limbs and tail marked with a single Commendatscincus subgen. nov. defined and brown spot; the head is longitudinally striped with stripes diagnosed and separated from other similar species by running down to the shoulders or full length of the body; the following suite of characters: a central pair of dark brown stripes which diverge at the More than 48 presacral vertebrae, the presence of a snout tip run back through the supraoculars and onto postnasal and the supranasal does not contact the the shoulders and may continue down the lower back; a supralabials. second lateral stripe runs along the upper labials, The species described as Amphiglossus stylus through the eye and onto the neck; before fading Andreone and Greer, 2002 is herein placed in a new (subgenus Oxyscincus subgen. nov.); or: monotypic subgenus within Sloppyscincus gen. nov. 4/ 28-32 midbody rows, all of the same size; 62-72 defined herein. The subgenus Degenerescincus scales along the belly (mental to anal); 17-20 lamellae subgen. nov. is diagnosed and separated from all similar under the fourth toe of the hind foot; brown dorsally, species by the following set of characters: having the each scale with the edges darker; nape and anterior part front and rear limbs reduced to a minute, clawless nub of back with interrupted dark brown cross bands; belly and style, respectively. It is also the only skink to have in whitish (subgenus Oxyscincus subgen. nov.). combination: the absence an external ear opening and Distribution: Northern Madagascar. both the front and rear limbs reduced to small clawless Etymology: Named in honour of our family’s still alive stubs. as of 2015 Great Dane dog for services to wildlife Amphiglossus sensu lato and Amphiglossus as defined education when attending educational reptile displays herein is defined as Malagasy scincinae species that with Snakebusters, Australia’s best reptiles shows, as lack the reduction of the head scales, the loss of an well as his faultless efforts in guarding our facility external ear opening, increased number of presacral against thefts. The second part of the genus name vertebrae, and the strong reduction of the limbs and reflects that the lizards are skinks. attenuation of the body that characterize to various Content: Sloppyscincus mandokava (Raxworthy and degrees all the other non-lygosomine genera of Nussbaum, 1993) (type species); S. tanysoma Malagasy skinks. (Andreone and Greer, 2002); S. elongatus (Angel, In common with other skink genera this genus has the 1933); S. alluaudi (Brygoo, 1981); S. crenni (Mocquard, following suite of characters: 1906); S. stylus (Andreone and Greer, 2002). Palatine bones in contact on the median line of the SUBGENUS SLOPPYSCINCUS SUBGEN. NOV. palate, which is toothless. Teeth conical. Eyelids Type species: Amphiglossus mandokava Raxworthy developed. Ear distinct or hidden. Nostril pierced and Nussbaum, 1993. between the rostral and a very small nasal, which may Diagnosis: Species within the genus Sloppyscincus be reduced to a narrow ring; supranasals present; gen. nov. are best defined by the removal of the other praefrontals and frontoparietals small or absent. Body two subgenera as done here and furthermore by more or less elongate; limbs more or less developed or removal of species within closely related genera as absent. done below. Amphiglossus is separated from Madascincus Brygoo, Species within the genus Sloppyscincus gen. nov. have 1981 by having 4-7 teeth on each side versus 8-11 in until now been treated as being within the genus Madascincus (as commonly defined to date, e.g. Amphiglossus Duméril and Bibron, 1839. Miralles and Vences 2013, Pyron et al. 2013), including the genera formally defined herein, Cummingscincea The genus Sloppyscincus gen. nov. is however gen. nov., Rubercaudata gen. nov. and Gracilescincus separated from all other similar species including gen. nov. all of which have until now been treated as Amphiglossus by the following suite of characters: within Madascincus by authors including Miralles and Pentadactyle limbs, 24-28 or 38 midbody rows, 44-52 Vences (2013) and Pyron et al. 2013. presacral vertebrae; snout bluntly rounded in both lateral The subgenus of Amphiglossus, Brygooscincus subgen. and medial aspect; rostral band-like with dorsomedial nov. (type species Scelotes tsaratananensis Brygoo, edge gently posteriorly concave; supranasals in contact; 1981) is separated from all other similar species by the frontonasal wider than long; prefrontals absent; frontal combination of having 36 presacral vertebrae, 26 constricted anteriorly by first supraocular, that is, frontal midbody rows and 72-82 scales along the belly. hourglass-shaped; supraoculars four, first constricting The genus Pygomeles Grandidier, 1867 is separated Hoser 2015 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 28:1-64 and 29:65-128. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved Australasian Journal of Herpetology 81

from Amphiglossus by the lack of a postnasal and as a labial. The praefrontals and frontoparietals are usually probable consequence, the supranasal contacts the fused. Lower eyelid scaly; Colouration is all brown on supralabials, as well as no forelimbs and reduced hind the top with a slightly darker band on the flanks, framed limb, a small eye and a shovel-shaped head. by two small lighter stripes and mainly creamish white One of these species, which has 48 or more presacral upper labials (subgenus Leucolabialus subgen. nov.). vertebrae, namely Pygomeles trivittatus Boulenger, The genus Clarascincus gen. nov. is separated from all 1896 is the type species of the genus Androngo Brygoo, other similar species by the following suite of 1982, and this is herein treated as a subgenus within characters: Pygomeles. Very similar in many respects to members of the genus Voeltzkowia Boettger, 1893 is currently composed of Crottyscincus gen. nov., from which it differs in having three completely limbless species (V. lineata, V. mira shorter limbs. In Clarascincus gen. nov. the fore limb and V. rubrocaudata), and two species with very reaches the ear, or not quite as far, versus noticeably rudimentary hindlimbs (V. petiti and V. fierinensis), the further than the ear in Crottyscincus gen. nov.. The latter two herein placed in a subgenus Grandidierina limb’s length in Clarascincus gen. nov. is slightly less Brygoo, 1981 on the basis of the presence of than that of the head. Colouration is usually brown rudimentary hindlimbs. This subgenus have species that above, scales edged with darker; sides sometimes are eyeless and earless with no forelimbs but small, brown-dotted; belly brownish white, lower surface of tail reduced, styliform hindlimbs that have 2 digits. The frequently dark brown. Limbs pentadactyle. 22-32 nominate subgenus has eyeless, limbless, earless midbody rows. species. The subgenus Comoroscincus subgen. nov. is The genus Madascincus Brygoo, 1981, as defined separated from the nominate subgenus Clarascincus within this paper is separated from other similar genera subgen. nov. by having 30-32 midbody scale rows, by their small adult size of less than 80 mm snout-vent versus 22-28. length, 29-30 presacral vertebrae (a relatively low The genus Crottyscincus gen. nov. is separated from all number), both pairs of limbs are pentadactyle; there is a other similar species by the following suite of postnasal shield between the supranasal and the first characters: All limbs pentadactyle. The fore-limb, labial. No praefrontals or frontoparietals. Lower eyelid stretched forwards, reaches beyond the ear. 28 to 30 scaly. 24 midbody scale rows. midbody rows, those of the two vertebral series much The genus Pseudoacontias Bocage, 1889 is broader than the others and being the only genus with 8 characterised by being limbless, with small eye, angular nuchals. snout and with no ear openings visible. The genus Oxyscincus gen. nov. is separated from all The genus Rubercaudatus gen. nov. is separated from other similar species by the following suite of the other similar genera by the following suite of characters: One or other of the following four: characters: Both pairs of limbs present and all 1/ All limbs pentadactyle, the fore limb, stretched pentadactyle; a postnasal shield between the forwards, reaches beyond the ear. supranasal and the first labial; no praefrontals or 26 to 28 scales round the body of equal size (subgenus frontoparietals. Lower eyelid with an undivided Rubercollumus subgen. nov.); or: transparent disk. 24 midbody scale rows; interparietal 2/ All limbs pentadactyle, the fore limb, stretched narrower than the frontal. forwards, reaches beyond the ear. 28-30 midbody rows The genus Cummingscincea gen. nov. is separated round the body of equal size. Colouration dorsally is from the other similar genera by the following suite of dark brown with small circular yellow spots on the head, characters: one or other of the following three: body and tail which are largest on the anterior half of the 1/ Both pairs of limbs present; a postnasal shield body. The tail on the underside is pink and unspotted between the supranasal and the first labial. Limbs (subgenus Roseacaudatus subgen. nov.); or: pentadactyle. No praefrontals nor frontoparietals. Lower 3/ 22 midbody rows, all of the same size; 64-69 scales eyelid scaly. 30 midbody scale rows (subgenus along the belly (mental to anal); 30-31 presacral Cummingscincea subgen. nov.), or: vertebrae; 17-20 lamellae under the fourth toe of the 2/ Loreal not extending ventrally to supralabial row; hind foot; dorsal colouration is pale brown with each separation of loreal from supralabial row by contact scale on the body, limbs and tail marked with a single between postnasal and enlarged presubocular instead brown spot; the head is longitudinally striped with stripes of by contact between postnasal and preocular; scales running down to the shoulders or full length of the body; between lower secondary temporal and ear opening two a central pair of dark brown stripes which diverge at the instead three; longitudinal scale rows at mid-body 20 snout tip run back through the supraoculars and onto and subdigital lamellae on fourth digit of pes 6±9 instead the shoulders and may continue down the lower back; a of 5 (subgenus Gracilescincus subgen. nov.), or: second lateral stripe runs along the upper labials, 3/ Both pairs of limbs are pentadactyle with 8-11 through the eye and onto the neck; before fading lamellae under the fourth finger; 16-20 lamellae under (subgenus Oxyscincus subgen. nov.); or: the fourth toe; 63-66 ventral scale rows; 60-65 4/ 28-32 midbody rows, all of the same size; 62-72 paraventral rows; 28-30 longitudunal rows at the mid scales along the belly (mental to anal); 17-20 lamellae body; one row (only) of enlarged nuchal scales; under the fourth toe of the hind foot; brown dorsally,

Hoser 2015 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 28:1-64 and 29:65-128. postnasal present between the supranasal and the first each scale with the edges darker; nape and anterior part Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved 82 Australasian Journal of Herpetology of back with interrupted dark brown cross bands; belly Palatine bones in contact on the median line of the whitish (subgenus Oxyscincus subgen. nov.). palate, which is toothless. Teeth conical. Eyelids Distribution: Northern Madagascar. developed. Ear distinct or hidden. Nostril pierced Etymology: See for genus. between the rostral and a very small nasal, which may be reduced to a narrow ring; supranasals present; Content: Sloppyscincus (Sloppyscincus) mandokava praefrontals and frontoparietals small or absent. Body (Raxworthy and Nussbaum, 1993) (type species); more or less elongate; limbs more or less developed or S. (Sloppyscincus) tanysoma (Andreone and Greer, absent. 2002). Amphiglossus is separated from Madascincus Brygoo, SUBGENUS COMMENDATSCINCUS SUBGEN. NOV. 1981 by having 4-7 teeth on each side versus 8-11 in Type species: Scelotes elongatus Angel, 1933. Madascincus (as commonly defined to date, e.g. Diagnosis: Species within the genus Sloppyscincus Miralles and Vences 2013, Pyron et al. 2013), including gen. nov. have until now been treated as being within the genera formally defined herein, Cummingscincea the genus Amphiglossus Duméril and Bibron, 1839. gen. nov., Rubercaudata gen. nov. and Gracilescincus The genus Sloppyscincus gen. nov. is however gen. nov. all of which have until now been treated as separated from all other similar species including within Madascincus by authors including Miralles and Amphiglossus by the following suite of characters: Vences (2013) and Pyron et al. 2013. Pentadactyle limbs, 24-28 or 38 midbody rows, 44-52 The subgenus of Amphiglossus, Brygooscincus subgen. presacral vertebrae; snout bluntly rounded in both lateral nov. (type species Scelotes tsaratananensis Brygoo, and medial aspect; rostral band-like with dorsomedial 1981) is separated from all other similar species by the edge gently posteriorly concave; supranasals in contact; combination of having 36 presacral vertebrae, 26 frontonasal wider than long; prefrontals absent; frontal midbody rows and 72-82 scales along the belly. constricted anteriorly by first supraocular, that is, frontal The genus Pygomeles Grandidier, 1867 is separated hourglass-shaped; supraoculars four, first constricting from Amphiglossus by the lack of a postnasal and as a frontal, all contacting frontal; frontoparietals absent; probable consequence, the supranasal contacts the interparietal present, well separated from supraoculars; supralabials, as well as no forelimbs and reduced hind parietal eyespot present; parietals in contact posterior to limb, a small eye and a shovel-shaped head. interparietal; nuchals 2/2 ± 2/3. The nostril is not One of these species, which has 48 or more presacral positioned centrally above the first upper labial as seen vertebrae, namely Pygomeles trivittatus Boulenger, in members of the genus Amphiglossus. 1896 is the type species of the genus Androngo Brygoo, The subgenus Commendatscincus subgen. nov. 1982, and this is herein treated as a subgenus within includes three species included in the genus Androngo, Pygomeles. Brygoo, 1982 until removed by Andreone and Greer in Voeltzkowia Boettger, 1893 is currently composed of 2002, when they placed them back into Amphiglossus. three completely limbless species (V. lineata, V. mira They are within a newly named subgenus and V. rubrocaudata), and two species with very Commendatscincus subgen. nov. defined and rudimentary hindlimbs (V. petiti and V. fierinensis), the diagnosed and separated from other similar species by latter two herein placed in a subgenus Grandidierina the following suite of characters: More than 48 presacral Brygoo, 1981 on the basis of the presence of vertebrae, the presence of a postnasal and the rudimentary hindlimbs. This subgenus have species that supranasal does not contact the supralabials. are eyeless and earless with no forelimbs but small, The species described as Amphiglossus stylus reduced, styliform hindlimbs that have 2 digits. The Andreone and Greer, 2002 is herein placed in a new nominate subgenus has eyeless, limbless, earless monotypic subgenus within Sloppyscincus gen. nov. species. defined herein. The subgenus Degenerescincus The genus Madascincus Brygoo, 1981, as defined subgen. nov. is diagnosed and separated from all similar within this paper is separated from other similar genera species by the following set of characters: having the by their small adult size of less than 80 mm snout-vent front and rear limbs reduced to a minute, clawless nub length, 29-30 presacral vertebrae (a relatively low and style, respectively. It is also the only skink to have in number), both pairs of limbs are pentadactyle; there is a combination: the absence an external ear opening and postnasal shield between the supranasal and the first both the front and rear limbs reduced to small clawless labial. No praefrontals or frontoparietals. Lower eyelid stubs. scaly. 24 midbody scale rows. Amphiglossus sensu lato and Amphiglossus as defined The genus Pseudoacontias Bocage, 1889 is herein is defined as Malagasy scincinae species that characterised by being limbless, with small eye, angular lack the reduction of the head scales, the loss of an snout and with no ear openings visible. external ear opening, increased number of presacral The genus Rubercaudatus gen. nov. is separated from vertebrae, and the strong reduction of the limbs and the other similar genera by the following suite of attenuation of the body that characterize to various characters: Both pairs of limbs present and all degrees all the other non-lygosomine genera of pentadactyle; a postnasal shield between the Malagasy skinks. supranasal and the first labial; no praefrontals or In common with other skink genera this genus has the frontoparietals. Lower eyelid with an undivided following suite of characters: Hoser 2015 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 28:1-64 and 29:65-128. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved Australasian Journal of Herpetology 83

transparent disk. 24 midbody scale rows; interparietal Rubercollumus subgen. nov.); or: narrower than the frontal. 2/ All limbs pentadactyle, the fore limb, stretched The genus Cummingscincea gen. nov. is separated forwards, reaches beyond the ear. 28-30 midbody rows from the other similar genera by the following suite of round the body of equal size. Colouration dorsally is characters: one or other of the following three: dark brown with small circular yellow spots on the head, 1/ Both pairs of limbs present; a postnasal shield body and tail which are largest on the anterior half of the between the supranasal and the first labial. Limbs body. The tail on the underside is pink and unspotted pentadactyle. No praefrontals nor frontoparietals. Lower (subgenus Roseacaudatus subgen. nov.); or: eyelid scaly. 30 midbody scale rows (subgenus 3/ 22 midbody rows, all of the same size; 64-69 scales Cummingscincea subgen. nov.), or: along the belly (mental to anal); 30-31 presacral 2/ Loreal not extending ventrally to supralabial row; vertebrae; 17-20 lamellae under the fourth toe of the separation of loreal from supralabial row by contact hind foot; dorsal colouration is pale brown with each between postnasal and enlarged presubocular instead scale on the body, limbs and tail marked with a single of by contact between postnasal and preocular; scales brown spot; the head is longitudinally striped with stripes between lower secondary temporal and ear opening two running down to the shoulders or full length of the body; instead three; longitudinal scale rows at mid-body 20 a central pair of dark brown stripes which diverge at the and subdigital lamellae on fourth digit of pes 6±9 instead snout tip run back through the supraoculars and onto of 5 (subgenus Gracilescincus subgen. nov.), or: the shoulders and may continue down the lower back; a 3/ Both pairs of limbs are pentadactyle with 8-11 second lateral stripe runs along the upper labials, lamellae under the fourth finger; 16-20 lamellae under through the eye and onto the neck; before fading the fourth toe; 63-66 ventral scale rows; 60-65 (subgenus Oxyscincus subgen. nov.); or: paraventral rows; 28-30 longitudunal rows at the mid 4/ 28-32 midbody rows, all of the same size; 62-72 body; one row (only) of enlarged nuchal scales; scales along the belly (mental to anal); 17-20 lamellae postnasal present between the supranasal and the first under the fourth toe of the hind foot; brown dorsally, labial. The praefrontals and frontoparietals are usually each scale with the edges darker; nape and anterior part fused. Lower eyelid scaly; Colouration is all brown on of back with interrupted dark brown cross bands; belly the top with a slightly darker band on the flanks, framed whitish (subgenus Oxyscincus subgen. nov.). by two small lighter stripes and mainly creamish white Distribution: Northern Madagascar. upper labials (subgenus Leucolabialus subgen. nov.). Etymology: Named in reflection of the moderate size of The genus Clarascincus gen. nov. is separated from all the relevant skinks as compared to similar species other similar species by the following suite of within the tribe. The second part of the genus name characters: reflects that the lizards are skinks. Very similar in many respects to members of the genus Content: Sloppyscincus (Commendatscincus) Crottyscincus gen. nov., from which it differs in having elongatus (Angel, 1933) (type species); S. shorter limbs. In Clarascincus gen. nov. the fore limb (Commendatscincus) alluaudi (Brygoo, 1981); S. reaches the ear, or not quite as far, versus noticeably (Commendatscincus) crenni (Mocquard, 1906). further than the ear in Crottyscincus gen. nov.. The SUBGENUS DEGENERESCINCUS GEN. NOV. limb’s length in Clarascincus gen. nov. is slightly less Type species: Amphiglossus stylus Andreone and than that of the head. Colouration is usually brown Greer, 2002. above, scales edged with darker; sides sometimes Diagnosis: The species described as Amphiglossus brown-dotted; belly brownish white, lower surface of tail stylus Andreone and Greer, 2002 is herein placed in a frequently dark brown. Limbs pentadactyle. 22-32 new monotypic subgenus within Sloppyscincus gen. midbody rows. nov. defined herein. The subgenus Degenerescincus The subgenus Comoroscincus subgen. nov. is subgen. nov. is diagnosed and separated from all similar separated from the nominate subgenus Clarascincus species by the following set of characters: having the subgen. nov. by having 30-32 midbody scale rows, front and rear limbs reduced to a minute, clawless nub versus 22-28. and style, respectively. It is also the only skink to have in The genus Crottyscincus gen. nov. is separated from all combination: the absence an external ear opening and other similar species by the following suite of both the front and rear limbs reduced to small clawless characters: All limbs pentadactyle. The fore-limb, stubs. stretched forwards, reaches beyond the ear. 28 to 30 The genus Sloppyscincus gen. nov. is separated from midbody rows, those of the two vertebral series much all other similar species by the following suite of broader than the others and being the only genus with 8 characters: nuchals. Pentadactyle limbs, 24-28 or 38 midbody rows, 44-52 The genus Oxyscincus gen. nov. is separated from all presacral vertebrae; snout bluntly rounded in both lateral other similar species by the following suite of and medial aspect; rostral band-like with dorsomedial characters: One or other of the following four: edge gently posteriorly concave; supranasals in contact; 1/ All limbs pentadactyle, the fore limb, stretched frontonasal wider than long; prefrontals absent; frontal forwards, reaches beyond the ear. constricted anteriorly by first supraocular, that is, frontal 26 to 28 scales round the body of equal size (subgenus hourglass-shaped; supraoculars four, first constricting

Hoser 2015 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 28:1-64 and 29:65-128. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved 84 Australasian Journal of Herpetology frontal, all contacting frontal; frontoparietals absent; 1981) is separated from all other similar species by the interparietal present, well separated from supraoculars; combination of having 36 presacral vertebrae, 26 parietal eyespot present; parietals in contact posterior to midbody rows and 72-82 scales along the belly. interparietal; nuchals 2/2 ± 2/3. The nostril is not Voeltzkowia Boettger, 1893 is currently composed of positioned centrally above the first upper labial as seen three completely limbless species (V. lineata, V. mira in members of the genus Amphiglossus. and V. rubrocaudata), and two species with very The subgenus Commendatscincus subgen. nov. rudimentary hindlimbs (V. petiti and V. fierinensis), the includes three species included in the genus Androngo, latter two herein placed in a subgenus Grandidierina Brygoo, 1982 until removed by Andreone and Greer in Brygoo, 1981 on the basis of the presence of 2002, when they placed them back into Amphiglossus. rudimentary hindlimbs. This subgenus have species that They are within a newly named subgenus are eyeless and earless with no forelimbs but small, Commendatscincus subgen. nov. defined and reduced, styliform hindlimbs that have 2 digits. The diagnosed and separated from other similar species by nominate subgenus has eyeless, limbless, earless the following suite of characters: More than 48 presacral species. vertebrae, the presence of a postnasal and the The genus Madascincus Brygoo, 1981, as defined supranasal does not contact the supralabials. within this paper is separated from other similar genera The genus Pygomeles Grandidier, 1867 is separated by their small adult size of less than 80 mm snout-vent from Amphiglossus by the lack of a postnasal and as a length, 29-30 presacral vertebrae (a relatively low probable consequence, the supranasal contacts the number), both pairs of limbs are pentadactyle; there is a supralabials, as well as no forelimbs and reduced hind postnasal shield between the supranasal and the first limb, a small eye and a shovel-shaped head. labial. No praefrontals or frontoparietals. Lower eyelid One of these species, which has 48 or more presacral scaly. 24 midbody scale rows. vertebrae, namely Pygomeles trivittatus Boulenger, The genus Pseudoacontias Bocage, 1889 is 1896 is the type species of the genus Androngo Brygoo, characterised by being limbless, with small eye, angular 1982, and this is herein treated as a subgenus within snout and with no ear openings visible. Pygomeles. The genus Rubercaudatus gen. nov. is separated from Elsewhere (including in the accounts elsewhere in this the other similar genera by the following suite of paper) that species is treated as monotypic for characters: Both pairs of limbs present and all Androngo, and containing two subspecies, however they pentadactyle; a postnasal shield between the are almost certainly in fact full species, these being supranasal and the first labial; no praefrontals or Pygomeles (Androngo) trivittatus Boulenger, 1896 and frontoparietals. Lower eyelid with an undivided P. ( Androngo) trilineatus (Angel, 1942). transparent disk. 24 midbody scale rows; interparietal Amphiglossus sensu lato and Amphiglossus as defined narrower than the frontal. herein is defined as Malagasy scincinae species that The genus Cummingscincea gen. nov. is separated lack the reduction of the head scales, the loss of an from the other similar genera by the following suite of external ear opening, increased number of presacral characters: one or other of the following three: vertebrae, and the strong reduction of the limbs and 1/ Both pairs of limbs present; a postnasal shield attenuation of the body that characterize to various between the supranasal and the first labial. Limbs degrees all the other non-lygosomine genera of pentadactyle. No praefrontals nor frontoparietals. Lower Malagasy skinks. eyelid scaly. 30 midbody scale rows (subgenus In common with other skink genera this genus has the Cummingscincea subgen. nov.), or: following suite of characters: 2/ Loreal not extending ventrally to supralabial row; Palatine bones in contact on the median line of the separation of loreal from supralabial row by contact palate, which is toothless. Teeth conical. Eyelids between postnasal and enlarged presubocular instead developed. Ear distinct or hidden. Nostril pierced of by contact between postnasal and preocular; scales between the rostral and a very small nasal, which may between lower secondary temporal and ear opening two be reduced to a narrow ring; supranasals present; instead three; longitudinal scale rows at mid-body 20 praefrontals and frontoparietals small or absent. Body and subdigital lamellae on fourth digit of pes 6±9 instead more or less elongate; limbs more or less developed or of 5 (subgenus Gracilescincus subgen. nov.), or: absent. 3/ Both pairs of limbs are pentadactyle with 8-11 Amphiglossus is separated from Madascincus Brygoo, lamellae under the fourth finger; 16-20 lamellae under 1981 by having 4-7 teeth on each side versus 8-11 in the fourth toe; 63-66 ventral scale rows; 60-65 Madascincus (as commonly defined to date, e.g. paraventral rows; 28-30 longitudunal rows at the mid Miralles and Vences 2013, Pyron et al. 2013), including body; one row (only) of enlarged nuchal scales; the genera formally defined herein, Cummingscincea postnasal present between the supranasal and the first gen. nov., Rubercaudata gen. nov. and Gracilescincus labial. The praefrontals and frontoparietals are usually gen. nov. all of which have until now been treated as fused. Lower eyelid scaly; Colouration is all brown on within Madascincus by authors including Miralles and the top with a slightly darker band on the flanks, framed Vences (2013) and Pyron et al. 2013. by two small lighter stripes and mainly creamish white The subgenus of Amphiglossus, Brygooscincus subgen. upper labials (subgenus Leucolabialus subgen. nov.). nov. (type species Scelotes tsaratananensis Brygoo, The genus Clarascincus gen. nov. is separated from all Hoser 2015 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 28:1-64 and 29:65-128. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved Australasian Journal of Herpetology 85

other similar species by the following suite of an external ear opening and both the front and rear characters: limbs reduced to small clawless stubs) and that it is a Very similar in many respects to members of the genus skink. Crottyscincus gen. nov., from which it differs in having Content: Sloppyscincus (Degenerescincus) stylus shorter limbs. In Clarascincus gen. nov. the fore limb (Andreone and Greer, 2002) (monotypic). reaches the ear, or not quite as far, versus noticeably GENUS CLARASCINCUS GEN. NOV. further than the ear in Crottyscincus gen. nov.. The Type species: Sepsina ornaticeps Boulenger, 1896. limb’s length in Clarascincus gen. nov. is slightly less Diagnosis: The genus Clarascincus gen. nov. is than that of the head. Colouration is usually brown separated from all other similar species by the following above, scales edged with darker; sides sometimes suite of characters: brown-dotted; belly brownish white, lower surface of tail frequently dark brown. Limbs pentadactyle. 22-32 Very similar in many respects to members of the genus midbody rows. Crottyscincus gen. nov., from which it differs in having shorter limbs. In Clarascincus gen. nov. the fore limb The subgenus Comoroscincus subgen. nov. is reaches the ear, or not quite as far, versus noticeably separated from the nominate subgenus Clarascincus further than the ear in Crottyscincus gen. nov.. The subgen. nov. by having 30-32 midbody scale rows, limb’s length in Clarascincus gen. nov. is slightly less versus 22-28. than that of the head. Colouration is usually brown The genus Crottyscincus gen. nov. is separated from all above, scales edged with darker; sides sometimes other similar species by the following suite of brown-dotted; belly brownish white, lower surface of tail characters: All limbs pentadactyle. The fore-limb, frequently dark brown. Limbs pentadactyle. 22-32 stretched forwards, reaches beyond the ear. 28 to 30 midbody rows. midbody rows, those of the two vertebral series much The subgenus Comoroscincus subgen. nov. is broader than the others and being the only genus with 8 separated from the nominate subgenus Clarascincus nuchals. subgen. nov. by having 30-32 midbody scale rows, The genus Oxyscincus gen. nov. is separated from all versus 22-28. other similar species by the following suite of The genus Crottyscincus gen. nov. is separated from all characters: One or other of the following four: other similar species by the following suite of 1/ All limbs pentadactyle, the fore limb, stretched characters: All limbs pentadactyle. The fore-limb, forwards, reaches beyond the ear. stretched forwards, reaches beyond the ear. 28 to 30 26 to 28 scales round the body of equal size (subgenus midbody rows, those of the two vertebral series much Rubercollumus subgen. nov.); or: broader than the others and being the only genus with 8 2/ All limbs pentadactyle, the fore limb, stretched nuchals. forwards, reaches beyond the ear. 28-30 midbody rows Amphiglossus sensu lato and Amphiglossus as defined round the body of equal size. Colouration dorsally is herein is defined as Malagasy scincinae species that dark brown with small circular yellow spots on the head, lack the reduction of the head scales, the loss of an body and tail which are largest on the anterior half of the external ear opening, increased number of presacral body. The tail on the underside is pink and unspotted vertebrae, and the strong reduction of the limbs and (subgenus Roseacaudatus subgen. nov.); or: attenuation of the body that characterize to various 3/ 22 midbody rows, all of the same size; 64-69 scales degrees all the other non-lygosomine genera of along the belly (mental to anal); 30-31 presacral Malagasy skinks. vertebrae; 17-20 lamellae under the fourth toe of the In common with other skink genera this genus has the hind foot; dorsal colouration is pale brown with each following suite of characters: scale on the body, limbs and tail marked with a single Palatine bones in contact on the median line of the brown spot; the head is longitudinally striped with stripes palate, which is toothless. Teeth conical. Eyelids running down to the shoulders or full length of the body; developed. Ear distinct or hidden. Nostril pierced a central pair of dark brown stripes which diverge at the between the rostral and a very small nasal, which may snout tip run back through the supraoculars and onto be reduced to a narrow ring; supranasals present; the shoulders and may continue down the lower back; a praefrontals and frontoparietals small or absent. Body second lateral stripe runs along the upper labials, more or less elongate; limbs more or less developed or through the eye and onto the neck; before fading absent. (subgenus Oxyscincus subgen. nov.); or: Amphiglossus is separated from Madascincus Brygoo, 4/ 28-32 midbody rows, all of the same size; 62-72 1981 by having 4-7 teeth on each side versus 8-11 in scales along the belly (mental to anal); 17-20 lamellae Madascincus (as commonly defined to date, e.g. under the fourth toe of the hind foot; brown dorsally, Miralles and Vences 2013, Pyron et al. 2013), including each scale with the edges darker; nape and anterior part the genera formally defined herein, Cummingscincea of back with interrupted dark brown cross bands; belly gen. nov., Rubercaudata gen. nov. and Gracilescincus whitish (subgenus Oxyscincus subgen. nov.). gen. nov. all of which have until now been treated as Distribution: North-east Madagascar. within Madascincus by authors including Miralles and Etymology: Named in reflection of the fact that the Vences (2013) and Pyron et al. 2013. taxon is somewhat degenerate (including the absence The subgenus of Amphiglossus, Brygooscincus subgen. Hoser 2015 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 28:1-64 and 29:65-128. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved 86 Australasian Journal of Herpetology nov. (type species Scelotes tsaratananensis Brygoo, 3/ Both pairs of limbs are pentadactyle with 8-11 1981) is separated from all other similar species by the lamellae under the fourth finger; 16-20 lamellae under combination of having 36 presacral vertebrae, 26 the fourth toe; 63-66 ventral scale rows; 60-65 midbody rows and 72-82 scales along the belly. paraventral rows; 28-30 longitudunal rows at the mid The genus Pygomeles Grandidier, 1867 is separated body; one row (only) of enlarged nuchal scales; from Amphiglossus by the lack of a postnasal and as a postnasal present between the supranasal and the first probable consequence, the supranasal contacts the labial. The praefrontals and frontoparietals are usually supralabials, as well as no forelimbs and reduced hind fused. Lower eyelid scaly; Colouration is all brown on limb, a small eye and a shovel-shaped head. the top with a slightly darker band on the flanks, framed One of these species, which has 48 or more presacral by two small lighter stripes and mainly creamish white vertebrae, namely Pygomeles trivittatus Boulenger, upper labials (subgenus Leucolabialus subgen. nov.). 1896 is the type species of the genus Androngo Brygoo, The genus Sloppyscincus gen. nov. is separated from 1982, and this is herein treated as a subgenus within all other similar species by the following suite of Pygomeles. characters: Voeltzkowia Boettger, 1893 is currently composed of Pentadactyle limbs, 24-28 or 38 midbody rows, 44-52 three completely limbless species (V. lineata, V. mira presacral vertebrae; snout bluntly rounded in both lateral and V. rubrocaudata), and two species with very and medial aspect; rostral band-like with dorsomedial rudimentary hindlimbs (V. petiti and V. fierinensis), the edge gently posteriorly concave; supranasals in contact; latter two herein placed in a subgenus Grandidierina frontonasal wider than long; prefrontals absent; frontal Brygoo, 1981 on the basis of the presence of constricted anteriorly by first supraocular, that is, frontal rudimentary hindlimbs. This subgenus have species that hourglass-shaped; supraoculars four, first constricting are eyeless and earless with no forelimbs but small, frontal, all contacting frontal; frontoparietals absent; reduced, styliform hindlimbs that have 2 digits. The interparietal present, well separated from supraoculars; nominate subgenus has eyeless, limbless, earless parietal eyespot present; parietals in contact posterior to species. interparietal; nuchals 2/2 ± 2/3. The nostril is not The genus Madascincus Brygoo, 1981, as defined positioned centrally above the first upper labial as seen within this paper is separated from other similar genera in members of the genus Amphiglossus. by their small adult size of less than 80 mm snout-vent The subgenus Commendatscincus subgen. nov. length, 29-30 presacral vertebrae (a relatively low includes three species included in the genus Androngo, number), both pairs of limbs are pentadactyle; there is a Brygoo, 1982 until removed by Andreone and Greer in postnasal shield between the supranasal and the first 2002, when they placed them back into Amphiglossus. labial. No praefrontals or frontoparietals. Lower eyelid They are within a newly named subgenus scaly. 24 midbody scale rows. Commendatscincus subgen. nov. defined and The genus Pseudoacontias Bocage, 1889 is diagnosed and separated from other similar species by characterised by being limbless, with small eye, angular the following suite of characters: More than 48 presacral snout and with no ear openings visible. vertebrae, the presence of a postnasal and the supranasal does not contact the supralabials. The genus Rubercaudatus gen. nov. is separated from the other similar genera by the following suite of The species described as Amphiglossus stylus characters: Both pairs of limbs present and all Andreone and Greer, 2002 is herein placed in a new pentadactyle; a postnasal shield between the monotypic subgenus within Sloppyscincus gen. nov. supranasal and the first labial; no praefrontals or defined herein. The subgenus Degenerescincus frontoparietals. Lower eyelid with an undivided subgen. nov. is diagnosed and separated from all similar transparent disk. 24 midbody scale rows; interparietal species by the following set of characters: having the narrower than the frontal. front and rear limbs reduced to a minute, clawless nub and style, respectively. It is also the only skink to have in The genus Cummingscincea gen. nov. is separated combination: the absence an external ear opening and from the other similar genera by the following suite of both the front and rear limbs reduced to small clawless characters: one or other of the following three: stubs. 1/ Both pairs of limbs present; a postnasal shield The genus Oxyscincus gen. nov. is separated from all between the supranasal and the first labial. Limbs other similar species by the following suite of pentadactyle. No praefrontals nor frontoparietals. Lower characters: One or other of the following four: eyelid scaly. 30 midbody scale rows (subgenus Cummingscincea subgen. nov.), or: 1/ All limbs pentadactyle, the fore limb, stretched forwards, reaches beyond the ear. 2/ Loreal not extending ventrally to supralabial row; separation of loreal from supralabial row by contact 26 to 28 scales round the body of equal size (subgenus between postnasal and enlarged presubocular instead Rubercollumus subgen. nov.); or: of by contact between postnasal and preocular; scales 2/ All limbs pentadactyle, the fore limb, stretched between lower secondary temporal and ear opening two forwards, reaches beyond the ear. 28-30 midbody rows instead three; longitudinal scale rows at mid-body 20 round the body of equal size. Colouration dorsally is and subdigital lamellae on fourth digit of pes 6±9 instead dark brown with small circular yellow spots on the head, of 5 (subgenus Gracilescincus subgen. nov.), or: body and tail which are largest on the anterior half of the

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body. The tail on the underside is pink and unspotted lack the reduction of the head scales, the loss of an (subgenus Roseacaudatus subgen. nov.); or: external ear opening, increased number of presacral 3/ 22 midbody rows, all of the same size; 64-69 scales vertebrae, and the strong reduction of the limbs and along the belly (mental to anal); 30-31 presacral attenuation of the body that characterize to various vertebrae; 17-20 lamellae under the fourth toe of the degrees all the other non-lygosomine genera of hind foot; dorsal colouration is pale brown with each Malagasy skinks. scale on the body, limbs and tail marked with a single In common with other skink genera this genus has the brown spot; the head is longitudinally striped with stripes following suite of characters: running down to the shoulders or full length of the body; Palatine bones in contact on the median line of the a central pair of dark brown stripes which diverge at the palate, which is toothless. Teeth conical. Eyelids snout tip run back through the supraoculars and onto developed. Ear distinct or hidden. Nostril pierced the shoulders and may continue down the lower back; a between the rostral and a very small nasal, which may second lateral stripe runs along the upper labials, be reduced to a narrow ring; supranasals present; through the eye and onto the neck; before fading praefrontals and frontoparietals small or absent. Body (subgenus Oxyscincus subgen. nov.); or: more or less elongate; limbs more or less developed or 4/ 28-32 midbody rows, all of the same size; 62-72 absent. scales along the belly (mental to anal); 17-20 lamellae Amphiglossus is separated from Madascincus Brygoo, under the fourth toe of the hind foot; brown dorsally, 1981 by having 4-7 teeth on each side versus 8-11 in each scale with the edges darker; nape and anterior part Madascincus (as commonly defined to date, e.g. of back with interrupted dark brown cross bands; belly Miralles and Vences 2013, Pyron et al. 2013), including whitish (subgenus Oxyscincus subgen. nov.). the genera formally defined herein, Cummingscincea Distribution: Madagascar and nearby island groups to gen. nov., Rubercaudata gen. nov. and Gracilescincus the north-west and north-east of Madagascar, these gen. nov. all of which have until now been treated as being the Comoros Islands (North-west) and Glorioso within Madascincus by authors including Miralles and Island (north-east). Vences (2013) and Pyron et al. 2013. Etymology: Named in reflection of the bright colour of The subgenus of Amphiglossus, Brygooscincus subgen. the lizard and the fact that it is a skink. nov. (type species Scelotes tsaratananensis Brygoo, Content: Clarascincus ornaticeps (Boulenger, 1896) 1981) is separated from all other similar species by the (type species); C. johannae (Günther, 1880); C. combination of having 36 presacral vertebrae, 26 melanurus (Günther, 1877); C. valhallae (Boulenger, midbody rows and 72-82 scales along the belly. 1909). The genus Pygomeles Grandidier, 1867 is separated SUBGENUS COMOROSCINCUS SUBGEN. NOV. from Amphiglossus by the lack of a postnasal and as a Type species: Gongylus johannae Günther, 1880. probable consequence, the supranasal contacts the supralabials, as well as no forelimbs and reduced hind Diagnosis: The subgenus Comoroscincus subgen. nov. limb, a small eye and a shovel-shaped head. is separated from the nominate subgenus Clarascincus subgen. nov. by having 30-32 midbody scale rows, One of these species, which has 48 or more presacral versus 22-28. vertebrae, namely Pygomeles trivittatus Boulenger, 1896 is the type species of the genus Androngo Brygoo, The genus Clarascincus gen. nov. is separated from all 1982, and this is herein treated as a subgenus within other similar species by the following suite of Pygomeles. characters: Voeltzkowia Boettger, 1893 is currently composed of Very similar in many respects to members of the genus three completely limbless species (V. lineata, V. mira Crottyscincus gen. nov., from which it differs in having and V. rubrocaudata), and two species with very shorter limbs. In Clarascincus gen. nov. the fore limb rudimentary hindlimbs (V. petiti and V. fierinensis), the reaches the ear, or not quite as far, versus noticeably latter two herein placed in a subgenus Grandidierina further than the ear in Crottyscincus gen. nov.. The Brygoo, 1981 on the basis of the presence of limb’s length in Clarascincus gen. nov. is slightly less rudimentary hindlimbs. This subgenus have species that than that of the head. Colouration is usually brown are eyeless and earless with no forelimbs but small, above, scales edged with darker; sides sometimes reduced, styliform hindlimbs that have 2 digits. The brown-dotted; belly brownish white, lower surface of tail nominate subgenus has eyeless, limbless, earless frequently dark brown. Limbs pentadactyle. 22-32 species. midbody rows. The genus Madascincus Brygoo, 1981, as defined The genus Crottyscincus gen. nov. is separated from all within this paper is separated from other similar genera other similar species by the following suite of by their small adult size of less than 80 mm snout-vent characters: All limbs pentadactyle. The fore-limb, length, 29-30 presacral vertebrae (a relatively low stretched forwards, reaches beyond the ear. 28 to 30 number), both pairs of limbs are pentadactyle; there is a midbody rows, those of the two vertebral series much postnasal shield between the supranasal and the first broader than the others and being the only genus with 8 labial. No praefrontals or frontoparietals. Lower eyelid nuchals. scaly. 24 midbody scale rows. Amphiglossus sensu lato and Amphiglossus as defined The genus Pseudoacontias Bocage, 1889 is herein is defined as Malagasy scincinae species that Hoser 2015 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 28:1-64 and 29:65-128. characterised by being limbless, with small eye, angular Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved 88 Australasian Journal of Herpetology snout and with no ear openings visible. supranasal does not contact the supralabials. The genus Rubercaudatus gen. nov. is separated from The species described as Amphiglossus stylus the other similar genera by the following suite of Andreone and Greer, 2002 is herein placed in a new characters: Both pairs of limbs present and all monotypic subgenus within Sloppyscincus gen. nov. pentadactyle; a postnasal shield between the defined herein. The subgenus Degenerescincus supranasal and the first labial; no praefrontals or subgen. nov. is diagnosed and separated from all similar frontoparietals. Lower eyelid with an undivided species by the following set of characters: having the transparent disk. 24 midbody scale rows; interparietal front and rear limbs reduced to a minute, clawless nub narrower than the frontal. and style, respectively. It is also the only skink to have in The genus Cummingscincea gen. nov. is separated combination: the absence an external ear opening and from the other similar genera by the following suite of both the front and rear limbs reduced to small clawless characters: one or other of the following three: stubs. 1/ Both pairs of limbs present; a postnasal shield The genus Oxyscincus gen. nov. is separated from all between the supranasal and the first labial. Limbs other similar species by the following suite of pentadactyle. No praefrontals nor frontoparietals. Lower characters: One or other of the following four: eyelid scaly. 30 midbody scale rows (subgenus 1/ All limbs pentadactyle, the fore limb, stretched Cummingscincea subgen. nov.), or: forwards, reaches beyond the ear. 2/ Loreal not extending ventrally to supralabial row; 26 to 28 scales round the body of equal size (subgenus separation of loreal from supralabial row by contact Rubercollumus subgen. nov.); or: between postnasal and enlarged presubocular instead 2/ All limbs pentadactyle, the fore limb, stretched of by contact between postnasal and preocular; scales forwards, reaches beyond the ear. 28-30 midbody rows between lower secondary temporal and ear opening two round the body of equal size. Colouration dorsally is instead three; longitudinal scale rows at mid-body 20 dark brown with small circular yellow spots on the head, and subdigital lamellae on fourth digit of pes 6±9 instead body and tail which are largest on the anterior half of the of 5 (subgenus Gracilescincus subgen. nov.), or: body. The tail on the underside is pink and unspotted 3/ Both pairs of limbs are pentadactyle with 8-11 (subgenus Roseacaudatus subgen. nov.); or: lamellae under the fourth finger; 16-20 lamellae under 3/ 22 midbody rows, all of the same size; 64-69 scales the fourth toe; 63-66 ventral scale rows; 60-65 along the belly (mental to anal); 30-31 presacral paraventral rows; 28-30 longitudunal rows at the mid vertebrae; 17-20 lamellae under the fourth toe of the body; one row (only) of enlarged nuchal scales; hind foot; dorsal colouration is pale brown with each postnasal present between the supranasal and the first scale on the body, limbs and tail marked with a single labial. The praefrontals and frontoparietals are usually brown spot; the head is longitudinally striped with stripes fused. Lower eyelid scaly; Colouration is all brown on running down to the shoulders or full length of the body; the top with a slightly darker band on the flanks, framed a central pair of dark brown stripes which diverge at the by two small lighter stripes and mainly creamish white snout tip run back through the supraoculars and onto upper labials (subgenus Leucolabialus subgen. nov.). the shoulders and may continue down the lower back; a The genus Sloppyscincus gen. nov. is separated from second lateral stripe runs along the upper labials, all other similar species by the following suite of through the eye and onto the neck; before fading characters: (subgenus Oxyscincus subgen. nov.); or: Pentadactyle limbs, 24-28 or 38 midbody rows, 44-52 4/ 28-32 midbody rows, all of the same size; 62-72 presacral vertebrae; snout bluntly rounded in both lateral scales along the belly (mental to anal); 17-20 lamellae and medial aspect; rostral band-like with dorsomedial under the fourth toe of the hind foot; brown dorsally, edge gently posteriorly concave; supranasals in contact; each scale with the edges darker; nape and anterior part frontonasal wider than long; prefrontals absent; frontal of back with interrupted dark brown cross bands; belly constricted anteriorly by first supraocular, that is, frontal whitish (subgenus Oxyscincus subgen. nov.). hourglass-shaped; supraoculars four, first constricting Distribution: Comoros Islands (North-west of frontal, all contacting frontal; frontoparietals absent; Madagascar). interparietal present, well separated from supraoculars; Etymology: Named in reflection of the location the parietal eyespot present; parietals in contact posterior to taxon comes from and the fact that it is a skink. interparietal; nuchals 2/2 ± 2/3. The nostril is not Content: Clarascincus (Comoroscincus) johannae positioned centrally above the first upper labial as seen (Günther, 1880) (monotypic). in members of the genus Amphiglossus. SUBGENUS CLARASCINCUS SUBGEN. NOV. The subgenus Commendatscincus subgen. nov. includes three species included in the genus Androngo, Type species: Sepsina ornaticeps Boulenger, 1896. Brygoo, 1982 until removed by Andreone and Greer in Diagnosis: The genus Clarascincus gen. nov. is 2002, when they placed them back into Amphiglossus. separated from all other similar species by the following They are within a newly named subgenus suite of characters: Commendatscincus subgen. nov. defined and Very similar in many respects to members of the genus diagnosed and separated from other similar species by Crottyscincus gen. nov., from which it differs in having the following suite of characters: More than 48 presacral shorter limbs. In Clarascincus gen. nov. the fore limb vertebrae, the presence of a postnasal and the reaches the ear, or not quite as far, versus noticeably Hoser 2015 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 28:1-64 and 29:65-128. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved Australasian Journal of Herpetology 89

further than the ear in Crottyscincus gen. nov.. The Voeltzkowia Boettger, 1893 is currently composed of limb’s length in Clarascincus gen. nov. is slightly less three completely limbless species (V. lineata, V. mira than that of the head. Colouration is usually brown and V. rubrocaudata), and two species with very above, scales edged with darker; sides sometimes rudimentary hindlimbs (V. petiti and V. fierinensis), the brown-dotted; belly brownish white, lower surface of tail latter two herein placed in a subgenus Grandidierina frequently dark brown. Limbs pentadactyle. 22-32 Brygoo, 1981 on the basis of the presence of midbody rows. rudimentary hindlimbs. This subgenus have species that The other subgenus in this genus, subgenus are eyeless and earless with no forelimbs but small, Comoroscincus subgen. nov. is separated from the reduced, styliform hindlimbs that have 2 digits. The nominate subgenus Clarascincus subgen. nov. by nominate subgenus has eyeless, limbless, earless having 30-32 midbody scale rows, versus 22-28. species. The genus Crottyscincus gen. nov. is separated from all The genus Madascincus Brygoo, 1981, as defined other similar species by the following suite of within this paper is separated from other similar genera characters: All limbs pentadactyle. The fore-limb, by their small adult size of less than 80 mm snout-vent stretched forwards, reaches beyond the ear. 28 to 30 length, 29-30 presacral vertebrae (a relatively low midbody rows, those of the two vertebral series much number), both pairs of limbs are pentadactyle; there is a broader than the others and being the only genus with 8 postnasal shield between the supranasal and the first nuchals. labial. No praefrontals or frontoparietals. Lower eyelid Amphiglossus sensu lato and Amphiglossus as defined scaly. 24 midbody scale rows. herein is defined as Malagasy scincinae species that The genus Pseudoacontias Bocage, 1889 is lack the reduction of the head scales, the loss of an characterised by being limbless, with small eye, angular external ear opening, increased number of presacral snout and with no ear openings visible. vertebrae, and the strong reduction of the limbs and The genus Rubercaudatus gen. nov. is separated from attenuation of the body that characterize to various the other similar genera by the following suite of degrees all the other non-lygosomine genera of characters: Both pairs of limbs present and all Malagasy skinks. pentadactyle; a postnasal shield between the In common with other skink genera this genus has the supranasal and the first labial; no praefrontals or following suite of characters: frontoparietals. Lower eyelid with an undivided Palatine bones in contact on the median line of the transparent disk. 24 midbody scale rows; interparietal palate, which is toothless. Teeth conical. Eyelids narrower than the frontal. developed. Ear distinct or hidden. Nostril pierced The genus Cummingscincea gen. nov. is separated between the rostral and a very small nasal, which may from the other similar genera by the following suite of be reduced to a narrow ring; supranasals present; characters: one or other of the following three: praefrontals and frontoparietals small or absent. Body 1/ Both pairs of limbs present; a postnasal shield more or less elongate; limbs more or less developed or between the supranasal and the first labial. Limbs absent. pentadactyle. No praefrontals nor frontoparietals. Lower Amphiglossus is separated from Madascincus Brygoo, eyelid scaly. 30 midbody scale rows (subgenus 1981 by having 4-7 teeth on each side versus 8-11 in Cummingscincea subgen. nov.), or: Madascincus (as commonly defined to date, e.g. 2/ Loreal not extending ventrally to supralabial row; Miralles and Vences 2013, Pyron et al. 2013), including separation of loreal from supralabial row by contact the genera formally defined herein, Cummingscincea between postnasal and enlarged presubocular instead gen. nov., Rubercaudata gen. nov. and Gracilescincus of by contact between postnasal and preocular; scales gen. nov. all of which have until now been treated as between lower secondary temporal and ear opening two within Madascincus by authors including Miralles and instead three; longitudinal scale rows at mid-body 20 Vences (2013) and Pyron et al. 2013. and subdigital lamellae on fourth digit of pes 6±9 instead The subgenus of Amphiglossus, Brygooscincus subgen. of 5 (subgenus Gracilescincus subgen. nov.), or: nov. (type species Scelotes tsaratananensis Brygoo, 3/ Both pairs of limbs are pentadactyle with 8-11 1981) is separated from all other similar species by the lamellae under the fourth finger; 16-20 lamellae under combination of having 36 presacral vertebrae, 26 the fourth toe; 63-66 ventral scale rows; 60-65 midbody rows and 72-82 scales along the belly. paraventral rows; 28-30 longitudunal rows at the mid The genus Pygomeles Grandidier, 1867 is separated body; one row (only) of enlarged nuchal scales; from Amphiglossus by the lack of a postnasal and as a postnasal present between the supranasal and the first probable consequence, the supranasal contacts the labial. The praefrontals and frontoparietals are usually supralabials, as well as no forelimbs and reduced hind fused. Lower eyelid scaly; Colouration is all brown on limb, a small eye and a shovel-shaped head. the top with a slightly darker band on the flanks, framed One of these species, which has 48 or more presacral by two small lighter stripes and mainly creamish white vertebrae, namely Pygomeles trivittatus Boulenger, upper labials (subgenus Leucolabialus subgen. nov.). 1896 is the type species of the genus Androngo Brygoo, The genus Sloppyscincus gen. nov. is separated from 1982, and this is herein treated as a subgenus within all other similar species by the following suite of Pygomeles. characters:

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Pentadactyle limbs, 24-28 or 38 midbody rows, 44-52 4/ 28-32 midbody rows, all of the same size; 62-72 presacral vertebrae; snout bluntly rounded in both lateral scales along the belly (mental to anal); 17-20 lamellae and medial aspect; rostral band-like with dorsomedial under the fourth toe of the hind foot; brown dorsally, edge gently posteriorly concave; supranasals in contact; each scale with the edges darker; nape and anterior part frontonasal wider than long; prefrontals absent; frontal of back with interrupted dark brown cross bands; belly constricted anteriorly by first supraocular, that is, frontal whitish (subgenus Oxyscincus subgen. nov.). hourglass-shaped; supraoculars four, first constricting Distribution: Madagascar and nearby island groups to frontal, all contacting frontal; frontoparietals absent; the north-east of Madagascar, this including Glorioso interparietal present, well separated from supraoculars; Island (north-east). parietal eyespot present; parietals in contact posterior to Etymology: Named in reflection of the bright colour of interparietal; nuchals 2/2 ± 2/3. The nostril is not the lizard and the fact that it is a skink. positioned centrally above the first upper labial as seen Content: Clarascincus (Clarascincus) ornaticeps in members of the genus Amphiglossus. (Boulenger, 1896) (type species); C. (Clarascincus) The subgenus Commendatscincus subgen. nov. melanurus (Günther, 1877); C. (Clarascincus) valhallae includes three species included in the genus Androngo, (Boulenger, 1909). Brygoo, 1982 until removed by Andreone and Greer in GENUS CROTTYSCINCUS GEN. NOV. 2002, when they placed them back into Amphiglossus. They are within a newly named subgenus Type species: Gongylus splendidus Grandidier, 1872. Commendatscincus subgen. nov. defined and Diagnosis: The genus Crottyscincus gen. nov. is diagnosed and separated from other similar species by separated from all other similar species by the following the following suite of characters: More than 48 presacral suite of characters: All limbs pentadactyle. The fore- vertebrae, the presence of a postnasal and the limb, stretched forwards, reaches beyond the ear. 28 to supranasal does not contact the supralabials. 30 midbody rows, those of the two vertebral series much The species described as Amphiglossus stylus broader than the others and being the only genus with 8 Andreone and Greer, 2002 is herein placed in a new nuchals. monotypic subgenus within Sloppyscincus gen. nov. The genus Clarascincus gen. nov. is separated from all defined herein. The subgenus Degenerescincus other similar species by the following suite of subgen. nov. is diagnosed and separated from all similar characters: species by the following set of characters: having the Very similar in many respects to members of the genus front and rear limbs reduced to a minute, clawless nub Crottyscincus gen. nov., from which it differs in having and style, respectively. It is also the only skink to have in shorter limbs. In Clarascincus gen. nov. the fore limb combination: the absence an external ear opening and reaches the ear, or not quite as far, versus noticeably both the front and rear limbs reduced to small clawless further than the ear in Crottyscincus gen. nov.. The stubs. limb’s length in Clarascincus gen. nov. is slightly less The genus Oxyscincus gen. nov. is separated from all than that of the head. Colouration is usually brown other similar species by the following suite of above, scales edged with darker; sides sometimes characters: One or other of the following four: brown-dotted; belly brownish white, lower surface of tail 1/ All limbs pentadactyle, the fore limb, stretched frequently dark brown. Limbs pentadactyle. 22-32 forwards, reaches beyond the ear. 26 to 28 scales round midbody rows. the body of equal size (subgenus Rubercollumus The subgenus Comoroscincus subgen. nov. within subgen. nov.); or: Clarascincus gen. nov. is separated from the nominate 2/ All limbs pentadactyle, the fore limb, stretched subgenus by having 30-32 midbody scale rows, versus forwards, reaches beyond the ear. 28-30 midbody rows 22-28. round the body of equal size. Colouration dorsally is Amphiglossus sensu lato and Amphiglossus as defined dark brown with small circular yellow spots on the head, herein is defined as Malagasy scincinae species that body and tail which are largest on the anterior half of the lack the reduction of the head scales, the loss of an body. The tail on the underside is pink and unspotted external ear opening, increased number of presacral (subgenus Roseacaudatus subgen. nov.); or: vertebrae, and the strong reduction of the limbs and 3/ 22 midbody rows, all of the same size; 64-69 scales attenuation of the body that characterize to various along the belly (mental to anal); 30-31 presacral degrees all the other non-lygosomine genera of vertebrae; 17-20 lamellae under the fourth toe of the Malagasy skinks. hind foot; dorsal colouration is pale brown with each In common with other skink genera this genus has the scale on the body, limbs and tail marked with a single following suite of characters: brown spot; the head is longitudinally striped with stripes Palatine bones in contact on the median line of the running down to the shoulders or full length of the body; palate, which is toothless. Teeth conical. Eyelids a central pair of dark brown stripes which diverge at the developed. Ear distinct or hidden. Nostril pierced snout tip run back through the supraoculars and onto between the rostral and a very small nasal, which may the shoulders and may continue down the lower back; a be reduced to a narrow ring; supranasals present; second lateral stripe runs along the upper labials, praefrontals and frontoparietals small or absent. Body through the eye and onto the neck; before fading more or less elongate; limbs more or less developed or (subgenus Oxyscincus subgen. nov.); or: absent.

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Amphiglossus is separated from Madascincus Brygoo, eyelid scaly. 30 midbody scale rows (subgenus 1981 by having 4-7 teeth on each side versus 8-11 in Cummingscincea subgen. nov.), or: Madascincus (as commonly defined to date, e.g. 2/ Loreal not extending ventrally to supralabial row; Miralles and Vences 2013, Pyron et al. 2013), including separation of loreal from supralabial row by contact the genera formally defined herein, Cummingscincea between postnasal and enlarged presubocular instead gen. nov., Rubercaudata gen. nov. and Gracilescincus of by contact between postnasal and preocular; scales gen. nov. all of which have until now been treated as between lower secondary temporal and ear opening two within Madascincus by authors including Miralles and instead three; longitudinal scale rows at mid-body 20 Vences (2013) and Pyron et al. 2013. and subdigital lamellae on fourth digit of pes 6±9 instead The subgenus of Amphiglossus, Brygooscincus subgen. of 5 (subgenus Gracilescincus subgen. nov.), or: nov. (type species Scelotes tsaratananensis Brygoo, 3/ Both pairs of limbs are pentadactyle with 8-11 1981) is separated from all other similar species by the lamellae under the fourth finger; 16-20 lamellae under combination of having 36 presacral vertebrae, 26 the fourth toe; 63-66 ventral scale rows; 60-65 midbody rows and 72-82 scales along the belly. paraventral rows; 28-30 longitudunal rows at the mid The genus Pygomeles Grandidier, 1867 is separated body; one row (only) of enlarged nuchal scales; from Amphiglossus by the lack of a postnasal and as a postnasal present between the supranasal and the first probable consequence, the supranasal contacts the labial. The praefrontals and frontoparietals are usually supralabials, as well as no forelimbs and reduced hind fused. Lower eyelid scaly; Colouration is all brown on limb, a small eye and a shovel-shaped head. the top with a slightly darker band on the flanks, framed One of these species, which has 48 or more presacral by two small lighter stripes and mainly creamish white vertebrae, namely Pygomeles trivittatus Boulenger, upper labials (subgenus Leucolabialus subgen. nov.). 1896 is the type species of the genus Androngo Brygoo, The genus Sloppyscincus gen. nov. is separated from 1982, and this is herein treated as a subgenus within all other similar species by the following suite of Pygomeles. characters: Voeltzkowia Boettger, 1893 is currently composed of Pentadactyle limbs, 24-28 or 38 midbody rows, 44-52 three completely limbless species (V. lineata, V. mira presacral vertebrae; snout bluntly rounded in both lateral and V. rubrocaudata), and two species with very and medial aspect; rostral band-like with dorsomedial rudimentary hindlimbs (V. petiti and V. fierinensis), the edge gently posteriorly concave; supranasals in contact; latter two herein placed in a subgenus Grandidierina frontonasal wider than long; prefrontals absent; frontal Brygoo, 1981 on the basis of the presence of constricted anteriorly by first supraocular, that is, frontal rudimentary hindlimbs. This subgenus have species that hourglass-shaped; supraoculars four, first constricting are eyeless and earless with no forelimbs but small, frontal, all contacting frontal; frontoparietals absent; reduced, styliform hindlimbs that have 2 digits. The interparietal present, well separated from supraoculars; nominate subgenus has eyeless, limbless, earless parietal eyespot present; parietals in contact posterior to species. interparietal; nuchals 2/2 ± 2/3. The nostril is not The genus Madascincus Brygoo, 1981, as defined positioned centrally above the first upper labial as seen within this paper is separated from other similar genera in members of the genus Amphiglossus. by their small adult size of less than 80 mm snout-vent The subgenus Commendatscincus subgen. nov. length, 29-30 presacral vertebrae (a relatively low includes three species included in the genus Androngo, number), both pairs of limbs are pentadactyle; there is a Brygoo, 1982 until removed by Andreone and Greer in postnasal shield between the supranasal and the first 2002, when they placed them back into Amphiglossus. labial. No praefrontals or frontoparietals. Lower eyelid They are within a newly named subgenus scaly. 24 midbody scale rows. Commendatscincus subgen. nov. defined and The genus Pseudoacontias Bocage, 1889 is diagnosed and separated from other similar species by characterised by being limbless, with small eye, angular the following suite of characters: More than 48 presacral snout and with no ear openings visible. vertebrae, the presence of a postnasal and the The genus Rubercaudatus gen. nov. is separated from supranasal does not contact the supralabials. the other similar genera by the following suite of The species described as Amphiglossus stylus characters: Both pairs of limbs present and all Andreone and Greer, 2002 is herein placed in a new pentadactyle; a postnasal shield between the monotypic subgenus within Sloppyscincus gen. nov. supranasal and the first labial; no praefrontals or defined herein. The subgenus Degenerescincus frontoparietals. Lower eyelid with an undivided subgen. nov. is diagnosed and separated from all similar transparent disk. 24 midbody scale rows; interparietal species by the following set of characters: having the narrower than the frontal. front and rear limbs reduced to a minute, clawless nub The genus Cummingscincea gen. nov. is separated and style, respectively. It is also the only skink to have in from the other similar genera by the following suite of combination: the absence an external ear opening and characters: one or other of the following three: both the front and rear limbs reduced to small clawless stubs. 1/ Both pairs of limbs present; a postnasal shield between the supranasal and the first labial. Limbs The genus Oxyscincus gen. nov. is separated from all pentadactyle. No praefrontals nor frontoparietals. Lower other similar species by the following suite of characters: One or other of the following four: Hoser 2015 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 28:1-64 and 29:65-128. 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1/ All limbs pentadactyle, the fore limb, stretched scale on the body, limbs and tail marked with a single forwards, reaches beyond the ear. 26 to 28 scales round brown spot; the head is longitudinally striped with stripes the body of equal size (subgenus Rubercollumus running down to the shoulders or full length of the body; subgen. nov.); or: a central pair of dark brown stripes which diverge at the 2/ All limbs pentadactyle, the fore limb, stretched snout tip run back through the supraoculars and onto forwards, reaches beyond the ear. 28-30 midbody rows the shoulders and may continue down the lower back; a round the body of equal size. Colouration dorsally is second lateral stripe runs along the upper labials, dark brown with small circular yellow spots on the head, through the eye and onto the neck; before fading body and tail which are largest on the anterior half of the (subgenus Oxyscincus subgen. nov.); or: body. The tail on the underside is pink and unspotted 4/ 28-32 midbody rows, all of the same size; 62-72 (subgenus Roseacaudatus subgen. nov.); or: scales along the belly (mental to anal); 17-20 lamellae 3/ 22 midbody rows, all of the same size; 64-69 scales under the fourth toe of the hind foot; brown dorsally, along the belly (mental to anal); 30-31 presacral each scale with the edges darker; nape and anterior part vertebrae; 17-20 lamellae under the fourth toe of the of back with interrupted dark brown cross bands; belly hind foot; dorsal colouration is pale brown with each whitish (subgenus Oxyscincus subgen. nov.). scale on the body, limbs and tail marked with a single Amphiglossus sensu lato and Amphiglossus as defined brown spot; the head is longitudinally striped with stripes herein is defined as Malagasy scincinae species that running down to the shoulders or full length of the body; lack the reduction of the head scales, the loss of an a central pair of dark brown stripes which diverge at the external ear opening, increased number of presacral snout tip run back through the supraoculars and onto vertebrae, and the strong reduction of the limbs and the shoulders and may continue down the lower back; a attenuation of the body that characterize to various second lateral stripe runs along the upper labials, degrees all the other non-lygosomine genera of through the eye and onto the neck; before fading Malagasy skinks. (subgenus Oxyscincus subgen. nov.); or: In common with other skink genera this genus has the 4/ 28-32 midbody rows, all of the same size; 62-72 following suite of characters: scales along the belly (mental to anal); 17-20 lamellae Palatine bones in contact on the median line of the under the fourth toe of the hind foot; brown dorsally, palate, which is toothless. Teeth conical. Eyelids each scale with the edges darker; nape and anterior part developed. Ear distinct or hidden. Nostril pierced of back with interrupted dark brown cross bands; belly between the rostral and a very small nasal, which may whitish (subgenus Oxyscincus subgen. nov.). be reduced to a narrow ring; supranasals present; Distribution: South-east Madagascar. praefrontals and frontoparietals small or absent. Body Etymology: Named in honour of a Great Dane cross more or less elongate; limbs more or less developed or Rottweiller, named “Crotalus” (Crotty), who was born in absent. May 1989 and lived for nearly 13 years and guarded the Amphiglossus is separated from Madascincus Brygoo, Hoser property in that period. Crotalus Linnaeus, 1758 1981 by having 4-7 teeth on each side versus 8-11 in is a genus of American Rattlesnake (pitviper). The latter Madascincus (as commonly defined to date, e.g. part of the genus name reflects that the lizard is a skink. Miralles and Vences 2013, Pyron et al. 2013), including Content: Crottyscincus splendidus (Grandidier, 1872) the genera formally defined herein, Cummingscincea (monotypic). gen. nov., Rubercaudata gen. nov. and Gracilescincus GENUS OXYSCINCUS GEN. NOV. gen. nov. all of which have until now been treated as within Madascincus by authors including Miralles and Type species: Sepsina frontoparietalis Boulenger, Vences (2013) and Pyron et al. 2013. 1889. The subgenus of Amphiglossus, Brygooscincus subgen. Diagnosis: The genus Oxyscincus gen. nov. is nov. (type species Scelotes tsaratananensis Brygoo, separated from all other similar species by the following 1981) is separated from all other similar species by the suite of characters: One or other of the following four: combination of having 36 presacral vertebrae, 26 1/ All limbs pentadactyle, the fore limb, stretched midbody rows and 72-82 scales along the belly. forwards, reaches beyond the ear. The genus Pygomeles Grandidier, 1867 is separated 26 to 28 scales round the body of equal size (subgenus from Amphiglossus by the lack of a postnasal and as a Rubercollumus subgen. nov.); or: probable consequence, the supranasal contacts the 2/ All limbs pentadactyle, the fore limb, stretched supralabials, as well as no forelimbs and reduced hind forwards, reaches beyond the ear. 28-30 midbody rows limb, a small eye and a shovel-shaped head. round the body of equal size. Colouration dorsally is One of these species, which has 48 or more presacral dark brown with small circular yellow spots on the head, vertebrae, namely Pygomeles trivittatus Boulenger, body and tail which are largest on the anterior half of the 1896 is the type species of the genus Androngo Brygoo, body. The tail on the underside is pink and unspotted 1982, and this is herein treated as a subgenus within (subgenus Roseacaudatus subgen. nov.); or: Pygomeles. 3/ 22 midbody rows, all of the same size; 64-69 scales Voeltzkowia Boettger, 1893 is currently composed of along the belly (mental to anal); 30-31 presacral three completely limbless species (V. lineata, V. mira vertebrae; 17-20 lamellae under the fourth toe of the and V. rubrocaudata), and two species with very hind foot; dorsal colouration is pale brown with each Hoser 2015 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 28:1-64 and 29:65-128. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved Australasian Journal of Herpetology 93

rudimentary hindlimbs (V. petiti and V. fierinensis), the edge gently posteriorly concave; supranasals in contact; latter two herein placed in a subgenus Grandidierina frontonasal wider than long; prefrontals absent; frontal Brygoo, 1981 on the basis of the presence of constricted anteriorly by first supraocular, that is, frontal rudimentary hindlimbs. This subgenus have species that hourglass-shaped; supraoculars four, first constricting are eyeless and earless with no forelimbs but small, frontal, all contacting frontal; frontoparietals absent; reduced, styliform hindlimbs that have 2 digits. The interparietal present, well separated from supraoculars; nominate subgenus has eyeless, limbless, earless parietal eyespot present; parietals in contact posterior to species. interparietal; nuchals 2/2 ± 2/3. The nostril is not The genus Madascincus Brygoo, 1981, as defined positioned centrally above the first upper labial as seen within this paper is separated from other similar genera in members of the genus Amphiglossus. by their small adult size of less than 80 mm snout-vent The subgenus Commendatscincus subgen. nov. length, 29-30 presacral vertebrae (a relatively low includes three species included in the genus Androngo, number), both pairs of limbs are pentadactyle; there is a Brygoo, 1982 until removed by Andreone and Greer in postnasal shield between the supranasal and the first 2002, when they placed them back into Amphiglossus. labial. No praefrontals or frontoparietals. Lower eyelid They are within a newly named subgenus scaly. 24 midbody scale rows. Commendatscincus subgen. nov. defined and The genus Pseudoacontias Bocage, 1889 is diagnosed and separated from other similar species by characterised by being limbless, with small eye, angular the following suite of characters: More than 48 presacral snout and with no ear openings visible. vertebrae, the presence of a postnasal and the The genus Rubercaudatus gen. nov. is separated from supranasal does not contact the supralabials. the other similar genera by the following suite of The species described as Amphiglossus stylus characters: Both pairs of limbs present and all Andreone and Greer, 2002 is herein placed in a new pentadactyle; a postnasal shield between the monotypic subgenus within Sloppyscincus gen. nov. supranasal and the first labial; no praefrontals or defined herein. The subgenus Degenerescincus frontoparietals. Lower eyelid with an undivided subgen. nov. is diagnosed and separated from all similar transparent disk. 24 midbody scale rows; interparietal species by the following set of characters: having the narrower than the frontal. front and rear limbs reduced to a minute, clawless nub The genus Cummingscincea gen. nov. is separated and style, respectively. It is also the only skink to have in from the other similar genera by the following suite of combination: the absence an external ear opening and characters: one or other of the following three: both the front and rear limbs reduced to small clawless stubs. 1/ Both pairs of limbs present; a postnasal shield between the supranasal and the first labial. Limbs The genus Clarascincus gen. nov. is separated from all pentadactyle. No praefrontals nor frontoparietals. Lower other similar species by the following suite of eyelid scaly. 30 midbody scale rows (subgenus characters: Cummingscincea subgen. nov.), or: Very similar in many respects to members of the genus 2/ Loreal not extending ventrally to supralabial row; Crottyscincus gen. nov., from which it differs in having separation of loreal from supralabial row by contact shorter limbs. In Clarascincus gen. nov. the fore limb between postnasal and enlarged presubocular instead reaches the ear, or not quite as far, versus noticeably of by contact between postnasal and preocular; scales further than the ear in Crottyscincus gen. nov.. The between lower secondary temporal and ear opening two limb’s length in Clarascincus gen. nov. is slightly less instead three; longitudinal scale rows at mid-body 20 than that of the head. Colouration is usually brown and subdigital lamellae on fourth digit of pes 6±9 instead above, scales edged with darker; sides sometimes of 5 (subgenus Gracilescincus subgen. nov.), or: brown-dotted; belly brownish white, lower surface of tail frequently dark brown. Limbs pentadactyle. 22-32 3/ Both pairs of limbs are pentadactyle with 8-11 midbody rows. lamellae under the fourth finger; 16-20 lamellae under the fourth toe; 63-66 ventral scale rows; 60-65 The subgenus Comoroscincus subgen. nov. is paraventral rows; 28-30 longitudunal rows at the mid separated from the nominate subgenus Clarascincus body; one row (only) of enlarged nuchal scales; subgen. nov. by having 30-32 midbody scale rows, postnasal present between the supranasal and the first versus 22-28. labial. The praefrontals and frontoparietals are usually The genus Crottyscincus gen. nov. is separated from all fused. Lower eyelid scaly; Colouration is all brown on other similar species by the following suite of the top with a slightly darker band on the flanks, framed characters: All limbs pentadactyle. The fore-limb, by two small lighter stripes and mainly creamish white stretched forwards, reaches beyond the ear. 28 to 30 upper labials (subgenus Leucolabialus subgen. nov.). midbody rows, those of the two vertebral series much The genus Sloppyscincus gen. nov. is separated from broader than the others and being the only genus with 8 all other similar species by the following suite of nuchals. characters: Distribution: Eastern Madagascar and nearby areas. Pentadactyle limbs, 24-28 or 38 midbody rows, 44-52 Etymology: Named in honour of a pure-bred Great presacral vertebrae; snout bluntly rounded in both lateral Dane, named “Oxyuranus” (named Oxy as a shortened and medial aspect; rostral band-like with dorsomedial version), who died in 2012 at age 8 from heart failure,

Hoser 2015 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 28:1-64 and 29:65-128. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved 94 Australasian Journal of Herpetology who loyally guarded the Hoser residence for the following suite of characters: previous 8 years and worked with Snakebusters, Palatine bones in contact on the median line of the Australia’s best reptiles shows in animal education for palate, which is toothless. Teeth conical. Eyelids school-aged children. developed. Ear distinct or hidden. Nostril pierced Oxyuranus Kinghorn, 1923 is a genus of Australian between the rostral and a very small nasal, which may elapid snake. The latter part of the genus name reflects be reduced to a narrow ring; supranasals present; that the lizard is a skink. praefrontals and frontoparietals small or absent. Body Content: Oxyscincus frontoparietalis (Boulenger, 1889) more or less elongate; limbs more or less developed or (type species); O. anosyensis (Raxworthy and absent. Nussbaum, 1993); O. decaryi (Angel, 1930); O. Amphiglossus is separated from Madascincus Brygoo, gastrostictus (O’Shaughnessy, 1879); O. macrocercus 1981 by having 4-7 teeth on each side versus 8-11 in (Günther, 1882); O. punctatus (Raxworthy and Madascincus (as commonly defined to date, e.g. Nussbaum, 1993). Miralles and Vences 2013, Pyron et al. 2013), including SUBGENUS OXYSCINCUS SUBGEN. NOV. the genera formally defined herein, Cummingscincea Type species: Sepsina frontoparietalis Boulenger, gen. nov., Rubercaudata gen. nov. and Gracilescincus 1889. gen. nov. all of which have until now been treated as within Madascincus by authors including Miralles and Diagnosis: The subgenus is defined within a wider Vences (2013) and Pyron et al. 2013. generic description below. The subgenus of Amphiglossus, Brygooscincus subgen. The genus Oxyscincus gen. nov. is separated from all nov. (type species Scelotes tsaratananensis Brygoo, other similar species by the following suite of 1981) is separated from all other similar species by the characters: One or other of the following four: combination of having 36 presacral vertebrae, 26 1/ All limbs pentadactyle, the fore limb, stretched midbody rows and 72-82 scales along the belly. forwards, reaches beyond the ear. The genus Pygomeles Grandidier, 1867 is separated 26 to 28 scales round the body of equal size (subgenus from Amphiglossus by the lack of a postnasal and as a Rubercollumus subgen. nov.); or: probable consequence, the supranasal contacts the 2/ All limbs pentadactyle, the fore limb, stretched supralabials, as well as no forelimbs and reduced hind forwards, reaches beyond the ear. 28-30 midbody rows limb, a small eye and a shovel-shaped head. round the body of equal size. Colouration dorsally is One of these species, which has 48 or more presacral dark brown with small circular yellow spots on the head, vertebrae, namely Pygomeles trivittatus Boulenger, body and tail which are largest on the anterior half of the 1896 is the type species of the genus Androngo Brygoo, body. The tail on the underside is pink and unspotted 1982, and this is herein treated as a subgenus within (subgenus Roseacaudatus subgen. nov.); or: Pygomeles. 3/ 22 midbody rows, all of the same size; 64-69 scales Voeltzkowia Boettger, 1893 is currently composed of along the belly (mental to anal); 30-31 presacral three completely limbless species (V. lineata, V. mira vertebrae; 17-20 lamellae under the fourth toe of the and V. rubrocaudata), and two species with very hind foot; dorsal colouration is pale brown with each rudimentary hindlimbs (V. petiti and V. fierinensis), the scale on the body, limbs and tail marked with a single latter two herein placed in a subgenus Grandidierina brown spot; the head is longitudinally striped with stripes Brygoo, 1981 on the basis of the presence of running down to the shoulders or full length of the body; rudimentary hindlimbs. This subgenus have species that a central pair of dark brown stripes which diverge at the are eyeless and earless with no forelimbs but small, snout tip run back through the supraoculars and onto reduced, styliform hindlimbs that have 2 digits. The the shoulders and may continue down the lower back; a nominate subgenus has eyeless, limbless, earless second lateral stripe runs along the upper labials, species. through the eye and onto the neck; before fading The genus Madascincus Brygoo, 1981, as defined (subgenus Oxyscincus subgen. nov.); or: within this paper is separated from other similar genera 4/ 28-32 midbody rows, all of the same size; 62-72 by their small adult size of less than 80 mm snout-vent scales along the belly (mental to anal); 17-20 lamellae length, 29-30 presacral vertebrae (a relatively low under the fourth toe of the hind foot; brown dorsally, number), both pairs of limbs are pentadactyle; there is a each scale with the edges darker; nape and anterior part postnasal shield between the supranasal and the first of back with interrupted dark brown cross bands; belly labial. No praefrontals or frontoparietals. Lower eyelid whitish (subgenus Oxyscincus subgen. nov.). scaly. 24 midbody scale rows. Amphiglossus sensu lato and Amphiglossus as defined The genus Pseudoacontias Bocage, 1889 is herein is defined as Malagasy scincinae species that characterised by being limbless, with small eye, angular lack the reduction of the head scales, the loss of an snout and with no ear openings visible. external ear opening, increased number of presacral The genus Rubercaudatus gen. nov. is separated from vertebrae, and the strong reduction of the limbs and the other similar genera by the following suite of attenuation of the body that characterize to various characters: Both pairs of limbs present and all degrees all the other non-lygosomine genera of pentadactyle; a postnasal shield between the Malagasy skinks. supranasal and the first labial; no praefrontals or In common with other skink genera this genus has the Hoser 2015 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 28:1-64 and 29:65-128. 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frontoparietals. Lower eyelid with an undivided subgen. nov. is diagnosed and separated from all similar transparent disk. 24 midbody scale rows; interparietal species by the following set of characters: having the narrower than the frontal. front and rear limbs reduced to a minute, clawless nub The genus Cummingscincea gen. nov. is separated and style, respectively. It is also the only skink to have in from the other similar genera by the following suite of combination: the absence an external ear opening and characters: one or other of the following three: both the front and rear limbs reduced to small clawless 1/ Both pairs of limbs present; a postnasal shield stubs. between the supranasal and the first labial. Limbs The genus Clarascincus gen. nov. is separated from all pentadactyle. No praefrontals nor frontoparietals. Lower other similar species by the following suite of eyelid scaly. 30 midbody scale rows (subgenus characters: Cummingscincea subgen. nov.), or: Very similar in many respects to members of the genus 2/ Loreal not extending ventrally to supralabial row; Crottyscincus gen. nov., from which it differs in having separation of loreal from supralabial row by contact shorter limbs. In Clarascincus gen. nov. the fore limb between postnasal and enlarged presubocular instead reaches the ear, or not quite as far, versus noticeably of by contact between postnasal and preocular; scales further than the ear in Crottyscincus gen. nov.. The between lower secondary temporal and ear opening two limb’s length in Clarascincus gen. nov. is slightly less instead three; longitudinal scale rows at mid-body 20 than that of the head. Colouration is usually brown and subdigital lamellae on fourth digit of pes 6±9 instead above, scales edged with darker; sides sometimes of 5 (subgenus Gracilescincus subgen. nov.), or: brown-dotted; belly brownish white, lower surface of tail 3/ Both pairs of limbs are pentadactyle with 8-11 frequently dark brown. Limbs pentadactyle. 22-32 lamellae under the fourth finger; 16-20 lamellae under midbody rows. the fourth toe; 63-66 ventral scale rows; 60-65 The subgenus Comoroscincus subgen. nov. is paraventral rows; 28-30 longitudunal rows at the mid separated from the nominate subgenus Clarascincus body; one row (only) of enlarged nuchal scales; subgen. nov. by having 30-32 midbody scale rows, postnasal present between the supranasal and the first versus 22-28. labial. The praefrontals and frontoparietals are usually The genus Crottyscincus gen. nov. is separated from all fused. Lower eyelid scaly; Colouration is all brown on other similar species by the following suite of the top with a slightly darker band on the flanks, framed characters: All limbs pentadactyle. The fore-limb, by two small lighter stripes and mainly creamish white stretched forwards, reaches beyond the ear. 28 to 30 upper labials (subgenus Leucolabialus subgen. nov.). midbody rows, those of the two vertebral series much The genus Sloppyscincus gen. nov. is separated from broader than the others and being the only genus with 8 all other similar species by the following suite of nuchals. characters: Distribution: Eastern Madagascar and nearby areas. Pentadactyle limbs, 24-28 or 38 midbody rows, 44-52 Etymology: Named in honour of a pure-bred Great presacral vertebrae; snout bluntly rounded in both lateral Dane, named “Oxyuranus” (called “Oxy” for short), who and medial aspect; rostral band-like with dorsomedial died in 2012 at age 8 from heart failure, who loyally edge gently posteriorly concave; supranasals in contact; guarded the Hoser residence for the previous 8 years frontonasal wider than long; prefrontals absent; frontal and worked with Snakebusters, Australia’s best reptiles constricted anteriorly by first supraocular, that is, frontal shows in animal education for school-aged children. hourglass-shaped; supraoculars four, first constricting Oxyuranus Kinghorn, 1923 is a genus of Australian frontal, all contacting frontal; frontoparietals absent; elapid snake. The latter part of the genus name reflects interparietal present, well separated from supraoculars; that the lizard is a skink. parietal eyespot present; parietals in contact posterior to Content: Oxyscincus (Oxyscincus) frontoparietalis interparietal; nuchals 2/2 ± 2/3. The nostril is not (Boulenger, 1889) (type species); O. (Oxyscincus) positioned centrally above the first upper labial as seen decaryi (Angel, 1930); O. (Oxyscincus) punctatus in members of the genus Amphiglossus. (Raxworthy and Nussbaum, 1993). The subgenus Commendatscincus subgen. nov. SUBGENUS RUBERCOLLUMUS SUBGEN. NOV. includes three species included in the genus Androngo, Type species: Gongylus macrocercus Günther, 1882. Brygoo, 1982 until removed by Andreone and Greer in 2002, when they placed them back into Amphiglossus. Diagnosis: The subgenus is defined within a wider They are within a newly named subgenus generic description below. Commendatscincus subgen. nov. defined and The genus Oxyscincus gen. nov. is separated from all diagnosed and separated from other similar species by other similar species by the following suite of characters the following suite of characters: More than 48 presacral being one or other of the following four: vertebrae, the presence of a postnasal and the 1/ All limbs pentadactyle, the fore limb, stretched supranasal does not contact the supralabials. forwards, reaches beyond the ear. The species described as Amphiglossus stylus 26 to 28 scales round the body of equal size (this being Andreone and Greer, 2002 is herein placed in a new diagnostic for the subgenus Rubercollumus subgen. monotypic subgenus within Sloppyscincus gen. nov. nov.); or: defined herein. The subgenus Degenerescincus 2/ All limbs pentadactyle, the fore limb, stretched

Hoser 2015 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 28:1-64 and 29:65-128. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved 96 Australasian Journal of Herpetology forwards, reaches beyond the ear. 28-30 midbody rows limb, a small eye and a shovel-shaped head. round the body of equal size. Colouration dorsally is One of these species, which has 48 or more presacral dark brown with small circular yellow spots on the head, vertebrae, namely Pygomeles trivittatus Boulenger, body and tail which are largest on the anterior half of the 1896 is the type species of the genus Androngo Brygoo, body. The tail on the underside is pink and unspotted 1982, and this is herein treated as a subgenus within (subgenus Roseacaudatus subgen. nov.); or: Pygomeles. 3/ 22 midbody rows, all of the same size; 64-69 scales Voeltzkowia Boettger, 1893 is currently composed of along the belly (mental to anal); 30-31 presacral three completely limbless species (V. lineata, V. mira vertebrae; 17-20 lamellae under the fourth toe of the and V. rubrocaudata), and two species with very hind foot; dorsal colouration is pale brown with each rudimentary hindlimbs (V. petiti and V. fierinensis), the scale on the body, limbs and tail marked with a single latter two herein placed in a subgenus Grandidierina brown spot; the head is longitudinally striped with stripes Brygoo, 1981 on the basis of the presence of running down to the shoulders or full length of the body; rudimentary hindlimbs. This subgenus have species that a central pair of dark brown stripes which diverge at the are eyeless and earless with no forelimbs but small, snout tip run back through the supraoculars and onto reduced, styliform hindlimbs that have 2 digits. The the shoulders and may continue down the lower back; a nominate subgenus has eyeless, limbless, earless second lateral stripe runs along the upper labials, species. through the eye and onto the neck; before fading The genus Madascincus Brygoo, 1981, as defined (subgenus Oxyscincus subgen. nov.); or: within this paper is separated from other similar genera 4/ 28-32 midbody rows, all of the same size; 62-72 by their small adult size of less than 80 mm snout-vent scales along the belly (mental to anal); 17-20 lamellae length, 29-30 presacral vertebrae (a relatively low under the fourth toe of the hind foot; brown dorsally, number), both pairs of limbs are pentadactyle; there is a each scale with the edges darker; nape and anterior part postnasal shield between the supranasal and the first of back with interrupted dark brown cross bands; belly labial. No praefrontals or frontoparietals. Lower eyelid whitish (subgenus Oxyscincus subgen. nov.). scaly. 24 midbody scale rows. Amphiglossus sensu lato and Amphiglossus as defined The genus Pseudoacontias Bocage, 1889 is herein is defined as Malagasy scincinae species that characterised by being limbless, with small eye, angular lack the reduction of the head scales, the loss of an snout and with no ear openings visible. external ear opening, increased number of presacral The genus Rubercaudatus gen. nov. is separated from vertebrae, and the strong reduction of the limbs and the other similar genera by the following suite of attenuation of the body that characterize to various characters: Both pairs of limbs present and all degrees all the other non-lygosomine genera of pentadactyle; a postnasal shield between the Malagasy skinks. supranasal and the first labial; no praefrontals or In common with other skink genera this genus has the frontoparietals. Lower eyelid with an undivided following suite of characters: transparent disk. 24 midbody scale rows; interparietal Palatine bones in contact on the median line of the narrower than the frontal. palate, which is toothless. Teeth conical. Eyelids The genus Cummingscincea gen. nov. is separated developed. Ear distinct or hidden. Nostril pierced from the other similar genera by the following suite of between the rostral and a very small nasal, which may characters: one or other of the following three: be reduced to a narrow ring; supranasals present; 1/ Both pairs of limbs present; a postnasal shield praefrontals and frontoparietals small or absent. Body between the supranasal and the first labial. Limbs more or less elongate; limbs more or less developed or pentadactyle. No praefrontals nor frontoparietals. Lower absent. eyelid scaly. 30 midbody scale rows (subgenus Amphiglossus is separated from Madascincus Brygoo, Cummingscincea subgen. nov.), or: 1981 by having 4-7 teeth on each side versus 8-11 in 2/ Loreal not extending ventrally to supralabial row; Madascincus (as commonly defined to date, e.g. separation of loreal from supralabial row by contact Miralles and Vences 2013, Pyron et al. 2013), including between postnasal and enlarged presubocular instead the genera formally defined herein, Cummingscincea of by contact between postnasal and preocular; scales gen. nov., Rubercaudata gen. nov. and Gracilescincus between lower secondary temporal and ear opening two gen. nov. all of which have until now been treated as instead three; longitudinal scale rows at mid-body 20 within Madascincus by authors including Miralles and and subdigital lamellae on fourth digit of pes 6±9 instead Vences (2013) and Pyron et al. 2013. of 5 (subgenus Gracilescincus subgen. nov.), or: The subgenus of Amphiglossus, Brygooscincus subgen. 3/ Both pairs of limbs are pentadactyle with 8-11 nov. (type species Scelotes tsaratananensis Brygoo, lamellae under the fourth finger; 16-20 lamellae under 1981) is separated from all other similar species by the the fourth toe; 63-66 ventral scale rows; 60-65 combination of having 36 presacral vertebrae, 26 paraventral rows; 28-30 longitudunal rows at the mid midbody rows and 72-82 scales along the belly. body; one row (only) of enlarged nuchal scales; The genus Pygomeles Grandidier, 1867 is separated postnasal present between the supranasal and the first from Amphiglossus by the lack of a postnasal and as a labial. The praefrontals and frontoparietals are usually probable consequence, the supranasal contacts the fused. Lower eyelid scaly; Colouration is all brown on supralabials, as well as no forelimbs and reduced hind Hoser 2015 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 28:1-64 and 29:65-128. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved Australasian Journal of Herpetology 97

the top with a slightly darker band on the flanks, framed stretched forwards, reaches beyond the ear. 28 to 30 by two small lighter stripes and mainly creamish white midbody rows, those of the two vertebral series much upper labials (subgenus Leucolabialus subgen. nov.). broader than the others and being the only genus with 8 The genus Sloppyscincus gen. nov. is separated from nuchals. all other similar species by the following suite of Distribution: Eastern Madagascar and nearby areas. characters: Etymology: Named in reflection of the reddish Pentadactyle limbs, 24-28 or 38 midbody rows, 44-52 colouration or markings on the neck region. presacral vertebrae; snout bluntly rounded in both lateral Content: Oxyscincus (Rubercollumus) macrocercus and medial aspect; rostral band-like with dorsomedial (Günther, 1882) (type species); O. (Rubercollumus) edge gently posteriorly concave; supranasals in contact; gastrostictus (O’Shaughnessy, 1879). frontonasal wider than long; prefrontals absent; frontal SUBGENUS ROSEACAUDATUS SUBGEN. NOV. constricted anteriorly by first supraocular, that is, frontal Type species: Amphiglossus anosyensis Raxworthy hourglass-shaped; supraoculars four, first constricting and Nussbaum, 1993. frontal, all contacting frontal; frontoparietals absent; interparietal present, well separated from supraoculars; Diagnosis: The subgenus is defined within a wider parietal eyespot present; parietals in contact posterior to generic description below. interparietal; nuchals 2/2 ± 2/3. The nostril is not The genus Oxyscincus gen. nov. is separated from all positioned centrally above the first upper labial as seen other similar species by the following suite of in members of the genus Amphiglossus. characters: One or other of the following four: The subgenus Commendatscincus subgen. nov. 1/ All limbs pentadactyle, the fore limb, stretched includes three species included in the genus Androngo, forwards, reaches beyond the ear. 28-30 midbody rows Brygoo, 1982 until removed by Andreone and Greer in round the body of equal size. Colouration dorsally is 2002, when they placed them back into Amphiglossus. dark brown with small circular yellow spots on the head, They are within a newly named subgenus body and tail which are largest on the anterior half of the Commendatscincus subgen. nov. defined and body. The tail on the underside is pink and unspotted diagnosed and separated from other similar species by (subgenus Roseacaudatus subgen. nov.); or: the following suite of characters: More than 48 presacral 2/ All limbs pentadactyle, the fore limb, stretched vertebrae, the presence of a postnasal and the forwards, reaches beyond the ear. 26 to 28 scales round supranasal does not contact the supralabials. the body of equal size (this being diagnostic for the The species described as Amphiglossus stylus subgenus Rubercollumus subgen. nov.); or: Andreone and Greer, 2002 is herein placed in a new 3/ 22 midbody rows, all of the same size; 64-69 scales monotypic subgenus within Sloppyscincus gen. nov. along the belly (mental to anal); 30-31 presacral defined herein. The subgenus Degenerescincus vertebrae; 17-20 lamellae under the fourth toe of the subgen. nov. is diagnosed and separated from all similar hind foot; dorsal colouration is pale brown with each species by the following set of characters: having the scale on the body, limbs and tail marked with a single front and rear limbs reduced to a minute, clawless nub brown spot; the head is longitudinally striped with stripes and style, respectively. It is also the only skink to have in running down to the shoulders or full length of the body; combination: the absence an external ear opening and a central pair of dark brown stripes which diverge at the both the front and rear limbs reduced to small clawless snout tip run back through the supraoculars and onto stubs. the shoulders and may continue down the lower back; a The genus Clarascincus gen. nov. is separated from all second lateral stripe runs along the upper labials, other similar species by the following suite of through the eye and onto the neck; before fading characters: (subgenus Oxyscincus subgen. nov.); or: Very similar in many respects to members of the genus 4/ 28-32 midbody rows, all of the same size; 62-72 Crottyscincus gen. nov., from which it differs in having scales along the belly (mental to anal); 17-20 lamellae shorter limbs. In Clarascincus gen. nov. the fore limb under the fourth toe of the hind foot; brown dorsally, reaches the ear, or not quite as far, versus noticeably each scale with the edges darker; nape and anterior part further than the ear in Crottyscincus gen. nov.. The of back with interrupted dark brown cross bands; belly limb’s length in Clarascincus gen. nov. is slightly less whitish (subgenus Oxyscincus subgen. nov.). than that of the head. Colouration is usually brown Amphiglossus sensu lato and Amphiglossus as defined above, scales edged with darker; sides sometimes herein is defined as Malagasy scincinae species that brown-dotted; belly brownish white, lower surface of tail lack the reduction of the head scales, the loss of an frequently dark brown. Limbs pentadactyle. 22-32 external ear opening, increased number of presacral midbody rows. vertebrae, and the strong reduction of the limbs and The subgenus Comoroscincus subgen. nov. is attenuation of the body that characterize to various separated from the nominate subgenus Clarascincus degrees all the other non-lygosomine genera of subgen. nov. by having 30-32 midbody scale rows, Malagasy skinks. versus 22-28. In common with other skink genera this genus has the The genus Crottyscincus gen. nov. is separated from all following suite of characters: other similar species by the following suite of Palatine bones in contact on the median line of the characters: All limbs pentadactyle. The fore-limb, palate, which is toothless. Teeth conical. Eyelids Hoser 2015 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 28:1-64 and 29:65-128. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved 98 Australasian Journal of Herpetology developed. Ear distinct or hidden. Nostril pierced The genus Cummingscincea gen. nov. is separated between the rostral and a very small nasal, which may from the other similar genera by the following suite of be reduced to a narrow ring; supranasals present; characters: one or other of the following three: praefrontals and frontoparietals small or absent. Body 1/ Both pairs of limbs present; a postnasal shield more or less elongate; limbs more or less developed or between the supranasal and the first labial. Limbs absent. pentadactyle. No praefrontals nor frontoparietals. Lower Amphiglossus is separated from Madascincus Brygoo, eyelid scaly. 30 midbody scale rows (subgenus 1981 by having 4-7 teeth on each side versus 8-11 in Cummingscincea subgen. nov.), or: Madascincus (as commonly defined to date, e.g. 2/ Loreal not extending ventrally to supralabial row; Miralles and Vences 2013, Pyron et al. 2013), including separation of loreal from supralabial row by contact the genera formally defined herein, Cummingscincea between postnasal and enlarged presubocular instead gen. nov., Rubercaudata gen. nov. and Gracilescincus of by contact between postnasal and preocular; scales gen. nov. all of which have until now been treated as between lower secondary temporal and ear opening two within Madascincus by authors including Miralles and instead three; longitudinal scale rows at mid-body 20 Vences (2013) and Pyron et al. 2013. and subdigital lamellae on fourth digit of pes 6±9 instead The subgenus of Amphiglossus, Brygooscincus subgen. of 5 (subgenus Gracilescincus subgen. nov.), or: nov. (type species Scelotes tsaratananensis Brygoo, 3/ Both pairs of limbs are pentadactyle with 8-11 1981) is separated from all other similar species by the lamellae under the fourth finger; 16-20 lamellae under combination of having 36 presacral vertebrae, 26 the fourth toe; 63-66 ventral scale rows; 60-65 midbody rows and 72-82 scales along the belly. paraventral rows; 28-30 longitudunal rows at the mid The genus Pygomeles Grandidier, 1867 is separated body; one row (only) of enlarged nuchal scales; from Amphiglossus by the lack of a postnasal and as a postnasal present between the supranasal and the first probable consequence, the supranasal contacts the labial. The praefrontals and frontoparietals are usually supralabials, as well as no forelimbs and reduced hind fused. Lower eyelid scaly; Colouration is all brown on limb, a small eye and a shovel-shaped head. the top with a slightly darker band on the flanks, framed One of these species, which has 48 or more presacral by two small lighter stripes and mainly creamish white vertebrae, namely Pygomeles trivittatus Boulenger, upper labials (subgenus Leucolabialus subgen. nov.). 1896 is the type species of the genus Androngo Brygoo, The genus Sloppyscincus gen. nov. is separated from 1982, and this is herein treated as a subgenus within all other similar species by the following suite of Pygomeles. characters: Voeltzkowia Boettger, 1893 is currently composed of Pentadactyle limbs, 24-28 or 38 midbody rows, 44-52 three completely limbless species (V. lineata, V. mira presacral vertebrae; snout bluntly rounded in both lateral and V. rubrocaudata), and two species with very and medial aspect; rostral band-like with dorsomedial rudimentary hindlimbs (V. petiti and V. fierinensis), the edge gently posteriorly concave; supranasals in contact; latter two herein placed in a subgenus Grandidierina frontonasal wider than long; prefrontals absent; frontal Brygoo, 1981 on the basis of the presence of constricted anteriorly by first supraocular, that is, frontal rudimentary hindlimbs. This subgenus have species that hourglass-shaped; supraoculars four, first constricting are eyeless and earless with no forelimbs but small, frontal, all contacting frontal; frontoparietals absent; reduced, styliform hindlimbs that have 2 digits. The interparietal present, well separated from supraoculars; nominate subgenus has eyeless, limbless, earless parietal eyespot present; parietals in contact posterior to species. interparietal; nuchals 2/2 ± 2/3. The nostril is not The genus Madascincus Brygoo, 1981, as defined positioned centrally above the first upper labial as seen within this paper is separated from other similar genera in members of the genus Amphiglossus. by their small adult size of less than 80 mm snout-vent The subgenus Commendatscincus subgen. nov. length, 29-30 presacral vertebrae (a relatively low includes three species included in the genus Androngo, number), both pairs of limbs are pentadactyle; there is a Brygoo, 1982 until removed by Andreone and Greer in postnasal shield between the supranasal and the first 2002, when they placed them back into Amphiglossus. labial. No praefrontals or frontoparietals. Lower eyelid They are within a newly named subgenus scaly. 24 midbody scale rows. Commendatscincus subgen. nov. defined and The genus Pseudoacontias Bocage, 1889 is diagnosed and separated from other similar species by characterised by being limbless, with small eye, angular the following suite of characters: More than 48 presacral snout and with no ear openings visible. vertebrae, the presence of a postnasal and the The genus Rubercaudatus gen. nov. is separated from supranasal does not contact the supralabials. the other similar genera by the following suite of The species described as Amphiglossus stylus characters: Both pairs of limbs present and all Andreone and Greer, 2002 is herein placed in a new pentadactyle; a postnasal shield between the monotypic subgenus within Sloppyscincus gen. nov. supranasal and the first labial; no praefrontals or defined herein. The subgenus Degenerescincus frontoparietals. Lower eyelid with an undivided subgen. nov. is diagnosed and separated from all similar transparent disk. 24 midbody scale rows; interparietal species by the following set of characters: having the narrower than the frontal. front and rear limbs reduced to a minute, clawless nub and style, respectively. It is also the only skink to have in Hoser 2015 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 28:1-64 and 29:65-128. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved Australasian Journal of Herpetology 99

combination: the absence an external ear opening and of by contact between postnasal and preocular; scales both the front and rear limbs reduced to small clawless between lower secondary temporal and ear opening two stubs. instead three; longitudinal scale rows at mid-body 20 The genus Clarascincus gen. nov. is separated from all and subdigital lamellae on fourth digit of pes 6±9 instead other similar species by the following suite of of 5 (subgenus Gracilescincus subgen. nov.), or: characters: 3/ Both pairs of limbs are pentadactyle with 8-11 Very similar in many respects to members of the genus lamellae under the fourth finger; 16-20 lamellae under Crottyscincus gen. nov., from which it differs in having the fourth toe; 63-66 ventral scale rows; 60-65 shorter limbs. In Clarascincus gen. nov. the fore limb paraventral rows; 28-30 longitudunal rows at the mid reaches the ear, or not quite as far, versus noticeably body; one row (only) of enlarged nuchal scales; further than the ear in Crottyscincus gen. nov.. The postnasal present between the supranasal and the first limb’s length in Clarascincus gen. nov. is slightly less labial. The praefrontals and frontoparietals are usually than that of the head. Colouration is usually brown fused. Lower eyelid scaly; Colouration is all brown on above, scales edged with darker; sides sometimes the top with a slightly darker band on the flanks, framed brown-dotted; belly brownish white, lower surface of tail by two small lighter stripes and mainly creamish white frequently dark brown. Limbs pentadactyle. 22-32 upper labials (subgenus Leucolabialus subgen. nov.). midbody rows. Amphiglossus sensu lato and Amphiglossus as defined The subgenus Comoroscincus subgen. nov. is herein is defined as Malagasy scincinae species that separated from the nominate subgenus Clarascincus lack the reduction of the head scales, the loss of an subgen. nov. by having 30-32 midbody scale rows, external ear opening, increased number of presacral versus 22-28. vertebrae, and the strong reduction of the limbs and The genus Crottyscincus gen. nov. is separated from all attenuation of the body that characterize to various other similar species by the following suite of degrees all the other non-lygosomine genera of characters: All limbs pentadactyle. The fore-limb, Malagasy skinks. stretched forwards, reaches beyond the ear. 28 to 30 In common with other skink genera this genus has the midbody rows, those of the two vertebral series much following suite of characters: broader than the others and being the only genus with 8 Palatine bones in contact on the median line of the nuchals. palate, which is toothless. Teeth conical. Eyelids Distribution: Southern Madagascar. developed. Ear distinct or hidden. Nostril pierced Etymology: Named in reflection of the pink on the tail. between the rostral and a very small nasal, which may be reduced to a narrow ring; supranasals present; Content: Oxyscincus (Roseacaudatus) anosyensis praefrontals and frontoparietals small or absent. Body (Raxworthy and Nussbaum, 1993) (monotypic). more or less elongate; limbs more or less developed or GENUS RUBERCAUDATUS GEN. NOV. absent. Type species: Gongylus igneocaudatus Grandidier, Amphiglossus is separated from Madascincus Brygoo, 1867. 1981 by having 4-7 teeth on each side versus 8-11 in Diagnosis: The genera Rubercaudatus gen. nov. and Madascincus (as commonly defined to date, e.g. Cummingscincea gen. nov. included species that were Miralles and Vences 2013, Pyron et al. 2013), including until now placed in the genus Madascincus Brygoo, the genera formally defined herein, Cummingscincea 1982. In the absence of the diagnostic material that gen. nov., Rubercaudata gen. nov. and Gracilescincus follows, they would have remained in that genus. gen. nov. all of which have until now been treated as The genus Rubercaudatus gen. nov. is separated from within Madascincus by authors including Miralles and the other similar genera by the following suite of Vences (2013) and Pyron et al. 2013. characters: Both pairs of limbs present and all The subgenus of Amphiglossus, Brygooscincus subgen. pentadactyle; a postnasal shield between the nov. (type species Scelotes tsaratananensis Brygoo, supranasal and the first labial; no praefrontals or 1981) is separated from all other similar species by the frontoparietals. Lower eyelid with an undivided combination of having 36 presacral vertebrae, 26 transparent disk. 24 midbody scale rows; interparietal midbody rows and 72-82 scales along the belly. narrower than the frontal. The genus Pygomeles Grandidier, 1867 is separated The genus Cummingscincea gen. nov. is separated from Amphiglossus by the lack of a postnasal and as a from the other similar genera by the following suite of probable consequence, the supranasal contacts the characters: one or other of the following three: supralabials, as well as no forelimbs and reduced hind 1/ Both pairs of limbs present; a postnasal shield limb, a small eye and a shovel-shaped head. between the supranasal and the first labial. Limbs One of these species, which has 48 or more presacral pentadactyle. No praefrontals nor frontoparietals. Lower vertebrae, namely Pygomeles trivittatus Boulenger, eyelid scaly. 30 midbody scale rows (subgenus 1896 is the type species of the genus Androngo Brygoo, Cummingscincea subgen. nov.), or: 1982, and this is herein treated as a subgenus within 2/ Loreal not extending ventrally to supralabial row; Pygomeles. separation of loreal from supralabial row by contact Voeltzkowia Boettger, 1893 is currently composed of between postnasal and enlarged presubocular instead three completely limbless species (V. lineata, V. mira

Hoser 2015 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 28:1-64 and 29:65-128. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved 100 Australasian Journal of Herpetology and V. rubrocaudata), and two species with very Very similar in many respects to members of the genus rudimentary hindlimbs (V. petiti and V. fierinensis), the Crottyscincus gen. nov., from which it differs in having latter two herein placed in a subgenus Grandidierina shorter limbs. In Clarascincus gen. nov. the fore limb Brygoo, 1981 on the basis of the presence of reaches the ear, or not quite as far, versus noticeably rudimentary hindlimbs. This subgenus have species that further than the ear in Crottyscincus gen. nov.. The are eyeless and earless with no forelimbs but small, limb’s length in Clarascincus gen. nov. is slightly less reduced, styliform hindlimbs that have 2 digits. The than that of the head. Colouration is usually brown nominate subgenus has eyeless, limbless, earless above, scales edged with darker; sides sometimes species. brown-dotted; belly brownish white, lower surface of tail The genus Madascincus Brygoo, 1981, as defined frequently dark brown. Limbs pentadactyle. 22-32 within this paper is separated from other similar genera midbody rows. by their small adult size of less than 80 mm snout-vent The subgenus Comoroscincus subgen. nov. is length, 29-30 presacral vertebrae (a relatively low separated from the nominate subgenus Clarascincus number), both pairs of limbs are pentadactyle; there is a subgen. nov. by having 30-32 midbody scale rows, postnasal shield between the supranasal and the first versus 22-28. labial. No praefrontals or frontoparietals. Lower eyelid The genus Crottyscincus gen. nov. is separated from all scaly. 24 midbody scale rows. other similar species by the following suite of The genus Pseudoacontias Bocage, 1889 is characters: All limbs pentadactyle. The fore-limb, characterised by being limbless, with small eye, angular stretched forwards, reaches beyond the ear. 28 to 30 snout and with no ear openings visible. midbody rows, those of the two vertebral series much The genus Sloppyscincus gen. nov. is separated from broader than the others and being the only genus with 8 all other similar species by the following suite of nuchals. characters: The genus Oxyscincus gen. nov. is separated from all Pentadactyle limbs, 24-28 or 38 midbody rows, 44-52 other similar species by the following suite of presacral vertebrae; snout bluntly rounded in both lateral characters: One or other of the following four: and medial aspect; rostral band-like with dorsomedial 1/ All limbs pentadactyle, the fore limb, stretched edge gently posteriorly concave; supranasals in contact; forwards, reaches beyond the ear. frontonasal wider than long; prefrontals absent; frontal 26 to 28 scales round the body of equal size (subgenus constricted anteriorly by first supraocular, that is, frontal Rubercollumus subgen. nov.); or: hourglass-shaped; supraoculars four, first constricting 2/ All limbs pentadactyle, the fore limb, stretched frontal, all contacting frontal; frontoparietals absent; forwards, reaches beyond the ear. 28-30 midbody rows interparietal present, well separated from supraoculars; round the body of equal size. Colouration dorsally is parietal eyespot present; parietals in contact posterior to dark brown with small circular yellow spots on the head, interparietal; nuchals 2/2 ± 2/3. The nostril is not body and tail which are largest on the anterior half of the positioned centrally above the first upper labial as seen body. The tail on the underside is pink and unspotted in members of the genus Amphiglossus. (subgenus Roseacaudatus subgen. nov.); or: The subgenus Commendatscincus subgen. nov. 3/ 22 midbody rows, all of the same size; 64-69 scales includes three species included in the genus Androngo, along the belly (mental to anal); 30-31 presacral Brygoo, 1982 until removed by Andreone and Greer in vertebrae; 17-20 lamellae under the fourth toe of the 2002, when they placed them back into Amphiglossus. hind foot; dorsal colouration is pale brown with each They are within a newly named subgenus scale on the body, limbs and tail marked with a single Commendatscincus subgen. nov. defined and brown spot; the head is longitudinally striped with stripes diagnosed and separated from other similar species by running down to the shoulders or full length of the body; the following suite of characters: More than 48 presacral a central pair of dark brown stripes which diverge at the vertebrae, the presence of a postnasal and the snout tip run back through the supraoculars and onto supranasal does not contact the supralabials. the shoulders and may continue down the lower back; a The species described as Amphiglossus stylus second lateral stripe runs along the upper labials, Andreone and Greer, 2002 is herein placed in a new through the eye and onto the neck; before fading monotypic subgenus within Sloppyscincus gen. nov. (subgenus Oxyscincus subgen. nov.); or: defined herein. The subgenus Degenerescincus 4/ 28-32 midbody rows, all of the same size; 62-72 subgen. nov. is diagnosed and separated from all similar scales along the belly (mental to anal); 17-20 lamellae species by the following set of characters: having the under the fourth toe of the hind foot; brown dorsally, front and rear limbs reduced to a minute, clawless nub each scale with the edges darker; nape and anterior part and style, respectively. It is also the only skink to have in of back with interrupted dark brown cross bands; belly combination: the absence an external ear opening and whitish (subgenus Oxyscincus subgen. nov.). both the front and rear limbs reduced to small clawless Distribution: Madagascar and immediately adjacent stubs. islands. The genus Clarascincus gen. nov. is separated from all Etymology: Named in reflection of the red on the tail. other similar species by the following suite of characters: Content: Rubercaudatus igneocaudatus (Grandidier, 1867) (type species); Rubercaudatus edwardsi sp. nov..

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SPECIES RUBERCAUDATUS EDWARDSI SP. NOV. Rubercaudatus gen. nov. included species that were Holotype: Specimen number ZSM 521/2001 collected until now placed in the genus Madascincus Brygoo, at Itremo, Madagascar, Lat. 20°36’08'’ Long. 46°34’16'’, 1982. In the absence of the diagnostic material that altitude 1648 metres, collected by M. Vences, D. Vieites, follows, they would have remained in that genus. L. Raharivololoniaina and D. Rakotomalala in March The genus Cummingscincea gen. nov. is separated 2001, held at Zoologische Staatssammlung München, from the other similar genera by the following suite of Germany. This is a facility that allows access to its characters: one or other of the following three: holdings by scientists. 1/ Both pairs of limbs present; a postnasal shield Paratypes: Specimen numbers ZSM 518/2001, ZSM between the supranasal and the first labial. Limbs 519/2001 and ZSM 520/2001 collected from Mont Ibity, pentadactyle. No praefrontals nor frontoparietals. Lower Madagascar, collected by M. Vences, D. Vieites, L. eyelid scaly. 30 midbody scale rows (subgenus Raharivololoniaina and D. Rakotomalala in March 2001, Cummingscincea subgen. nov.), or: held at Zoologische Staatssammlung München, 2/ Loreal not extending ventrally to supralabial row; Germany. separation of loreal from supralabial row by contact Diagnosis: The species Rubercaudatus edwardsi sp. between postnasal and enlarged presubocular instead nov. is readily separated from its congener R. of by contact between postnasal and preocular; scales igneocaudatus (Grandidier, 1867) by oviparous as between lower secondary temporal and ear opening two opposed to viviparous means of birth and the fact that instead three; longitudinal scale rows at mid-body 20 Rubercaudatus edwardsi sp. nov. inhabits the central and subdigital lamellae on fourth digit of pes 6±9 instead highlands of Madagascar and R. igneocaudatus the far of 5 (subgenus Gracilescincus subgen. nov.), or: south-west. 3/ Both pairs of limbs are pentadactyle with 8-11 The two species can also be differentiated on the basis lamellae under the fourth finger; 16-20 lamellae under of morphological characters and colouration. the fourth toe; 63-66 ventral scale rows; 60-65 The dorsal surfaces of the hind legs of R. paraventral rows; 28-30 longitudunal rows at the mid igneocaudatus are generally darkish in appearance, body; one row (only) of enlarged nuchal scales; although close inspection reveals small light spotting. By postnasal present between the supranasal and the first contrast in R. edwardsi sp. nov. the dorsal surfaces of labial. The praefrontals and frontoparietals are usually the hind legs are heavily speckled with whitish spots to fused. Lower eyelid scaly; Colouration is all brown on such an extent that they either dominate, or alternatively the top with a slightly darker band on the flanks, framed the upper legs show a pattern of distinct whitish stripes by two small lighter stripes and mainly creamish white (one, two or three) running along the median line of upper labials (subgenus Leucolabialus subgen. nov.). each hind leg. The genus Rubercaudatus gen. nov. is separated from While the unregenerated tail in both species is distinctly the other similar genera by the following suite of reddish in colour, in R. igneocaudatus this is typically a characters: Both pairs of limbs present and all bright reddish-orange pink arund the entire tail, versus a pentadactyle; a postnasal shield between the russet brown that predominates on the dorsal surfaces. supranasal and the first labial; no praefrontals or In terms of other characters, differences between the frontoparietals. Lower eyelid with an undivided two species are as follows: 22-24 mid-body rows in transparent disk. 24 midbody scale rows; interparietal R. edwardsi sp. nov. versus 24-26 in R. igneocaudatus; narrower than the frontal. the average snout-vent length in R. edwardsi sp. nov. is Amphiglossus sensu lato and Amphiglossus as defined 54.2 mm versus 73.0 mm in R. igneocaudatus. herein is defined as Malagasy scincinae species that R. igneocaudatus occurs only at altitudes below 500 lack the reduction of the head scales, the loss of an metres, whereas R. edwardsi sp. nov. is only known external ear opening, increased number of presacral from altitudes in excess of 1500 metres. vertebrae, and the strong reduction of the limbs and attenuation of the body that characterize to various The genus Rubercaudatus gen. nov. (the species degrees all the other non-lygosomine genera of formerly included in the genus Madascincus Brygoo, Malagasy skinks. 1981) including the two component species is defined elsewhere in this paper. In common with other skink genera this genus has the following suite of characters: Distribution: Known only from near the type locality in central Madagascar in the central mountains. Palatine bones in contact on the median line of the palate, which is toothless. Teeth conical. Eyelids Etymology: Named in honour of Australian developed. Ear distinct or hidden. Nostril pierced herpetologist, Euan Edwards of the Gold Coast, between the rostral and a very small nasal, which may Queensland, in recognition of his many contributions to be reduced to a narrow ring; supranasals present; herpetology. This includes many years of active praefrontals and frontoparietals small or absent. Body fieldwork and research in Madagascar where he also more or less elongate; limbs more or less developed or lived at the time and met his wife. absent. GENUS CUMMINGSCINCEA GEN. NOV. Amphiglossus is separated from Madascincus Brygoo, Type species: Gongylus polleni Grandidier, 1869. 1981 by having 4-7 teeth on each side versus 8-11 in Diagnosis: The genera Cummingscincea gen. nov. and Madascincus (as commonly defined to date, e.g.

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Miralles and Vences 2013, Pyron et al. 2013), including Brygoo, 1982 until removed by Andreone and Greer in the genera formally defined herein, Cummingscincea 2002, when they placed them back into Amphiglossus. gen. nov., Rubercaudata gen. nov. and Gracilescincus They are within a newly named subgenus gen. nov. all of which have until now been treated as Commendatscincus subgen. nov. defined and within Madascincus by authors including Miralles and diagnosed and separated from other similar species by Vences (2013) and Pyron et al. 2013. the following suite of characters: More than 48 presacral The subgenus of Amphiglossus, Brygooscincus subgen. vertebrae, the presence of a postnasal and the nov. (type species Scelotes tsaratananensis Brygoo, supranasal does not contact the supralabials. 1981) is separated from all other similar species by the The species described as Amphiglossus stylus combination of having 36 presacral vertebrae, 26 Andreone and Greer, 2002 is herein placed in a new midbody rows and 72-82 scales along the belly. monotypic subgenus within Sloppyscincus gen. nov. The genus Pygomeles Grandidier, 1867 is separated defined herein. The subgenus Degenerescincus from Amphiglossus by the lack of a postnasal and as a subgen. nov. is diagnosed and separated from all similar probable consequence, the supranasal contacts the species by the following set of characters: having the supralabials, as well as no forelimbs and reduced hind front and rear limbs reduced to a minute, clawless nub limb, a small eye and a shovel-shaped head. and style, respectively. It is also the only skink to have in One of these species, which has 48 or more presacral combination: the absence an external ear opening and vertebrae, namely Pygomeles trivittatus Boulenger, both the front and rear limbs reduced to small clawless 1896 is the type species of the genus Androngo Brygoo, stubs. 1982, and this is herein treated as a subgenus within The genus Clarascincus gen. nov. is separated from all Pygomeles. other similar species by the following suite of Voeltzkowia Boettger, 1893 is currently composed of characters: three completely limbless species (V. lineata, V. mira Very similar in many respects to members of the genus and V. rubrocaudata), and two species with very Crottyscincus gen. nov., from which it differs in having rudimentary hindlimbs (V. petiti and V. fierinensis), the shorter limbs. In Clarascincus gen. nov. the fore limb latter two herein placed in a subgenus Grandidierina reaches the ear, or not quite as far, versus noticeably Brygoo, 1981 on the basis of the presence of further than the ear in Crottyscincus gen. nov.. The rudimentary hindlimbs. This subgenus have species that limb’s length in Clarascincus gen. nov. is slightly less are eyeless and earless with no forelimbs but small, than that of the head. Colouration is usually brown reduced, styliform hindlimbs that have 2 digits. The above, scales edged with darker; sides sometimes nominate subgenus has eyeless, limbless, earless brown-dotted; belly brownish white, lower surface of tail species. frequently dark brown. Limbs pentadactyle. 22-32 The genus Madascincus Brygoo, 1981, as defined midbody rows. within this paper is separated from other similar genera The subgenus Comoroscincus subgen. nov. is by their small adult size of less than 80 mm snout-vent separated from the nominate subgenus Clarascincus length, 29-30 presacral vertebrae (a relatively low subgen. nov. by having 30-32 midbody scale rows, number), both pairs of limbs are pentadactyle; there is a versus 22-28. postnasal shield between the supranasal and the first The genus Crottyscincus gen. nov. is separated from all labial. No praefrontals or frontoparietals. Lower eyelid other similar species by the following suite of scaly. 24 midbody scale rows. characters: All limbs pentadactyle. The fore-limb, The genus Pseudoacontias Bocage, 1889 is stretched forwards, reaches beyond the ear. 28 to 30 characterised by being limbless, with small eye, angular midbody rows, those of the two vertebral series much snout and with no ear openings visible. broader than the others and being the only genus with 8 The genus Sloppyscincus gen. nov. is separated from nuchals. all other similar species by the following suite of The genus Oxyscincus gen. nov. is separated from all characters: other similar species by the following suite of Pentadactyle limbs, 24-28 or 38 midbody rows, 44-52 characters: One or other of the following four: presacral vertebrae; snout bluntly rounded in both lateral 1/ All limbs pentadactyle, the fore limb, stretched and medial aspect; rostral band-like with dorsomedial forwards, reaches beyond the ear. edge gently posteriorly concave; supranasals in contact; 26 to 28 scales round the body of equal size (subgenus frontonasal wider than long; prefrontals absent; frontal Rubercollumus subgen. nov.); or: constricted anteriorly by first supraocular, that is, frontal 2/ All limbs pentadactyle, the fore limb, stretched hourglass-shaped; supraoculars four, first constricting forwards, reaches beyond the ear. 28-30 midbody rows frontal, all contacting frontal; frontoparietals absent; round the body of equal size. Colouration dorsally is interparietal present, well separated from supraoculars; dark brown with small circular yellow spots on the head, parietal eyespot present; parietals in contact posterior to body and tail which are largest on the anterior half of the interparietal; nuchals 2/2 ± 2/3. The nostril is not body. The tail on the underside is pink and unspotted positioned centrally above the first upper labial as seen (subgenus Roseacaudatus subgen. nov.); or: in members of the genus Amphiglossus. 3/ 22 midbody rows, all of the same size; 64-69 scales The subgenus Commendatscincus subgen. nov. along the belly (mental to anal); 30-31 presacral includes three species included in the genus Androngo, Hoser 2015 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 28:1-64 and 29:65-128. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved Australasian Journal of Herpetology 103

vertebrae; 17-20 lamellae under the fourth toe of the between lower secondary temporal and ear opening two hind foot; dorsal colouration is pale brown with each instead three; longitudinal scale rows at mid-body 20 scale on the body, limbs and tail marked with a single and subdigital lamellae on fourth digit of pes 6±9 instead brown spot; the head is longitudinally striped with stripes of 5 (subgenus Gracilescincus subgen. nov.), or: running down to the shoulders or full length of the body; 3/ Both pairs of limbs are pentadactyle with 8-11 a central pair of dark brown stripes which diverge at the lamellae under the fourth finger; 16-20 lamellae under snout tip run back through the supraoculars and onto the fourth toe; 63-66 ventral scale rows; 60-65 the shoulders and may continue down the lower back; a paraventral rows; 28-30 longitudunal rows at the mid second lateral stripe runs along the upper labials, body; one row (only) of enlarged nuchal scales; through the eye and onto the neck; before fading postnasal present between the supranasal and the first (subgenus Oxyscincus subgen. nov.); or: labial. The praefrontals and frontoparietals are usually 4/ 28-32 midbody rows, all of the same size; 62-72 fused. Lower eyelid scaly; Colouration is all brown on scales along the belly (mental to anal); 17-20 lamellae the top with a slightly darker band on the flanks, framed under the fourth toe of the hind foot; brown dorsally, by two small lighter stripes and mainly creamish white each scale with the edges darker; nape and anterior part upper labials (subgenus Leucolabialus subgen. nov.). of back with interrupted dark brown cross bands; belly The genus Rubercaudatus gen. nov. is separated from whitish (subgenus Oxyscincus subgen. nov.). the other similar genera by the following suite of Distribution: Northern Madagascar and nearby areas. characters: Both pairs of limbs present and all Etymology: Named in honour of Fia Cumming, now of pentadactyle; a postnasal shield between the Lyons in the ACT, Australia, formerly of Chatswood, supranasal and the first labial; no praefrontals or NSW, Australia in recognition of her excellent work as frontoparietals. Lower eyelid with an undivided an investigative journalist over several decades, transparent disk. 24 midbody scale rows; interparietal including through publicly exposing corruption in narrower than the frontal. Australian government wildlife departments and her Amphiglossus sensu lato and Amphiglossus as defined pivotal role in causing laws to be changed in Australia herein is defined as Malagasy scincinae species that that allowed private people to keep reptiles as pets after lack the reduction of the head scales, the loss of an a 20 year ban, which in turn led to a resurgence of the external ear opening, increased number of presacral science of herpetology in this country. For details see vertebrae, and the strong reduction of the limbs and Hoser (1993) and Hoser (1996). Her role in promoting attenuation of the body that characterize to various animal welfare, including for horses is also recognized. degrees all the other non-lygosomine genera of The latter part of the genus name reflects that the lizard Malagasy skinks. is a skink. In common with other skink genera this genus has the Content: Cummingscincea polleni (Grandidier, 1869) following suite of characters: (type species); C. arenicola (Miralles, Köhler, Glaw and Palatine bones in contact on the median line of the Vences, 2011); C. cummingae sp. nov.; C. palate, which is toothless. Teeth conical. Eyelids demiperkinsae sp. nov.; C. macrolepis (Boulenger, developed. Ear distinct or hidden. Nostril pierced 1888); C. mouroundavae (Grandidier, 1872); C. nanus between the rostral and a very small nasal, which may (Andreone and Greer, 2002); C. stumpffi (Boettger, be reduced to a narrow ring; supranasals present; 1882). praefrontals and frontoparietals small or absent. Body SUBGENUS CUMMINGSCINCEA SUBGEN. NOV. more or less elongate; limbs more or less developed or Type species: Gongylus polleni Grandidier, 1869. absent. Diagnosis: The subgenus is defined within a wider Amphiglossus is separated from Madascincus Brygoo, generic description below. 1981 by having 4-7 teeth on each side versus 8-11 in The genera Cummingscincea gen. nov. and Madascincus (as commonly defined to date, e.g. Rubercaudatus gen. nov. included species that were Miralles and Vences 2013, Pyron et al. 2013), including until now placed in the genus Madascincus Brygoo, the genera formally defined herein, Cummingscincea 1982. In the absence of the diagnostic material that gen. nov., Rubercaudata gen. nov. and Gracilescincus follows, they would have remained in that genus. gen. nov. all of which have until now been treated as within Madascincus by authors including Miralles and The genus Cummingscincea gen. nov. is separated Vences (2013) and Pyron et al. 2013. from the other similar genera by the following suite of characters: one or other of the following three: The subgenus of Amphiglossus, Brygooscincus subgen. nov. (type species Scelotes tsaratananensis Brygoo, 1/ Both pairs of limbs present; a postnasal shield 1981) is separated from all other similar species by the between the supranasal and the first labial. Limbs combination of having 36 presacral vertebrae, 26 pentadactyle. No praefrontals nor frontoparietals. Lower midbody rows and 72-82 scales along the belly. eyelid scaly. 30 midbody scale rows (subgenus Cummingscincea subgen. nov.), or: The genus Pygomeles Grandidier, 1867 is separated from Amphiglossus by the lack of a postnasal and as a 2/ Loreal not extending ventrally to supralabial row; probable consequence, the supranasal contacts the separation of loreal from supralabial row by contact supralabials, as well as no forelimbs and reduced hind between postnasal and enlarged presubocular instead limb, a small eye and a shovel-shaped head. of by contact between postnasal and preocular; scales

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One of these species, which has 48 or more presacral combination: the absence an external ear opening and vertebrae, namely Pygomeles trivittatus Boulenger, both the front and rear limbs reduced to small clawless 1896 is the type species of the genus Androngo Brygoo, stubs. 1982, and this is herein treated as a subgenus within The genus Clarascincus gen. nov. is separated from all Pygomeles. other similar species by the following suite of Voeltzkowia Boettger, 1893 is currently composed of characters: three completely limbless species (V. lineata, V. mira Very similar in many respects to members of the genus and V. rubrocaudata), and two species with very Crottyscincus gen. nov., from which it differs in having rudimentary hindlimbs (V. petiti and V. fierinensis), the shorter limbs. In Clarascincus gen. nov. the fore limb latter two herein placed in a subgenus Grandidierina reaches the ear, or not quite as far, versus noticeably Brygoo, 1981 on the basis of the presence of further than the ear in Crottyscincus gen. nov.. The rudimentary hindlimbs. This subgenus have species that limb’s length in Clarascincus gen. nov. is slightly less are eyeless and earless with no forelimbs but small, than that of the head. Colouration is usually brown reduced, styliform hindlimbs that have 2 digits. The above, scales edged with darker; sides sometimes nominate subgenus has eyeless, limbless, earless brown-dotted; belly brownish white, lower surface of tail species. frequently dark brown. Limbs pentadactyle. 22-32 The genus Madascincus Brygoo, 1981, as defined midbody rows. within this paper is separated from other similar genera The subgenus Comoroscincus subgen. nov. is by their small adult size of less than 80 mm snout-vent separated from the nominate subgenus Clarascincus length, 29-30 presacral vertebrae (a relatively low subgen. nov. by having 30-32 midbody scale rows, number), both pairs of limbs are pentadactyle; there is a versus 22-28. postnasal shield between the supranasal and the first The genus Crottyscincus gen. nov. is separated from all labial. No praefrontals or frontoparietals. Lower eyelid other similar species by the following suite of scaly. 24 midbody scale rows. characters: All limbs pentadactyle. The fore-limb, The genus Pseudoacontias Bocage, 1889 is stretched forwards, reaches beyond the ear. 28 to 30 characterised by being limbless, with small eye, angular midbody rows, those of the two vertebral series much snout and with no ear openings visible. broader than the others and being the only genus with 8 The genus Sloppyscincus gen. nov. is separated from nuchals. all other similar species by the following suite of The genus Oxyscincus gen. nov. is separated from all characters: other similar species by the following suite of Pentadactyle limbs, 24-28 or 38 midbody rows, 44-52 characters: One or other of the following four: presacral vertebrae; snout bluntly rounded in both lateral 1/ All limbs pentadactyle, the fore limb, stretched and medial aspect; rostral band-like with dorsomedial forwards, reaches beyond the ear. edge gently posteriorly concave; supranasals in contact; 26 to 28 scales round the body of equal size (subgenus frontonasal wider than long; prefrontals absent; frontal Rubercollumus subgen. nov.); or: constricted anteriorly by first supraocular, that is, frontal 2/ All limbs pentadactyle, the fore limb, stretched hourglass-shaped; supraoculars four, first constricting forwards, reaches beyond the ear. 28-30 midbody rows frontal, all contacting frontal; frontoparietals absent; round the body of equal size. Colouration dorsally is interparietal present, well separated from supraoculars; dark brown with small circular yellow spots on the head, parietal eyespot present; parietals in contact posterior to body and tail which are largest on the anterior half of the interparietal; nuchals 2/2 ± 2/3. The nostril is not body. The tail on the underside is pink and unspotted positioned centrally above the first upper labial as seen (subgenus Roseacaudatus subgen. nov.); or: in members of the genus Amphiglossus. 3/ 22 midbody rows, all of the same size; 64-69 scales The subgenus Commendatscincus subgen. nov. along the belly (mental to anal); 30-31 presacral includes three species included in the genus Androngo, vertebrae; 17-20 lamellae under the fourth toe of the Brygoo, 1982 until removed by Andreone and Greer in hind foot; dorsal colouration is pale brown with each 2002, when they placed them back into Amphiglossus. scale on the body, limbs and tail marked with a single They are within a newly named subgenus brown spot; the head is longitudinally striped with stripes Commendatscincus subgen. nov. defined and running down to the shoulders or full length of the body; diagnosed and separated from other similar species by a central pair of dark brown stripes which diverge at the the following suite of characters: More than 48 presacral snout tip run back through the supraoculars and onto vertebrae, the presence of a postnasal and the the shoulders and may continue down the lower back; a supranasal does not contact the supralabials. second lateral stripe runs along the upper labials, The species described as Amphiglossus stylus through the eye and onto the neck; before fading Andreone and Greer, 2002 is herein placed in a new (subgenus Oxyscincus subgen. nov.); or: monotypic subgenus within Sloppyscincus gen. nov. 4/ 28-32 midbody rows, all of the same size; 62-72 defined herein. The subgenus Degenerescincus scales along the belly (mental to anal); 17-20 lamellae subgen. nov. is diagnosed and separated from all similar under the fourth toe of the hind foot; brown dorsally, species by the following set of characters: having the each scale with the edges darker; nape and anterior part front and rear limbs reduced to a minute, clawless nub of back with interrupted dark brown cross bands; belly and style, respectively. It is also the only skink to have in Hoser 2015 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 28:1-64 and 29:65-128. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved Australasian Journal of Herpetology 105

whitish (subgenus Oxyscincus subgen. nov.). longitudinal lines following the series of dorsal scales; a Distribution: Northern Madagascar and nearby areas. dark brown lateral band, beginning from the eye; lower Etymology: See for genus. surfaces uniform pale brownish. Content: Cummingscincea (Cummingscincea) polleni Distribution: Known only from areas generally near the (Grandidier, 1869) (type species); C. (Cummingscincea) type locality and further north in the wetter parts of arenicola (Miralles, Köhler, Glaw and Vences, 2011); C. Madagascar at generally lower elevations (below 500 (Cummingscincea) cummingae sp. nov.; C. metres). (Cummingscincea) demiperkinsae sp. nov., C. Etymology: Named in honour of Fia Cumming, now of (Cummingscincea) stumpffi (Boettger, 1882). Lyons in the ACT, Australia, formerly of Chatswood, SPECIES CUMMINGSCINCEA (CUMMINGSCINCEA) NSW, Australia in recognition of her excellent work as CUMMINGAE SP. NOV. an investigative journalist over several decades, including through publicly exposing corruption in Holotype: Specimen number ZSM 242/2004 at Australian government wildlife departments and her Zoologische Staatssammlung München, Germany. This pivotal role in causing laws to be changed in Australia is a facility that allows access to its holdings by that allowed private people to keep reptiles as pets after scientists. The specimen was collected at Montagne des a 20 year ban. For details see Hoser (1993) and Hoser Francais, Madagascar, Lat. 12°19‘34“S, Long. (1996). Her role in promoting animal welfare, including 49°20‘09’‘E at an altitude of 334 metres. for horses is also recognized. Paratype: Specimen number ZSM 245/2004 at at SPECIES CUMMINGSCINCEA (CUMMINGSCINCEA) Zoologische Staatssammlung München, Germany. The DEMIPERKINSAE SP. NOV. specimen was collected at Montagne des Francais, Madagascar, Lat. 12°19‘34“S, Long. 49°20‘09’‘E at an Holotype: Specimen number ZSM 206/2003 at altitude of 334 metres. Zoologische Staatssammlung München, Germany. This is a facility that allows access to its holdings by Diagnosis: Cummingcincea (Cummingcincea) scientists. The specimen was collected about 5 km from cummingae sp. nov. is readily separated from C. Antanambao (Maevatanana, on the way to (Cummingscincea) polleni (Grandidier, 1869) by having Manongarivo), close to the main road, in Madagascar, 65-73 ventral scale rows, versus 74-78 ventral scale Lat. 16.95° S, Long. 46.83° E, on 31 January 2003 by rows in C. (Cummingscincea) polleni. Glaw, Randrianiaina, and Vences. The two species are further distinguished by the Diagnosis: Cummingcincea (Cummingcincea) following: 7-8 lamellae under the fourth finger in C. demiperkinsae sp. nov. is distinguished from the similar (Cummingcincea) cummingae sp. nov. versus 6-9 in C. C. (Cummingcincea) stumpfii by colouration. C. (Cummingscincea) polleni; 18-23 lamellae under the (Cummingcincea) stumpfii are uniform brown above, fourth toe in C. (Cummingcincea) cummingae sp. nov. greyish white inferiorly, while C. (Cummingcincea) versus 16-22 in C. (Cummingscincea) polleni; 65-79 demiperkinsae sp. nov. are similar in colour but paraventral rows in C. (Cummingcincea) cummingae sp. characterised by a semi-distinct dark line running along nov. versus 75-81 in C. (Cummingscincea) polleni; the upper flank on each side commencing at the eye. 92.3% of C. (Cummingcincea) cummingae sp. nov. lack enlarged nuchal rows, versus 56.3% in C. Both C. (Cummingcincea) demiperkinsae sp. nov. and (Cummingscincea) polleni; C. (Cummingcincea) C. (Cummingcincea) stumpfii are readily separated from cummingae sp. nov. have an average snout-vent length all other species in this genus by the following suite of of 61 mm, versus 75 mm in C. (Cummingscincea) characters: Snout obtuse; eye moderate; lower eyelid polleni. scaly; ear-opening transversely oval; supranasals forming a median suture; a postnasal between the Both C. (Cummingcincea) cummingae sp. nov. and C. supranasal and the first labial; frontal longer than broad; (Cummingscincea) polleni (Grandidier, 1869) are no praefrontals; four supraoculars, first largest: no separated from all other species in the genus and other frontoparietals: interparietal shorter and narrower than scincinae by the following suite of characters: Snout the frontal, narrower than the parietals; fourth upper obtuse, scarcely projecting beyond the labial margin; labial entering the orbit. 32-34 midbody rows (no other eye moderate; lower eyelid scaly; ear opening roundish; species in the genus or subtribe exceeds 30). Limbs supranasals forming a median suture; a postnasal pentadactyle, very short, widely separated when between the supranasal and the first labial; frontal a little adpressed; the fore limb, stretched forwards, reaches longer than the frontonasal, longer than broad; no the ear. Tail a little longer than the head and body. C. praefrontals; four supraoculars, second largest; seven (Cummingcincea) stumpfii are uniform brown above, supraciliaries; no frontoparietals; interparietal a little greyish white inferiorly, while C. (Cummingcincea) longer than broad, shorter and narrower than the frontal, demiperkinsae sp. nov. are characterised by a semi- narrower than the parietals, its convex anterior border distinct dark line running along the upper flank on each fitting in an emargination of the posterior border of the side commencing at the eye. frontal; fourth upper labial entering the orbit, 30 midbody rows; 65-78 ventral scale rows. Limbs pentadactyle, These are the two largest species in the genus and short, widely separated when adpressed; the fore limb, subtribe with an average snout-vent length of 114 mm stretched forwards, reaches the ear. Tail shorter than and a relatively stocky build. head and body, rufous-brown above, with dark brown Distribution: Northern Madagascar and immediate offshore islands. Hoser 2015 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 28:1-64 and 29:65-128. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved 106 Australasian Journal of Herpetology

Etymology: Named in honour of Demi Perkins of palate, which is toothless. Teeth conical. Eyelids Wandin, Victoria, Australia in recognition of her valuable developed. Ear distinct or hidden. Nostril pierced work in reptile conservation through Snakebusters, between the rostral and a very small nasal, which may Australia’s best reptiles educational displays. be reduced to a narrow ring; supranasals present; SUBGENUS GRACILESCINCUS SUBGEN. NOV. praefrontals and frontoparietals small or absent. Body Type species: Amphiglossus nanus Andreone and more or less elongate; limbs more or less developed or Greer, 2002. absent. Diagnosis: The subgenus is defined within a wider Amphiglossus is separated from Madascincus Brygoo, generic description below. 1981 by having 4-7 teeth on each side versus 8-11 in Madascincus (as commonly defined to date, e.g. The genera Cummingscincea gen. nov. and Miralles and Vences 2013, Pyron et al. 2013), including Rubercaudatus gen. nov. included species that were the genera formally defined herein, Cummingscincea until now placed in the genus Madascincus Brygoo, gen. nov., Rubercaudata gen. nov. and Gracilescincus 1982. In the absence of the diagnostic material that gen. nov. all of which have until now been treated as follows, they would have remained in that genus. within Madascincus by authors including Miralles and The genus Cummingscincea gen. nov. is separated Vences (2013) and Pyron et al. 2013. from the other similar genera by the following suite of The subgenus of Amphiglossus, Brygooscincus subgen. characters: one or other of the following three: nov. (type species Scelotes tsaratananensis Brygoo, 1/ Both pairs of limbs present; a postnasal shield 1981) is separated from all other similar species by the between the supranasal and the first labial. Limbs combination of having 36 presacral vertebrae, 26 pentadactyle. No praefrontals nor frontoparietals. Lower midbody rows and 72-82 scales along the belly. eyelid scaly. 30 midbody scale rows (subgenus The genus Pygomeles Grandidier, 1867 is separated Cummingscincea subgen. nov.), or: from Amphiglossus by the lack of a postnasal and as a 2/ Loreal not extending ventrally to supralabial row; probable consequence, the supranasal contacts the separation of loreal from supralabial row by contact supralabials, as well as no forelimbs and reduced hind between postnasal and enlarged presubocular instead limb, a small eye and a shovel-shaped head. of by contact between postnasal and preocular; scales One of these species, which has 48 or more presacral between lower secondary temporal and ear opening two vertebrae, namely Pygomeles trivittatus Boulenger, instead three; longitudinal scale rows at mid-body 20 1896 is the type species of the genus Androngo Brygoo, and subdigital lamellae on fourth digit of pes 6±9 instead 1982, and this is herein treated as a subgenus within of 5 (subgenus Gracilescincus subgen. nov.), or: Pygomeles. 3/ Both pairs of limbs are pentadactyle with 8-11 Voeltzkowia Boettger, 1893 is currently composed of lamellae under the fourth finger; 16-20 lamellae under three completely limbless species (V. lineata, V. mira the fourth toe; 63-66 ventral scale rows; 60-65 and V. rubrocaudata), and two species with very paraventral rows; 28-30 longitudunal rows at the mid rudimentary hindlimbs (V. petiti and V. fierinensis), the body; one row (only) of enlarged nuchal scales; latter two herein placed in a subgenus Grandidierina postnasal present between the supranasal and the first Brygoo, 1981 on the basis of the presence of labial. The praefrontals and frontoparietals are usually rudimentary hindlimbs. This subgenus have species that fused. Lower eyelid scaly; Colouration is all brown on are eyeless and earless with no forelimbs but small, the top with a slightly darker band on the flanks, framed reduced, styliform hindlimbs that have 2 digits. The by two small lighter stripes and mainly creamish white nominate subgenus has eyeless, limbless, earless upper labials (subgenus Leucolabialus subgen. nov.). species. The genus Rubercaudatus gen. nov. is separated from The genus Madascincus Brygoo, 1981, as defined the other similar genera by the following suite of within this paper is separated from other similar genera characters: Both pairs of limbs present and all by their small adult size of less than 80 mm snout-vent pentadactyle; a postnasal shield between the length, 29-30 presacral vertebrae (a relatively low supranasal and the first labial; no praefrontals or number), both pairs of limbs are pentadactyle; there is a frontoparietals. Lower eyelid with an undivided postnasal shield between the supranasal and the first transparent disk. 24 midbody scale rows; interparietal labial. No praefrontals or frontoparietals. Lower eyelid narrower than the frontal. scaly. 24 midbody scale rows. Amphiglossus sensu lato and Amphiglossus as defined The genus Pseudoacontias Bocage, 1889 is herein is defined as Malagasy scincinae species that characterised by being limbless, with small eye, angular lack the reduction of the head scales, the loss of an snout and with no ear openings visible. external ear opening, increased number of presacral vertebrae, and the strong reduction of the limbs and The genus Sloppyscincus gen. nov. is separated from attenuation of the body that characterize to various all other similar species by the following suite of degrees all the other non-lygosomine genera of characters: Malagasy skinks. Pentadactyle limbs, 24-28 or 38 midbody rows, 44-52 In common with other skink genera this genus has the presacral vertebrae; snout bluntly rounded in both lateral following suite of characters: and medial aspect; rostral band-like with dorsomedial edge gently posteriorly concave; supranasals in contact; Palatine bones in contact on the median line of the

Hoser 2015 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 28:1-64 and 29:65-128. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved Australasian Journal of Herpetology 107

frontonasal wider than long; prefrontals absent; frontal 26 to 28 scales round the body of equal size (subgenus constricted anteriorly by first supraocular, that is, frontal Rubercollumus subgen. nov.); or: hourglass-shaped; supraoculars four, first constricting 2/ All limbs pentadactyle, the fore limb, stretched frontal, all contacting frontal; frontoparietals absent; forwards, reaches beyond the ear. 28-30 midbody rows interparietal present, well separated from supraoculars; round the body of equal size. Colouration dorsally is parietal eyespot present; parietals in contact posterior to dark brown with small circular yellow spots on the head, interparietal; nuchals 2/2 ± 2/3. The nostril is not body and tail which are largest on the anterior half of the positioned centrally above the first upper labial as seen body. The tail on the underside is pink and unspotted in members of the genus Amphiglossus. (subgenus Roseacaudatus subgen. nov.); or: The subgenus Commendatscincus subgen. nov. 3/ 22 midbody rows, all of the same size; 64-69 scales includes three species included in the genus Androngo, along the belly (mental to anal); 30-31 presacral Brygoo, 1982 until removed by Andreone and Greer in vertebrae; 17-20 lamellae under the fourth toe of the 2002, when they placed them back into Amphiglossus. hind foot; dorsal colouration is pale brown with each They are within a newly named subgenus scale on the body, limbs and tail marked with a single Commendatscincus subgen. nov. defined and brown spot; the head is longitudinally striped with stripes diagnosed and separated from other similar species by running down to the shoulders or full length of the body; the following suite of characters: More than 48 presacral a central pair of dark brown stripes which diverge at the vertebrae, the presence of a postnasal and the snout tip run back through the supraoculars and onto supranasal does not contact the supralabials. the shoulders and may continue down the lower back; a The species described as Amphiglossus stylus second lateral stripe runs along the upper labials, Andreone and Greer, 2002 is herein placed in a new through the eye and onto the neck; before fading monotypic subgenus within Sloppyscincus gen. nov. (subgenus Oxyscincus subgen. nov.); or: defined herein. The subgenus Degenerescincus 4/ 28-32 midbody rows, all of the same size; 62-72 subgen. nov. is diagnosed and separated from all similar scales along the belly (mental to anal); 17-20 lamellae species by the following set of characters: having the under the fourth toe of the hind foot; brown dorsally, front and rear limbs reduced to a minute, clawless nub each scale with the edges darker; nape and anterior part and style, respectively. It is also the only skink to have in of back with interrupted dark brown cross bands; belly combination: the absence an external ear opening and whitish (subgenus Oxyscincus subgen. nov.). both the front and rear limbs reduced to small clawless Distribution: Northern Madagascar and nearby areas. stubs. Etymology: Named in reflection of the gracile nature of The genus Clarascincus gen. nov. is separated from all the lizards and the fact that they are skinks. other similar species by the following suite of Content: Cummingscincea (Gracilescincus) nanus characters: (Andreone and Greer, 2002) (type species); C. Very similar in many respects to members of the genus (Gracilescincus) macrolepis (Boulenger, 1888). Crottyscincus gen. nov., from which it differs in having SUBGENUS LEUCOLABIALUS SUBGEN. NOV. shorter limbs. In Clarascincus gen. nov. the fore limb reaches the ear, or not quite as far, versus noticeably Type species: Gongylus mouroundavae Grandidier, further than the ear in Crottyscincus gen. nov.. The 1872. limb’s length in Clarascincus gen. nov. is slightly less Diagnosis: The subgenus is defined within a wider than that of the head. Colouration is usually brown generic description below. above, scales edged with darker; sides sometimes The genera Cummingscincea gen. nov. and brown-dotted; belly brownish white, lower surface of tail Rubercaudatus gen. nov. included species that were frequently dark brown. Limbs pentadactyle. 22-32 until now placed in the genus Madascincus Brygoo, midbody rows. 1982. In the absence of the diagnostic material that The subgenus Comoroscincus subgen. nov. is follows, they would have remained in that genus. separated from the nominate subgenus Clarascincus The genus Cummingscincea gen. nov. is separated subgen. nov. by having 30-32 midbody scale rows, from the other similar genera by the following suite of versus 22-28. characters: one or other of the following three: The genus Crottyscincus gen. nov. is separated from all 1/ Both pairs of limbs present; a postnasal shield other similar species by the following suite of between the supranasal and the first labial. Limbs characters: All limbs pentadactyle. The fore-limb, pentadactyle. No praefrontals nor frontoparietals. Lower stretched forwards, reaches beyond the ear. 28 to 30 eyelid scaly. 30 midbody scale rows (subgenus midbody rows, those of the two vertebral series much Cummingscincea subgen. nov.), or: broader than the others and being the only genus with 8 2/ Loreal not extending ventrally to supralabial row; nuchals. separation of loreal from supralabial row by contact The genus Oxyscincus gen. nov. is separated from all between postnasal and enlarged presubocular instead other similar species by the following suite of of by contact between postnasal and preocular; scales characters: One or other of the following four: between lower secondary temporal and ear opening two 1/ All limbs pentadactyle, the fore limb, stretched instead three; longitudinal scale rows at mid-body 20 forwards, reaches beyond the ear. and subdigital lamellae on fourth digit of pes 6±9 instead of 5 (subgenus Gracilescincus subgen. nov.), or: Hoser 2015 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 28:1-64 and 29:65-128. 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3/ Both pairs of limbs are pentadactyle with 8-11 Voeltzkowia Boettger, 1893 is currently composed of lamellae under the fourth finger; 16-20 lamellae under three completely limbless species (V. lineata, V. mira the fourth toe; 63-66 ventral scale rows; 60-65 and V. rubrocaudata), and two species with very paraventral rows; 28-30 longitudunal rows at the mid rudimentary hindlimbs (V. petiti and V. fierinensis), the body; one row (only) of enlarged nuchal scales; latter two herein placed in a subgenus Grandidierina postnasal present between the supranasal and the first Brygoo, 1981 on the basis of the presence of labial. The praefrontals and frontoparietals are usually rudimentary hindlimbs. This subgenus have species that fused. Lower eyelid scaly; Colouration is all brown on are eyeless and earless with no forelimbs but small, the top with a slightly darker band on the flanks, framed reduced, styliform hindlimbs that have 2 digits. The by two small lighter stripes and mainly creamish white nominate subgenus has eyeless, limbless, earless upper labials (subgenus Leucolabialus subgen. nov.). species. The genus Rubercaudatus gen. nov. is separated from The genus Madascincus Brygoo, 1981, as defined the other similar genera by the following suite of within this paper is separated from other similar genera characters: Both pairs of limbs present and all by their small adult size of less than 80 mm snout-vent pentadactyle; a postnasal shield between the length, 29-30 presacral vertebrae (a relatively low supranasal and the first labial; no praefrontals or number), both pairs of limbs are pentadactyle; there is a frontoparietals. Lower eyelid with an undivided postnasal shield between the supranasal and the first transparent disk. 24 midbody scale rows; interparietal labial. No praefrontals or frontoparietals. Lower eyelid narrower than the frontal. scaly. 24 midbody scale rows. Amphiglossus sensu lato and Amphiglossus as defined The genus Pseudoacontias Bocage, 1889 is herein is defined as Malagasy scincinae species that characterised by being limbless, with small eye, angular lack the reduction of the head scales, the loss of an snout and with no ear openings visible. external ear opening, increased number of presacral The genus Sloppyscincus gen. nov. is separated from vertebrae, and the strong reduction of the limbs and all other similar species by the following suite of attenuation of the body that characterize to various characters: degrees all the other non-lygosomine genera of Pentadactyle limbs, 24-28 or 38 midbody rows, 44-52 Malagasy skinks. presacral vertebrae; snout bluntly rounded in both lateral In common with other skink genera this genus has the and medial aspect; rostral band-like with dorsomedial following suite of characters: edge gently posteriorly concave; supranasals in contact; Palatine bones in contact on the median line of the frontonasal wider than long; prefrontals absent; frontal palate, which is toothless. Teeth conical. Eyelids constricted anteriorly by first supraocular, that is, frontal developed. Ear distinct or hidden. Nostril pierced hourglass-shaped; supraoculars four, first constricting between the rostral and a very small nasal, which may frontal, all contacting frontal; frontoparietals absent; be reduced to a narrow ring; supranasals present; interparietal present, well separated from supraoculars; praefrontals and frontoparietals small or absent. Body parietal eyespot present; parietals in contact posterior to more or less elongate; limbs more or less developed or interparietal; nuchals 2/2 ± 2/3. The nostril is not absent. positioned centrally above the first upper labial as seen Amphiglossus is separated from Madascincus Brygoo, in members of the genus Amphiglossus. 1981 by having 4-7 teeth on each side versus 8-11 in The subgenus Commendatscincus subgen. nov. Madascincus (as commonly defined to date, e.g. includes three species included in the genus Androngo, Miralles and Vences 2013, Pyron et al. 2013), including Brygoo, 1982 until removed by Andreone and Greer in the genera formally defined herein, Cummingscincea 2002, when they placed them back into Amphiglossus. gen. nov., Rubercaudata gen. nov. and Gracilescincus They are within a newly named subgenus gen. nov. all of which have until now been treated as Commendatscincus subgen. nov. defined and within Madascincus by authors including Miralles and diagnosed and separated from other similar species by Vences (2013) and Pyron et al. 2013. the following suite of characters: More than 48 presacral The subgenus of Amphiglossus, Brygooscincus subgen. vertebrae, the presence of a postnasal and the nov. (type species Scelotes tsaratananensis Brygoo, supranasal does not contact the supralabials. 1981) is separated from all other similar species by the The species described as Amphiglossus stylus combination of having 36 presacral vertebrae, 26 Andreone and Greer, 2002 is herein placed in a new midbody rows and 72-82 scales along the belly. monotypic subgenus within Sloppyscincus gen. nov. The genus Pygomeles Grandidier, 1867 is separated defined herein. The subgenus Degenerescincus from Amphiglossus by the lack of a postnasal and as a subgen. nov. is diagnosed and separated from all similar probable consequence, the supranasal contacts the species by the following set of characters: having the supralabials, as well as no forelimbs and reduced hind front and rear limbs reduced to a minute, clawless nub limb, a small eye and a shovel-shaped head. and style, respectively. It is also the only skink to have in One of these species, which has 48 or more presacral combination: the absence an external ear opening and vertebrae, namely Pygomeles trivittatus Boulenger, both the front and rear limbs reduced to small clawless 1896 is the type species of the genus Androngo Brygoo, stubs. 1982, and this is herein treated as a subgenus within The genus Clarascincus gen. nov. is separated from all Pygomeles. similar species by the following suite of characters: Hoser 2015 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 28:1-64 and 29:65-128. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved Australasian Journal of Herpetology 109

Very similar in many respects to members of the genus GENUS SIRENOSCINCUS SAKATA AND HIKIDA Crottyscincus gen. nov., from which it differs in having 2003. shorter limbs. In Clarascincus gen. nov. the fore limb Type species: Sirenoscincus yamagishii Sakata and reaches the ear, or not quite as far, versus noticeably Hikida, 2003. further than the ear in Crottyscincus gen. nov.. The Diagnosis: Sirenoscincus as defined by Sakata and limb’s length in Clarascincus gen. nov. is slightly less Hikida in 2003, is easily distinguished from all other than that of the head. Colouration is usually brown genera of skinks worldwide by the combination of: above, scales edged with darker; sides sometimes 1/ The presence of two forelimbs and the absence of brown-dotted; belly brownish white, lower surface of tail hindlimbs, noting that all other genera except Jarujinia frequently dark brown. Limbs pentadactyle. 22-32 Chan-Ard, Makchai and Cota, 2011 are either midbody rows. quadrupedal, completely legless, or having two The subgenus Comoroscincus subgen. nov. is hindlimbs only; and: separated from the nominate subgenus Clarascincus 2/ The regressed eyes sunken below scales; and: subgen. nov. by having 30-32 midbody scale rows, versus 22-28. 3/ Completely depigmented skin. The genus Crottyscincus gen. nov. is separated from all Distribution: Northern Madagascar in the eastern other similar species by the following suite of region. characters: All limbs pentadactyle. The fore-limb, Content: Sirenoscincus yamagishii Sakata and Hikida, stretched forwards, reaches beyond the ear. 28 to 30 2003 (type species); S. mobydick Miralles, Anjeriniaina, midbody rows, those of the two vertebral series much Hipsley, Müller, Glaw and Vences, 2012. broader than the others and being the only genus with 8 GENUS NESSIA GRAY, 1839. nuchals. Type species: Nessia burtonii Gray, 1839. The genus Oxyscincus gen. nov. is separated from all Diagnosis: The genus Nessia Gray, 1839 is diagnosed other similar species by the following suite of as follows: characters: One or other of the following four: Palatine bones not meeting on the median line of the 1/ All limbs pentadactyle, the fore limb, stretched palate, which is toothless. Teeth conical. Eye small, with forwards, reaches beyond the ear. transparent lower eyelid; upper eyelid not developed. 26 to 28 scales round the body of equal size (subgenus Ear hidden or just distinguishable. Nostril pierced in the Rubercollumus subgen. nov.); or: large rostral shield, with the posterior border of which it 2/ All limbs pentadactyle, the fore limb, stretched is connected by a long straight horizontal suture; no forwards, reaches beyond the ear. 28-30 midbody rows supranasals; no praefrontals or frontoparietals. Body round the body of equal size. Colouration dorsally is elongated; limbs rudimentary or absent. Several scales dark brown with small circular yellow spots on the head, border the anal cleft anteriorly; posterior border of the body and tail which are largest on the anterior half of the mental shield not reaching to below the anterior border body. The tail on the underside is pink and unspotted of the orbit. Interparietal broader than the frontal. (subgenus Roseacaudatus subgen. nov.); or: Subgeneric names are available for species groups with 3/ 22 midbody rows, all of the same size; 64-69 scales different numbers of limb digits or limbs, but are not along the belly (mental to anal); 30-31 presacral used here pending a more detailed assessment of the vertebrae; 17-20 lamellae under the fourth toe of the genus by others. hind foot; dorsal colouration is pale brown with each Distribution: Sri Lanka. scale on the body, limbs and tail marked with a single Content: Nessia burtonii Gray, 1839 (type species); N. brown spot; the head is longitudinally striped with stripes bipes (Smith, 1935); N. deraniyagalai Taylor, 1950; N. running down to the shoulders or full length of the body; didactyla (Deraniyagala, 1934); N. hickanala a central pair of dark brown stripes which diverge at the Deriniyagala, 1940; N. layardi (Kelaart, 1853); N. snout tip run back through the supraoculars and onto monodactyla (Gray, 1839); N. sarasinorum (Müller, the shoulders and may continue down the lower back; a 1889). second lateral stripe runs along the upper labials, TRIBE GONGYLOMORPHIINI TRIBE NOV. through the eye and onto the neck; before fading (subgenus Oxyscincus subgen. nov.); or: (Terminal taxon: Scincus bojerii Desjardin, 1831). 4/ 28-32 midbody rows, all of the same size; 62-72 Diagnosis: The tribe Gongylomorphiini tribe nov. is best scales along the belly (mental to anal); 17-20 lamellae defined by diagnosis of the two subtribes. under the fourth toe of the hind foot; brown dorsally, Subtribe Gongylomorphiina subtribe nov. is defined as each scale with the edges darker; nape and anterior part follows: of back with interrupted dark brown cross bands; belly Skull characters: These are as follows: Palatine bones whitish (subgenus Oxyscincus subgen. nov.). and palatal rami of pterygoids meeting medially; palatal Distribution: West and north Madagascar. rami of pterygoids “squared-off,” not emarginated Etymology: Named in reflection of the whitish markings posteriorly as in the two genera (Janetaescincus Greer, on the labials. 1970 and Pamelaescincus Greer, 1970); pterygoid teeth absent. Postorbital bone distinct, well developed; Content: Cummingscincea (Leucolabialus) supratemporal arch well developed; 16 teeth on maxilla mouroundavae (Grandidier, 1872) (monotypic). and 11 teeth on premaxillae. Hoser 2015 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 28:1-64 and 29:65-128. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved 110 Australasian Journal of Herpetology

In terms of external characters the genus is defined as frontoparietals present (absent in all other subsaharan follows: Interparietal small, not touching supraoculars; Africa, Madagascar, or west Indian Ocean island frontoparietals present (absent in all other subsaharan scincines); ear opening a horizontal slit; 38 longitudinal Africa, Madagascar, or west Indian Ocean island scale rows at midbody; digits 5-5. scincines); ear opening a horizontal slit; 38 longitudinal Distribution: Mascarenes, Mauritius (Round Island, scale rows at midbody; digits 5-5. Gunner’s Quoin [Coin de Mire] and possibly Reunion. The subtribe Chalcidiina subtribe nov. presently treated Content: Gongylomorphus Fitzinger, 1843. as monotypic for the genus Chalcides Laurenti, 1768 TRIBE SLOPPYSCINCIINI TRIBE NOV. including the four subgenera, are defined and (Terminal taxon: Amphiglossus mandokava diagnosed by the following unique suite of characters: Raxworthy and Nussbaum, 1993). Palatine bones not meeting on the median line of the Diagnosis: The tribe Sloppyscinciini tribe nov. is best palate, which is toothless. Teeth conical or with obtuse defined by diagnosis of the six relevant subtribes. crowns. Lower eyelid with an undivided transparent disk. Ear more or less distinct. Nostril pierced between the Both the subtribes Sloppyscinciina subtribe nov. and rostral and a very small nasal in an emargination of the Paracontiina subtribe nov. defined herein are defined as former shield; supranasuls present; praefrontals and Malagasy scincinae species that lack the reduction of frontoparietals absent, body is very elongated; limbs the head scales, the loss of an external ear opening, short or rudimentary. increased number of presacral vertebrae, and the strong reduction of the limbs and attenuation of the body that Distribution: Primarily Africa but also the Middle-east characterize to various degrees all the other non- and southern Asia, including and as far east as India lygosomine genera of Malagasy skinks. and Sri Lanka (Chalcides Laurenti, 1768) and Mascarenes, Mauritius (Round Island, Gunner’s Quoin In common with other skink genera the subtribes [Coin de Mire] and possibly Reunion (Gongylomorphus Sloppyscinciina subtribe nov. and Paracontiina subtribe Fitzinger, 1843). nov. have the following suite of characters: Content: Gongylomorphus Fitzinger, 1843; Chalcides Palatine bones in contact on the median line of the Laurenti, 1768. palate, which is toothless. Teeth conical. Eyelids developed. Ear distinct or hidden. Nostril pierced SUBTRIBE CHALCIDIINA SUBTRIBE NOV. between the rostral and a very small nasal, which may (Terminal taxon: Chalcides tridactylus Laurenti, be reduced to a narrow ring; supranasals present; 1768). praefrontals and frontoparietals small or absent. Body Diagnosis: The subtribe Chalcidiina subtribe nov. more or less elongate; limbs more or less developed or presently treated as monotypic for the genus Chalcides absent. Laurenti, 1768 including the four subgenera, is defined Sloppyscinciina subtribe nov. is separated from and diagnosed by the following unique suite of Paracontiina subtribe nov. by one or other of the characters: following three: Palatine bones not meeting on the median line of the 1/ Having 4-7 teeth on each side versus 8-11 in palate, which is toothless. Teeth conical or with obtuse Sloppyscinciina subtribe nov., including the relevant crowns. Lower eyelid with an undivided transparent disk. genera formally defined within this paper for the first Ear more or less distinct. Nostril pierced between the time, being, Cummingscincea gen. nov., Rubercaudata rostral and a very small nasal in an emargination of the gen. nov. and Gracilescincus gen. nov. all of which have former shield; supranasuls present; praefrontals and until now been treated as within Madascincus by frontoparietals absent, body is very elongated; limbs authors including Miralles and Vences (2013) and Pyron short or rudimentary. et al. 2013, or: Distribution: Primarily Africa but also the Middle-east 2/ The lack of a postnasal and as a probable and southern Asia, including and as far east as India consequence, the supranasal contacts the supralabials, and Sri Lanka. as well as no forelimbs and reduced hind limb, a small Content: Chalcides Laurenti, 1768. eye and a shovel-shaped head (Pygomeles Grandidier, SUBTRIBE GONGYLOMORPHIINI SUBTRIBE NOV. 1867), or: (Terminal taxon: Scincus bojerii Desjardin, 1831). 3/ A group of three completely limbless species (V. Diagnosis: The subtribe Gongylomorphiina subtribe lineata, V. mira and V. rubrocaudata), and two species nov. is defined as follows: with very rudimentary hindlimbs (V. petiti and V. Skull characters: These are as follows: Palatine bones fierinensis), the latter two herein placed in a subgenus and palatal rami of pterygoids meeting medially; palatal Grandidierina Brygoo, 1981 on the basis of the rami of pterygoids “squared-off,” not emarginated presence of rudimentary hindlimbs. This subgenus have posteriorly as seen in the two genera Janetaescincus species that are eyeless and earless with no forelimbs Greer, 1970 and Pamelaescincus Greer, 1970; pterygoid but small, reduced, styliform hindlimbs that have 2 teeth absent. Postorbital bone distinct, well developed; digits. The nominate subgenus has eyeless, limbless, supratemporal arch well developed; 16 teeth on maxilla earless species (Voeltzkowia Boettger, 1893). and 11 teeth on premaxillae. Paracontiina subtribe nov., including the genera In terms of external characters the genus is defined as Cummingscincea gen. nov., Rubercaudata gen. nov., follows: Interparietal small, not touching supraoculars; Gracilescincus gen. nov., Pseudoacontias Bocage, Hoser 2015 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 28:1-64 and 29:65-128. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved Australasian Journal of Herpetology 111

1889, Paracontias Mocquard, 1894 and the genus teeth absent. Postorbital bone present, but small to Madascincus Brygoo, 1981, as defined within this paper minute, or absent; supratemporal arch weak, fenestra is separated from other similar genera by one or other of obliterated by apposition of bones of arch with parietal the following three: bone; 11 to 19 maxillary teeth, (versus 22 to 23 1/ Their small adult size of less than 80 mm snout-vent maxillary teeth in Notascelotes uluguruensis Barbour length, 29-30 presacral vertebrae (a relatively low and Loveridge, 1928). External characters: Interparietal number), both pairs of limbs are pentadactyle; there is a large, touching supraocular scales; external ear opening postnasal shield between the supranasal and the first present or absent; a pair of supranasals meeting behind labial. No praefrontals or frontoparietals. Lower eyelid rostral (fused only in some Scelotes bipes Merrem, scaly. 24 midbody scale rows (all other genera in the 1877); digital formula 5-5 to 0-0, (Scelotes Fitzinger, subtribe except Paracontias and Pseudacontias), or: 1826). 2/ The genus Paracontias Mocquard, 1894, is 2/ The genus Herpetosaura Peters 1854, is diagnosed diagnosed by the following derived character states: and defined as separate from Scelotes (defined above) supranasals absent; prefrontals absent; pretemporal by a noticeably wider than long frontal, versus one that single; nasal greatly reduced; loreal single (the most either is not, or only marginally so. divergent P. holomelas may occasionally have two); 3/ Proscelotes De Witte and Laurent, 1943 and the preocular single; presubocular single; supralabials five, skink genus Notascelotes gen. nov. are readily third subocular; postsupralabial single; infralabials distinguishable from all members of the genus Scelotes contacted by postmental is one; external ear opening Fitzinger, 1826 by the presence of five instead of four or absent; limbs absent without external trace of their less digits on both fore and hind limbs and 22-23 former position; presacral vertebrae equal to or less maxillary teeth, versus 11-19 in Scelotes. The than 46; sternal ribs equal to or less than 2; interparietal in Notascelotes gen. nov. is in contact with mesosternum absent; complete inscriptional chevrons the third and fourth supraoculars and this at once equal to or less than 19, or: distinguishes it from the genus Proscelotes. 3/ By being limbless, with small eye, angular snout and The subtribe Sirenosciniina subtribe nov. is easily with no ear openings visible (Pseudoacontias Bocage, distinguished from all other genera of skinks worldwide 1889). by the combination of: The subtribe Hakariina subtribe nov. is defined as 1/ The presence of two forelimbs and the absence of follows: hindlimbs, noting that all other genera except Jarujinia Palatine bones not meeting on the middle line of the Chan-Ard, Makchai and Cota, 2011 are either palate, which is toothless. Teeth conical. Eyelids quadrupedal, completely legless, or having two developed. Ear distinct. Nostril pierced in the rostral, hindlimbs only; and: 2/ The regressed eyes sunken bordered by a supranasal and the first labial; below scales; and: 3/ Completely de-pigmented skin. praefrontals and frontoparietals absent. Body much Due to these obvious traits, Sirenosciniina subtribe nov. elongated; limbs short. is not easily confused with others within this tribe. Hakariina subtribe nov. monotypic for the genus Hakaria The subtribe Feyliniina subtribe nov. is defined best by Steindachner, 1899 is further defined, diagnosed and defining the four component genera, these being one or separated from all other lizards by the following unique other of the following four: suite of characters: 1/ The genus Sepsina Bocage, 1866 is defined as Snout short, obtuse, not projecting beyond the labial follows: margin; eye moderate; lower eyelid with a transparent Skull details: Palatine bones widely separated along the disk; ear-opening small. Frontal more than twice as long midline; palatal rami of pterygoids expanded medially as the frontonasal, longer than broad, broadest behind, with a tendency toward emargination posteriorly; angularly notched on each side by the first supraocular; pterygoid teeth present. Postorbital bone present and interparietal nearly as long as the frontonasal; five relatively well developed; supratemporal arch strong supraoculars, second largest; no postnasal; first upper and fenestra well developed; 12 to 15 maxillary teeth. labial nearly as deep as the rostral; fourth upper labial External characters: Interparietal small, not touching entering the orbit. 24 smooth midbody scale rows that supraocular scales; a pair of supranasals meeting are subequal in size. Limbs short, pentadactyle; the fore behind rostral; external ear opening present; digits 4-4 limb, stretched forwards, does not quite reach the ear; or fewer, or: hind limb a little longer than the head; third finger 2/ The genus Typhlacontias Bocage, 1873 is defined as longest; fourth toe a little longer than third. Tail thick, follows: cylindrical. Colouration is reddish brown above, each Skull characters: Palatine bones only slightly longer than scale with a black spot; sides blackish, or closely wide, separated medially; palatal rami of pterygoids spotted and dotted with black; yellowish-white beneath, expanded laterally, but not meeting medially, and uniform or dotted with black. emarginated posteriorly (gracilis, rohani and The subtribe Scelotiina subtribe nov. is defined as being kataviensis) or not (the rest of the genus); pterygoid one or other of the following three: teeth absent. Postorbital and jugal bones lacking; 1/ Skull characters: Palatine bones meeting or closely supratemporal arch weak and fenestra obliterated by the apposed on midline; palatal rami of pterygoids apposition of the bones in the supratemporal arch with separated medially and diverging posteriorly; pterygoid the parietal; five to six maxillary teeth. External Hoser 2015 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 28:1-64 and 29:65-128. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved 112 Australasian Journal of Herpetology characters: Interparietal large, touching supraoculars; more or less elongate; limbs more or less developed or three median, transversely enlarged head scales absent. between the rostral and interparietal instead of a pair of Sloppyscinciina subtribe nov. is separated from supranasals and two median, transversely enlarged Paracontiina subtribe nov. by one or other of the head scales; no external ear opening; limbless except following three: for T. brevipes, which has a rudimentary hind leg 1/ Having 4-7 teeth on each side versus 8-11 in (adapted from Greer 1970). Haacke (1990) provides a Sloppyscinciina subtribe nov., including the relevant more detailed diagnosis of the genus, or: genera formally defined within this paper for the first 3/ The genus Feylinia Gray, 1845 is defined and time, being, Cummingscincea gen. nov., Rubercaudata diagnosed as follows: gen. nov. and Gracilescincus gen. nov. all of which have Nostril pierced in the large rostral shield, which caps the until now been treated as within Madascincus by tip of the snout, connected with the posterior border of authors including Miralles and Vences (2013) and Pyron that shield by a short curved suture. Scales subequal, et al. 2013, or: the longitudinal series in odd number. Several small 2/ The lack of a postnasal and as a probable scales border the anal cleft, or: consequence, the supranasal contacts the supralabials, 4/ The genus Melanoseps Boulenger, 1887 is defined as well as no forelimbs and reduced hind limb, a small and diagnosed as follows: eye and a shovel-shaped head (Pygomeles Grandidier, Skull characters: Palatine bones separated medially; 1867), or: palatal rami of pterygoids expanded medially and 3/ A group of three completely limbless species (V. emarginated posteriorly; pterygoid teeth absent. lineata, V. mira and V. rubrocaudata), and two species Postorbital bone absent; supratemporal arch weak and with very rudimentary hindlimbs (V. petiti and V. fenestra obliterated by apposition of bones of the arch fierinensis), the latter two herein placed in a subgenus with the parietal bone; 10 to 13 maxillary teeth. External Grandidierina Brygoo, 1981 on the basis of the characters: Interparietal large, touching supraoculars; a presence of rudimentary hindlimbs. This subgenus have pair of supranasals meeting behind rostral; no external species that are eyeless and earless with no forelimbs ear opening; limbless. but small, reduced, styliform hindlimbs that have 2 Distribution: Africa, Southern Asia, Madagascar and digits. The nominate subgenus has eyeless, limbless, Indian Ocean islands. earless species (Voeltzkowia Boettger, 1893). Content: Sloppyscincus gen. nov.; Amphiglossus Paracontiina subtribe nov., including the genera Duméril and Bibron, 1839; Clarascincus gen. nov.; Cummingscincea gen. nov., Rubercaudata gen. nov., Crottyscincus gen. nov.; Cummingscincea gen. nov.; Gracilescincus gen. nov., Pseudoacontias Bocage, Feylinia Gray, 1845; Hakaria Steindachner, 1899; 1889, Paracontias Mocquard, 1894 and the genus Herpetosaura Peters, 1854; Madascincus Brygoo, 1981; Madascincus Brygoo, 1981, as defined within this paper Melanoseps Boulenger 1887; Notascelotes gen. nov.; is separated from other similar genera by one or other of Oxyscincus gen. nov.; Paracontias Mocquard, 1894; the following three: Proscelotes De Witte and Laurent, 1943; 1/ Their small adult size of less than 80 mm snout-vent Pseudoacontias Bocage, 1899; Pygomeles Grandidier, length, 29-30 presacral vertebrae (a relatively low 1867; Rubercaudatus gen. nov; Scelotes Fitzinger, number), both pairs of limbs are pentadactyle; there is a 1826; Sepsina Bocage 1866; Sirenoscincus Sakata and postnasal shield between the supranasal and the first Hikida, 2003; Typhlacontias Bocage, 1873; Voelzkowia labial. No praefrontals or frontoparietals. Lower eyelid Boettger, 1893. scaly. 24 midbody scale rows (all other genera in the SUBTRIBE SLOPPYSCINCIINA SUBTRIBE NOV. subtribe except Paracontias and Pseudacontias), or: (Terminal taxon: Amphiglossus mandokava 2/ The genus Paracontias Mocquard, 1894, is Raxworthy and Nussbaum, 1993). diagnosed by the following derived character states: Diagnosis: Both the subtribes Sloppyscinciina subtribe supranasals absent; prefrontals absent; pretemporal nov. and Paracontiina subtribe nov. defined herein are single; nasal greatly reduced; loreal single (the most defined as Malagasy scincinae species that lack the divergent P. holomelas may occasionally have two); reduction of the head scales, the loss of an external ear preocular single; presubocular single; supralabials five, opening, increased number of presacral vertebrae, and third subocular; postsupralabial single; infralabials the strong reduction of the limbs and attenuation of the contacted by postmental is one; external ear opening body that characterize to various degrees all the other absent; limbs absent without external trace of their non-lygosomine genera of Malagasy skinks. former position; presacral vertebrae equal to or less In common with other skink genera the subtribes than 46; sternal ribs equal to or less than 2; Sloppyscinciina subtribe nov. and Paracontiina subtribe mesosternum absent; complete inscriptional chevrons nov. have the following suite of characters: equal to or less than 19. Palatine bones in contact on the median line of the 3/ By being limbless, with small eye, angular snout and palate, which is toothless. Teeth conical. Eyelids with no ear openings visible (Pseudoacontias Bocage, developed. Ear distinct or hidden. Nostril pierced 1889). between the rostral and a very small nasal, which may Distribution: Madagascar and some nearby islands. be reduced to a narrow ring; supranasals present; Content: Sloppyscincus gen. nov.; Amphiglossus praefrontals and frontoparietals small or absent. Body Hoser 2015 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 28:1-64 and 29:65-128. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved Australasian Journal of Herpetology 113

Duméril and Bibron, 1839; Clarascincus gen. nov.; length, 29-30 presacral vertebrae (a relatively low Crottyscincus gen. nov.; Oxyscincus gen. nov.; number), both pairs of limbs are pentadactyle; there is a Pygomeles Grandidier, 1867; Voelzkowia Boettger, postnasal shield between the supranasal and the first 1893. labial. No praefrontals or frontoparietals. Lower eyelid SUBTRIBE PARACONTIINA SUBTRIBE NOV. scaly. 24 midbody scale rows (all other genera in the (Terminal taxon: Paracontias brocchii Mocquard, subtribe except Paracontias and Pseudacontias), or: 1894). 2/ The genus Paracontias Mocquard, 1894, is Diagnosis: Both the subtribes Paracontiina subtribe diagnosed by the following derived character states: nov. and Sloppyscinciina subtribe nov. defined herein supranasals absent; prefrontals absent; pretemporal are defined as Malagasy scincinae species that lack the single; nasal greatly reduced; loreal single (the most reduction of the head scales, the loss of an external ear divergent P. holomelas may occasionally have two); opening, increased number of presacral vertebrae, and preocular single; presubocular single; supralabials five, the strong reduction of the limbs and attenuation of the third subocular; postsupralabial single; infralabials body that characterize to various degrees all the other contacted by postmental is one; external ear opening non-lygosomine genera of Malagasy skinks. absent; limbs absent without external trace of their former position; presacral vertebrae equal to or less In common with other skink genera the subtribes than 46; sternal ribs equal to or less than 2; Sloppyscinciina subtribe nov. and Paracontiina subtribe mesosternum absent; complete inscriptional chevrons nov. have the following suite of characters: equal to or less than 19. Palatine bones in contact on the median line of the 3/ By being limbless, with small eye, angular snout and palate, which is toothless. Teeth conical. Eyelids with no ear openings visible (Pseudoacontias Bocage, developed. Ear distinct or hidden. Nostril pierced 1889). between the rostral and a very small nasal, which may be reduced to a narrow ring; supranasals present; Distribution: Madagascar and some nearby islands. praefrontals and frontoparietals small or absent. Body Content: Paracontias Mocquard, 1894; more or less elongate; limbs more or less developed or Cummingscincea gen. nov.; Madascincus Brygoo, 1981; absent. Pseudoacontias Bocage, 1899; Rubercaudatus gen. Sloppyscinciina subtribe nov. is separated from nov.. Paracontiina subtribe nov. by one or other of the SUBTRIBE SIRENOSCINCIINA SUBTRIBE NOV. following three: (Terminal taxon: Sirenoscincus yamagishii Sakata 1/ Having 4-7 teeth on each side versus 8-11 in and Hikida, 2003). Sloppyscinciina subtribe nov., including the relevant Diagnosis: The subtribe Sirenoscinciina subtribe nov., genera formally defined within this paper for the first monotypic for the genus Sirenoscincus Sakata and time, being, Cummingscincea gen. nov., Rubercaudata Hikida, 2003, as defined by Sakata and Hikida in 2003, gen. nov. and Gracilescincus gen. nov. all of which have is easily distinguished from all other genera of skinks until now been treated as within Madascincus by worldwide by the combination of: 1/ The presence of two authors including Miralles and Vences (2013) and Pyron forelimbs and the absence of hindlimbs, noting that all et al. 2013, or: other genera except Jarujinia Chan-Ard, Makchai and 2/ The lack of a postnasal and as a probable Cota, 2011 are either quadrupedal, completely legless, consequence, the supranasal contacts the supralabials, or having two hindlimbs only; 2/ The regressed eyes as well as no forelimbs and reduced hind limb, a small sunken below scales; and 3/ Completely depigmented eye and a shovel-shaped head (Pygomeles Grandidier, skin. 1867), or: Due to these obvious traits, Sirenoscincus is not easily 3/ A group of three completely limbless species (V. confused with others within Amphiglossus sensu lato or lineata, V. mira and V. rubrocaudata), and two species other genera within the tribe Sloppyscinciini tribe nov.. with very rudimentary hindlimbs (V. petiti and V. Distribution: Northern Madagascar in the west. fierinensis), the latter two herein placed in a subgenus Content: Sirenoscincus Sakata and Hikida, 2003. Grandidierina Brygoo, 1981 on the basis of the SUBTRIBE HAKARIINA SUBTRIBE NOV. presence of rudimentary hindlimbs. This subgenus have (Terminal taxon: Sepsina (Hakaria) simonyi species that are eyeless and earless with no forelimbs Steindachner, 1899). but small, reduced, styliform hindlimbs that have 2 digits. The nominate subgenus has eyeless, limbless, Diagnosis: The subtribe Hakariina subtribe nov. is earless species (Voeltzkowia Boettger, 1893). defined as follows: Palatine bones not meeting on the middle line of the palate, which is toothless. Teeth Paracontiina subtribe nov., including the genera conical. Eyelids developed. Ear distinct. Nostril pierced Cummingscincea gen. nov., Rubercaudata gen. nov., in the rostral, bordered by a supranasal and the first Gracilescincus gen. nov., Pseudoacontias Bocage, labial; praefrontals and frontoparietals absent. Body 1889, Paracontias Mocquard, 1894 and the genus much elongated; limbs short. Madascincus Brygoo, 1981, as defined within this paper is separated from other similar genera by one or other of Hakariina subtribe nov. monotypic for the genus Hakaria the following three: Steindachner, 1899 is further defined, diagnosed and separated from all other lizards by the following unique 1/ Their small adult size of less than 80 mm snout-vent suite of characters: Hoser 2015 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 28:1-64 and 29:65-128. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved 114 Australasian Journal of Herpetology

Snout short, obtuse, not projecting beyond the labial 1/ The genus Sepsina Bocage, 1866 is defined as margin; eye moderate; lower eyelid with a transparent follows: disk; ear-opening small. Frontal more than twice as long Skull details: Palatine bones widely separated along the as the frontonasal, longer than broad, broadest behind, midline; palatal rami of pterygoids expanded medially angularly notched on each side by the first supraocular; with a tendency toward emargination posteriorly; interparietal nearly as long as the frontonasal; five pterygoid teeth present. Postorbital bone present and supraoculars, second largest; no postnasal; first upper relatively well developed; supratemporal arch strong labial nearly as deep as the rostral; fourth upper labial and fenestra well developed; 12 to 15 maxillary teeth. entering the orbit. 24 smooth midbody scale rows that External characters: Interparietal small, not touching are subequal in size. Limbs short, pentadactyle; the fore supraocular scales; a pair of supranasals meeting limb, stretched forwards, does not quite reach the ear; behind rostral; external ear opening present; digits 4-4 hind limb a little longer than the head; third finger or fewer, or: longest; fourth toe a little longer than third. Tail thick, 2/ The genus Typhlacontias Bocage, 1873 is defined as cylindrical. Colouration is reddish brown above, each follows: scale with a black spot; sides blackish, or closely Skull characters: Palatine bones only slightly longer than spotted and dotted with black; yellowish-white beneath, wide, separated medially; palatal rami of pterygoids uniform or dotted with black. expanded laterally, but not meeting medially, and Distribution: Socotra Island; Arabia. emarginated posteriorly (gracilis, rohani and Content: Hakaria Steindachner, 1899. kataviensis) or not (the rest of the genus); pterygoid SUBTRIBE SCELOTIINA SUBTRIBE NOV. teeth absent. Postorbital and jugal bones lacking; (Terminal taxon: Bipes anguineus Merrem, 1820). supratemporal arch weak and fenestra obliterated by the apposition of the bones in the supratemporal arch with Diagnosis: The subtribe Scelotiina subtribe nov. is the parietal; five to six maxillary teeth. defined as being one or other of the following three: External characters: Interparietal large, touching 1/ Skull characters: Palatine bones meeting or closely supraoculars; three median, transversely enlarged head apposed on midline; palatal rami of pterygoids scales between the rostral and interparietal instead of a separated medially and diverging posteriorly; pterygoid pair of supranasals and two median, transversely teeth absent. Postorbital bone present, but small to enlarged head scales; no external ear opening; limbless minute, or absent; supratemporal arch weak, fenestra except for T. brevipes, which has a rudimentary hind leg obliterated by apposition of bones of arch with parietal (adapted from Greer 1970). Haacke (1990) provides a bone; 11 to 19 maxillary teeth, (versus 22 to 23 more detailed diagnosis of the genus, or: maxillary teeth in Notascelotes uluguruensis Barbour 3/ The genus Feylinia Gray, 1845 is defined and and Loveridge, 1928). External characters: Interparietal diagnosed as follows: large, touching supraocular scales; external ear opening Nostril pierced in the large rostral shield, which caps the present or absent; a pair of supranasals meeting behind tip of the snout, connected with the posterior border of rostral (fused only in some Scelotes bipes Merrem, that shield by a short curved suture. Scales subequal, 1877); digital formula 5-5 to 0-0, (Scelotes Fitzinger, the longitudinal series in odd number. Several small 1826), or: scales border the anal cleft, or: 2/ The genus Herpetosaura Peters 1854, is diagnosed 4/ The genus Melanoseps Boulenger, 1887 is defined and defined as separate from Scelotes (defined above) and diagnosed as follows: by a noticeably wider than long frontal, versus one that Skull characters: Palatine bones separated medially; either is not, or only marginally so, or: palatal rami of pterygoids expanded medially and 3/ Proscelotes De Witte and Laurent, 1943 and the emarginated posteriorly; pterygoid teeth absent. skink genus Notascelotes gen. nov. are readily Postorbital bone absent; supratemporal arch weak and distinguishable from all members of the genus Scelotes fenestra obliterated by apposition of bones of the arch Fitzinger, 1826 by the presence of five instead of four or with the parietal bone; 10 to 13 maxillary teeth. External less digits on both fore and hind limbs and 22-23 characters: Interparietal large, touching supraoculars; a maxillary teeth, versus 11-19 in Scelotes. The pair of supranasals meeting behind rostral; no external interparietal in Notascelotes gen. nov. is in contact with ear opening; limbless. the third and fourth supraoculars and this at once Distribution: Africa. distinguishes it from the genus Proscelotes. Content: Feylinia Gray, 1845; Melanoseps Boulenger, Distribution: Africa. 1887; Sepsina Bocage, 1866; Typhlacontias Bocage, Content: Scelotes Fitzinger, 1826; Notascelotes gen. 1873. nov.; Proscelotes De Witte and Laurent, 1943; TRIBE NESSIINI TRIBE NOV. Pseudoacontias Bocage, 1899. (Terminal taxon: Nessia burtonii Gray, 1839). SUBTRIBE FEYLINIINI SUBTRIBE NOV. Diagnosis: This tribe, monotypic for the genus Nessia (Terminal taxon: Feylinia currori Gray, 1845). Gray, 1839 is defined and diagnosed by the following Diagnosis: The subtribe Feyliniina subtribe nov. is suite of characters: Palatine bones not meeting on the defined best by defining the four component genera, median line of the palate, which is toothless. Teeth these being one or other of the following four: conical. Eye small, with transparent lower eyelid; upper

Hoser 2015 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 28:1-64 and 29:65-128. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved Australasian Journal of Herpetology 115

eyelid not developed. Ear hidden or just distinguishable. 33(16):499-534. Nostril pierced in the large rostral shield, with the Andersson, L. G. 1916. Notes on the reptiles and posterior border of which it is connected by a long batrachians in the Zoological Museum at Gothenburg straight horizontal suture; no supranasals; no with an account of some new species. Göteborgs praefrontals or frontoparietals. Kungliga Vetenskap och Vitter Hets-Samnalles Body elongated; limbs rudimentary or absent. Several Hndlingar Sjatte Foljden (Series B, 4) 17 (5) [ = scales border the anal cleft anteriorly; posterior border Meddelanden fran Göteborgs Musei Zoologiska of the mental shield not reaching to below the anterior Afdelning, No. 9]:1-41. border of the orbit. Interparietal broader than the frontal. Andreone, F. and Greer, A. E. 2002. Malagasy scincid Subgeneric (or even generic) names are available for lizards: descriptions of nine new species, with notes on species groups with different numbers of limb digits or the morphology, reproduction and taxonomy of some limbs, but are not used here pending a more detailed previously described species (Reptilia, Squamata: assessment of the genus by others. Scincidae). Journal of Zoology 258:139-181. Distribution: Sri Lanka. Andreone, F., Randrianirina, J., Jenkins, P. D. and Content: Nessia Gray, 1839 (monotypic). Aprea, G. 2000. Species diversity of Amphibia, Reptilia FIRST REVISOR’S INSTRUCTIONS and Lipotyphla (Mammalia) at Ambolokopatrika, a rainforest between the Anjanaharibe-Sud and Marojejy Unless mandatory under the rules of zoological massifs, NE Madagascar. Biodiversity and Conservation nomenclature of the time, no new scientific names are 9:1587-1622. to have spellings altered in any way. No alteration is to be made for the purposes of gender allocation, Andreone, F., Vences, M. and Randrianirina, J. E. 2001. correction or the like as all spellings and the like are Patterns of amphibian and reptile diversity at Berara intentional and designed to accommodate the rules of Forest (Sahamalaza Peninsula), NW Madagascar. Ital. homonymy and the recommendations that the names J. Zool. 68:235-241. be easy to use by others. Angel, F. 1923. Extrait de la mission Rohan-Chabot If two or more described taxa or taxon groups described Angola et Rhodesia 1912-1914. Reptiles 4(1). Paris, herein are to be treated as one and the same and Imprimerie Nationale:157-169. therefore in need to be merged, the name that shall take Angel, F. 1930. Diagnoses d’espèces nouvelles de priority is that which appears first in this paper as a full lézards de Madagascar, appartenant au genre Scelotes. description. Bull. Mus. natl. Hist. nat. Paris (2)2(5):506-509. Unless otherwise indicated in any specific papers, these Angel, F. 1933. Lézards nouveaux de Madagascar same rules are to be applied to all previous papers I appartenant au genre Scelotes. Extrait du Bull. Soc. have published as sole or senior author. Zool. De France 41:294-296. CONFLICT OF INTEREST Angel, F. 1942. Les Lézards de Madagascar. Mem. None is reported for this paper in any way. Acad. Malagache, Tananarive XXXVI:193 pp. REFERENCES CITED Angel, F. 1949. Description d’une espèce nouvelle du genre Paracontias. Mém. Inst. scient. Madagascar (A) Abraham, G. 1984. Das Portrait: Scincus scincus 3(1):81-87. scincus - Apothekerskink. Sauria 6(2):1-2. Arnold, E. N. and Leviton, A. E. 1977. A revision of the Al-Quran, S. 2009. The Herpetofauna of the Southern lizard genus Scincus (Reptilia: Scincidae). Bulletin of the Jordan. American-Eurasian J. Agric. and Environ. Sci., British Museum (Natural History), 31(5):187-248. 6(4):385-391. Ashton, K. G. 2005. 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Eumeces chinensis (Scincidae: Lacertilia) from Lutao Hallowell, E. 1854. Description of new species of Island, Taiwan. Japanese Journal of Herpetology Reptilia from western Africa. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. 12(3):119-123. Philadelphia 64 [1852]:62-65. Hikida, T. 1989. The Ryukyu Blue-tailed Skink, Eumeces Hallowell, E. 1857. Notes of a collection of reptiles from marginatus Not Distributed in Taiwan. J. Taiwan Mus. the Gaboon country, West Africa, recently presented to 42(1):81-88. the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia, by Dr. Hikida, T. and Darevsky, I. S. 1987. Notes on a poorly Herny A. Ford. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia 9:48- known blue-tailed skink, Eumeces tamdaoensis, from 72. Northern Vietnam. Japanese J. Herpetol. 12(1):10-15. Hallowell, E. 1861. Report upon the Reptilia of the North Hikida, T. and Motokawa, J. 1999. Phylogeographical Pacific Exploring Expedition, under command of Capt. relationships of the skinks of the genus Eumeces John Rogers, U. S. N.. Proc. 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Molecular Phylogeography of the Endemic Five-lined Hoser, R. T, 2015f. Comments on Spracklandus Hoser, Skink (Plestiodon marginatus) ( Reptilia: Scincidae) of 2009 (Reptilia, Serpentes, ELAPIDAE): request for the Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan, with Special Reference confirmation of the availability of the generic name and to the Relationship of a Northern Tokara Population. for the nomenclatural validation of the journal in which it Pacific Science 62(3):351-362. was published (Case 3601; see BZN 70: 234-237; Hoser, R. T. 1993. Smuggled:The Underground Trade in comments BZN 71:30-38, 133-135). Australasian Australia’s Wildlife. Apollo Books, Moss Vale, NSW, Journal of Herpetology 27:37-44. Australia:160 pp. Huey, R. B. and Pianka, E. R. 1974. Ecological Hoser, R. T. 1996. Smuggled-2:Wildlife Trafficking, character displacement in a lizard. American Zoologist Crime and Corruption in Australia. Kotabi Publishing, 14:1127-1136. Doncaster, Victoria, Australia:280 pp. Huey, R. B., Pianka, E. R., Egan, M. E. and Coons, L. Hoser, R. T. 2001. Pailsus - a story of herpetology, W. 1974. Ecological shifts in sympatry: Kalahari science, politics, pseudoscience, more politics and fossorial lizards (Typhlosaurus). Ecology 55(2):304-316. scientific fraud. Crocodilian 2(10):4-31. Jackson, K. 2002. Unusual colour variation in the Hoser, R. T. 2009. Creationism and contrived science: A legless skink, Feylinia currori (Scincidae: Feylininae). review of recent python systematics papers and the African Herp News (35):5-7. resolution of issues of taxonomy and nomenclature. Jacobsen, N. H. G. 1987. A new subspecies of Scelotes Australasian Journal of Herpetology 2:1-34. (3 limpopoensis FITZSIMONS 1930 (Sauria: Scincidae), February). with notes on the distribution of the genus Scelotes in Hoser, R. T. 2012a. Exposing a fraud! Afronaja Wallach, the Transvaal. Ann. Transvaal Mus. 34:371-376. Wüster and Broadley 2009, is a junior synonym of Jacobsen, N. H. G. 2009. A contribution to the Spracklandus Hoser 2009! Australasian Journal of herpetofauna of the Passendro Area, Central African Herpetology 9 (3 April):1-64. Republic. Afr. Herp News (47):2-20. Hoser, R. T. 2012b. A four-way division of the skink Jacobsen, N. H. G., Pietersen, E. W. and Pietersen, D. genus Chalcides Laurenti, 1768 (Squamata: Sauria: W. 2010. A preliminary herpetological survey of the Scincidae). Australasian Journal of Herpetology 14:27- Vilanculos Coastal Wildlife Sanctuary on the San 30. Sebastian Peninsula, Vilankulo, Mozambique. Hoser, R. T. 2012c. Robust taxonomy and nomenclature Herpetology Notes 3:181-193. based on good science escapes harsh fact-based Jensen, J. B., Camp, C. D., Gibbons, W. and Elliott, M. criticism, but remains unable to escape an attack of lies J. 2008. Amphibians and reptiles of Georgia. University and deception. Australasian Journal of Herpetology of Georgia Press:575 pp. 14:37-64. Jongbloed, M. 2000. Field Guide to the reptiles and Hoser, R. T. 2013. The science of herpetology is built on amphibians of the UAE - Wild about reptiles. Barkers evidence, ethics, quality publications and strict Trident Communications:116 pp. compliance with the rules of nomenclature. Australasian Kaiser, H. 2012a. SPAM email sent out to numerous Journal of Herpetology 18:2-79. recipients on 5 June 2012. Hoser, R. T. 2015a. Dealing with the “truth haters” ... a Kaiser, H. 2012b. Point of view. Hate article sent as summary! Introduction to Issues 25 and 26 of attachment with SPAM email sent out on 5 June 2012. Australasian Journal of Herpetology. Including “A Kaiser, H. 2013. The Taxon Filter, a novel mechanism timeline of relevant key publishing and other events designed to facilitate the relationship between taxonomy relevant to Wolfgang Wüster and his gang of thieves.” and nomenclature, vis-à-vis the utility of the Code’s and a “Synonyms list”. Australasian Journal of Article 81 (the Commission’s plenary power). Bulletin of Herpetology 25:3-13. Zoological Nomenclature 70(4) December 2013:293- Hoser, R. T. 2015b. The Wüster gang and their 302. proposed “Taxon Filter”: How they are knowingly Kaiser, H. 2014a. Comments on Spracklandus Hoser, publishing false information, recklessly engaging in 2009 (Reptilia, Serpentes, ELAPIDAE): request for taxonomic vandalism and directly attacking the rules and stability of zoological nomenclature. Australasian confirmation of the availability of the generic name and Journal of Herpetology 25:14-38. for the nomenclatural validation of the journal in which it was published. Bulletin of Zoological Nomenclature, Hoser, R. T. 2015c. Best Practices in herpetology: 71(1):30-35. Hinrich Kaiser’s claims are unsubstantiated. Kaiser H. 2014b. Best Practices in Herpetological Australasian Journal of Herpetology 25:39-64. Taxonomy: Errata and Addenda. Herpetological Review, Hoser, R. T. 2015d. PRINO (Peer reviewed in name 45(2):257-268. only) journals: When quality control in scientific Kaiser, H., Crother, B. L., Kelly, C. M. R., Luiselli, L., publications fails. Australasian Journal of Herpetology O’Shea, M., Ota, H., Passos, P., Schleip, W. D. and 26:3-64. Wüster, W. 2013. Best practices: In the 21st Century, Hoser, R. T. 2015e. Rhodin et al. 2015, Yet more lies, Taxonomic Decisions in Herpetology are Acceptable misrepresentations and falsehoods by a band of thieves Only When supported by a body of Evidence and intent on stealing credit for the scientific works of others. Published via Peer-Review. Herpetological Review Australasian Journal of Herpetology 27:3-36. 44(1):8-23. Hoser 2015 - Australasian Journal of Herpetology 28:1-64 and 29:65-128. Available online at www.herp.net Copyright- Kotabi Publishing - All rights reserved Australasian Journal of Herpetology 123

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