Combined MammalDIET and MammalDIET 2 dataset

The combined mammal dietary dataset from Kissling et al. (2014) and the updated collected dietary information for 1261 mammalian species

The Other Side Of The Sahulian Coin: Biogeography And Evolution Of Melanesian Forest Dragons (Agamidae)

New Guinea has been considered both as a refuge for mesic rainforest-associated lineages that contracted in response to the late Cenozoic aridification of Australia and as a centre of biotic diversification and radiation since the mid-Miocene or earlier. Here, we estimate the diversity and a phylogeny for the Australo-Papuan forest dragons (Sauria: Agamidae; similar to 20 species) in order to examine the following: (1) whether New Guinea and/or proto-Papuan Islands may have been a biogeographical refuge or a source for diversity in Australia; (2) whether mesic rainforest environments are ancestral to the entire radiation, as may be predicted by the New Guinea refuge hypothesis; and (3) more broadly, how agamid ecological diversity varies across the contrasting environments of Australia and New Guinea. Patterns of lineage distribution and diversity suggest that extinction in Australia, and colonization and radiation on proto-Papuan islands, have both shaped the extant diversity and distribution of forest dragons since the mid-Miocene. The ancestral biome for all Australo-Papuan agamids is ambiguous. Both rainforest and arid-adapted radiations probably started in the early Miocene. However, despite deep-lineage diversity in New Guinea rainforest habitats, overall species and ecological diversity is low when compared with more arid areas, with terrestrial taxa being strikingly absent

Lobulia vogelkopensis Slavenko & Tamar & Tallowin & Kraus & Allison & Carranza & Meiri 2022, SP. NOV.

LOBULIA VOGELKOPENSIS SP. NOV. VOGELKOP MOSS SKINK (FIG. 15; TABLE 1) Z o o b a n k r e g i s t r a t i o n: u r n: l s i d: z o o b a n k. org:act: DEBCBB9C-06A3-4E33-B425-C4885ABA72BA Holotype: BPBM 6917 (field tag MCT 3820), adult male, collected by M.C. Thompson at Kampong Sururae, Lake Anggi Giji, 1.36°S, 133.856°E (WGS 84), (“ 6200 ft ”=) 1890 m a.s.l., Arfak Mts, West Papua Province, Indonesia, 8 March 1963. Paratypes (N = 2): Indonesia: West Papua Province: Arfak Mts: same locality as holotype (BPBM 6919–20; one male, one female). Diagnosis: A medium-sized species of Lobulia (adult SVL 56.0– 58.3 mm), characterized by the unique combination of frontoparietals unfused; supraorbital ridges not pronounced; posteriormost supralabial fragmented by horizontal suture; nuchals single pair; paravertebral scales 69–77; mid-body scale rows 34–36; 4 th digit on front foot no longer than 3 rd; subdigital lamellae 19–23 under 4 th toe; single supradigital scales 3–4 on 4 th toe; mid-dorsum irregularly spotted with small to medium-sized dark brown spots continuing onto tail; light brown dorsolateral stripes present, either fragmented or continuous, framed medially by dark brown spots; flanks dark brown flecked with small white spots; unfragmented light brown lateral stripes present; in preservative, uniform light brown coloration on abdomen, thighs, precloacal region, tail and chin that lacks brown spotting; palmar and plantar surfaces light brown. Comparisons: Lobulia vogelkopensis differs from Lo. brongersmai and Lo. marmorata in having unfused (vs. fused) frontoparietals. It differs from all other species of Lobulia in having a higher count of paravertebral scales (69–77 vs. 46–68 in all others) and irregularly placed small dark brown spots on the dorsum (vs. one or two mid-dorsal rows of large dark brown spots). Lobulia vogelkopensis further differs from Lo. elegans and Lo. fortis in having light brown lateral stripes (vs. absent). Description of the holotype: Rostral broad and shallow, wider than deep, projecting slightly onto top of snout; nasals more or less rectangular, separated by rostral and frontonasal contact, projecting anterodorsally onto dorsum of snout; nostril circular, centred within nasal; frontonasal large, with seven sides, extending laterally to slightly above the level of nares, separated from frontal by prefrontal contact; prefrontals large, in narrow medial contact, bordered ventrolaterally by two loreals; supraoculars four, anterior three in contact with frontal, posterior two in contact with frontoparietals; frontal kite shaped, widest anteriorly; frontoparietals single pair in medial contact, in narrow contact with frontal; interparietal of roughly similar area to single frontoparietal, kite shaped, widest anteriorly; parietal eye spot absent; parietals in contact behind interparietal, in contact anteriorly with frontoparietals, posteriormost supraocular and two pretemporals; nuchals single pair, transversely enlarged, wider than long, separated from secondary temporal by a single intercalated scale. Anterior loreal smaller than posterior loreal, higher than long; posterior loreal longer than high; lower preocular roughly square in shape; upper preocular much smaller, longer than high; presuboculars two; postsuboculars three, lowest interdigitated between subocular supralabial and penultimate supralabial; lower eyelid scaly, moveable, with a clear palpebral disc considerably smaller than size of ear opening; supraciliaries nine, anteriormost not in contact with frontal, posteriormost projecting medially and interdigitated between posteriormost supraocular and upper pretemporal; primary temporals two, lower interdigitated between sixth and seventh supralabials; secondary temporals two, upper larger and overlapping lower; supralabials seven, fifth in contact with small scales of lower eyelid, posteriormost fragmented by horizontal suture; postsupralabials two; ear opening moderately large and oval shaped, with lobules along anterior margin. Mental single; postmental single, contacting two anteriormost infralabials; infralabials eight; enlarged chin shields four pairs, the first two pairs in medial contact, third pair narrowly separated by single medial scale, fourth pair separated by three medial scales; posteriormost chin shield in contact with antepenultimate infralabial. Body scales smooth, in 34 rows at midbody; paravertebral scales 77; medial precloacal scales enlarged, overlapping lateral precloacals. Scales on dorsal surface of 4th toe in two paired rows proximally, single row distally beginning at third interphalangeal joint, three single scales; subdigital lamellae under 4th toe 23, smooth. In preservative (Fig. 15), base dorsal coloration coppery brown, with many irregularly placed dark brown spots no more than a single scale long or wide, continuing along dorsum and tail; light brown unfragmented dorsolateral stripes present, framed medially by row of dark brown spots one to two scales long; lateral field dark brown, speckled with light brown spots a single scale wide; light brown unfragmented lateral stripe present, extending from ear opening to hindlimbs; head similar in coloration to dorsum; dark brown spotting present on head scales; ventral, palmar and plantar surfaces uniform light brown. Variation: Adult body size 56.0– 58.3 mm SVL (mean = 57.4, SD = 1.2, N = 3). Single female (58.3 mm) larger than both males (56.0– 57.8 mm). Forelimbs 35.7– 41.3% of SVL (mean = 37.7%, SD = 3.2, N = 3). Hindlimbs 41.6–47.8% of SVL (mean = 45.0%, SD = 3.1, N = 3). Scale rows at midbody 34–35 (mean = 35, SD = 1, N = 3); paravertebral scales 69–77 (mean = 72.7, SD = 4, N = 3). Lamellae under 4th toe 19–23 (mean = 21, SD = 2, N = 3); single supradigital scales on 4th toe 3–4 (mean = 3.3, SD = 0.6, N = 3). BPBM 6920 has nuchals as wide as long; primary nuchals separated from secondary temporals by two smaller intercalated scale on left side and one on right. Supraciliaries eight with anteriormost in narrow contact with frontal in BPBM 6920, nine with anteriormost not in contact with frontal in BPBM 6917 and 6919. Presubocular single in BPBM 6920, two in BPBM 6917 and 6919. Primary temporal single in BPBM 6919 and 6920, two in BPBM 6917. Supralabials seven in BPBM 6917 and 6920, eight in BPBM 6919. Infralabials seven in BPBM 6920, eight in BPBM 6917 and 6919. Infralabials posterior to contact with chin shields, one in BPBM 6920, two in BPBM 6917 and 6919. Colour pattern generally similar to holotype, but size of dark brown spots varies between individuals, and BPBM 6920 has fragmented dorsolateral stripes. Etymology: Suffixed form of Vogelkop with the Latin –ensis, denoting place, in reference to the Vogelkop, Dutch for ‘Bird’s Head Peninsula’, West Papua, in reference to where the type series was collected. Distribution: Known only from the type locality in the Arfak Mountains of West Papua Province, Indonesia. Remarks: Genetic data for Lo. vogelkopensis are not available. Furthermore, it is only known from the Arfak Mts, almost 1000 km west of the other currently described species of Lobulia, although this gap in distribution likely represents a lack of sampling in Indonesian New Guinea rather than an actual absence. Therefore, the exact phylogenetic relationship of this species to other species of Lobulia is uncertain. However, based on its scalation (unfused frontoparietals) and general coloration, Lo. vogelkopensis is likely more closely related to Lo. elegans and its related species rather than to Lo. brongersmai and Lo. marmorata, and the presence of light coloured lateral stripes suggests an affinity to Lo. huonensis and Lo. lobulus. Reproduction: Viviparous. Only a single gravid female was collected, with a litter size of two, but litter size is presumably variable in this species, as in other members of the genus. Conservation status: Population size and trend unknown. The three specimens are only known from a single location, with an area of occupancy of a single 4 km 2 cell. The type locality is roughly 13 km from a protected area, the Pegunungan Arfak Nature Reserve. No records of the species exist later than the 1960s, and Indonesian New Guinea is poorly sampled. Therefore, an assessment of this species will require more information than is currently available, and we recommend assigning a status of Data Deficient to Lo. vogelkopensis.Published as part of Slavenko, Alex, Tamar, Karin, Tallowin, Oliver J S, Kraus, Fred, Allison, Allen, Carranza, Salvador & Meiri, Shai, 2022, Revision of the montane New Guinean skink genus Lobulia (Squamata: Scincidae), with the description of four new genera and nine new species, pp. 220-278 in Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 195 (1) on pages 259-260, DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlab052, http://zenodo.org/record/653069

Prasinohaema GREER 1974

PRASINOHAEMA GREER, 1974 (CLADE II) (FIG. 5; SUPPORTING INFORMATION, FIG. S6; TABLE 1) Prasinohaema Greer, 1974. Australian Journal of Zoology Supplementary Series (31): 1–67. Type species: Lygosoma flavipes Parker, 1936, by original designation. Diagnosis: Large (adult SVL up to 103 mm; Meiri, 2018) arboreal skinks with short limbs (forelimbs 27.7–31.4% of SVL, hindlimbs 29.9–34.1% of SVL); lobules present on anterior edge of ear opening; two pairs of chin shields in medial contact; three supralabials posterior to subocular supralabial; chin shields separated from infralabials by a row of genials; lower eyelid with window variable in size, opaqueness and scaliness; temporal region fragmented (> 3 scales); nasal scale undivided; frontoparietals unfused; viviparous; litter size 2–9; green blood serum and tissues; tail prehensile with a glandular tip; subdigital lamellae greatly expanded basally. Prasinohaema differs from Lobulia and Papuascincus by having green blood serum and tissues (Greer, 1974), a prehensile tail with a glandular tip and basally expanded subdigital lamellae, by having the chin shields separated from the infralabials by a row of genials (vs. chin shields abutting the infralabials) and by having a fragmented temporal region (vs. the standard three-scale arrangement). It further differs from Papuascincus by having two pairs of chin shields in medial contact (vs. one), unfused (vs. fused) frontoparietals, an undivided (vs. divided) nasal scale and by its viviparous (vs. oviparous) reproductive mode. Species included: Prasinohaema flavipes (Parker, 1936); Prasinohaema prehensicauda (Loveridge, 1897). Species incertae sedis: Prasinohaema parkeri (Smith, 1937) was originally placed in Prasinohaema by Greer (1974), seemingly based on having basally enlarged subdigital lamellae and transverse cross-bands on the dorsum, a coloration pattern it shares with Pr. prehensicauda and Pr. flavipes, but also with Pr. semoni which is phylogenetically distant from the former two species (Fig. 1). However, no information was given in Smith (1937) regarding the condition of its tail or the colour of its blood serum or tissues, data for the latter of which would not have been available for Greer in his revision (Greer, 1974) since the species was never collected after its original description. Furthermore, Pr. parkeri lacks lobules on the anterior edge of the ear opening and has a unique arrangement of the frontal (contacting the three vs. two anteriormost supraoculars) and prefrontals (fused with the anterior loreals). Pr. parkeri is only known from its type specimen (Meiri et al., 2018) collected in the Utakwa River (Smith, 1937), presumably along the southern slopes of the Sudirman Range (Wollaston, 1914). Although the presence of basally expanded subdigital lamellae and cross-bands may suggest an affinity with Pr. prehensicauda and Pr. flavipes, these traits are also common in at least some other New Guinean skinks (e.g. basally expanded subdigital lamellae in Li. longiceps, cross-bands and basally expanded subdigital lamellae in Pr. semoni), and therefore its placement in Prasinohaema is uncertain. Similarly, the presence of green blood serum and tissues alone would not be enough to place it in Prasinohaema, as both Pr. semoni and Pr. virens possess this trait but are otherwise morphologically and phylogenetically distant from Pr. prehensicada and Pr. flavipes (Figs 1–2). Distribution: The two species in the genus (Pr. flavipes and Pr. prehensicauda) are widespread in the montane regions of Papua New Guinea. Prasinohaema prehensicauda is present in the New Guinea Highlands and on the Papuan Peninsula, whereas Pr. flavipes also occurs on the Huon Peninsula. Remarks: Two other species are currently assigned to the genus Prasinohaema: Pr. semoni and Pr. virens. These species emerge in our analyses as phylogenetically distant from the type species of the genus, Pr. flavipes (Fig. 1; Rodriguez et al., 2018), rendering the former concept of the genus polyphyletic. They also differ widely morphologically (Fig. 2), reproductively (Pr. virens is oviparous, whereas Pr. semoni, Pr. flavipes and Pr. prehensicauda are viviparous; Fig. 2) and in elevational range (Pr. semoni and Pr. virens are lowland species, whereas Pr. flavipes and Pr. prehensicauda are montane species; Fig. 4). Many of these differences, particularly in Pr. virens, were mentioned by Greer even in his original description of the genus (Greer, 1974). Therefore, we stress that Prasinohaema is in need of taxonomic revision. Prasinohaema semoni and Pr. virens likely need to be assigned to new genera, although this is beyond the scope of the current work.Published as part of Slavenko, Alex, Tamar, Karin, Tallowin, Oliver J S, Kraus, Fred, Allison, Allen, Carranza, Salvador & Meiri, Shai, 2022, Revision of the montane New Guinean skink genus Lobulia (Squamata: Scincidae), with the description of four new genera and nine new species, pp. 220-278 in Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 195 (1) on pages 234-237, DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlab052, http://zenodo.org/record/653069

Lobulia marmorata Slavenko & Tamar & Tallowin & Kraus & Allison & Carranza & Meiri 2022, SP. NOV.

LOBULIA MARMORATA SP. NOV. MARBLED MOSS SKINK (FIGS 6, 13–14; TABLE 1) Z o o b a n k r e g i s t r a t i o n: u r n:l s i d: z o o b a n k. org:act: 1E3599CA-0E98-43C5-9BD8-7F977A3E6C65 Holotype: BPBM 34150 (field tag FK 12731), adult male, collected by F. Kraus at 5.639°S, 142.625°E (WGS 84), 1900 m a.s.l., Muller Range, Hela Province, Papua New Guinea, 23 March 2009. Paratypes (N = 32): Papua New Guinea: Hela Province: Muller Range: same locality as holotype (BPBM 34151– 55, 34157; two males, two females, two juveniles); 5.652°S, 142.634°E (WGS 84), 1800 m a.s.l. (BPBM 34156, 34162–23; two males, one female); “ Mt Yakapi ”, 5.666°S, 142.643°E (WGS 84), 1966 m a.s.l. (BPBM 34158–60; two males, one female); “ Point 17 = Dickson’s Village ”, 5.64°S, 142.628°E (WGS 84), 1859 m a.s.l. (BPBM 34164–5, 34169–70, PNGNM 25284; two males, one female, two juveniles); “ Kunida ”, 5.6431°S, 142.634°E (WGS 84), 1910 m a.s.l. (BPBM 34166–8; one male, two females); “ Dickson’s House ”, 5.6454°S, 142.639°E (WGS 84), 1777 m a.s.l. (BPBM 34171–73, 34177, PNGNM 25281–83; four males, three females); 5.652°S, 142.643°E (WGS 84), 1860 m a.s.l. (BPBM 34174–76; one male, two females); 5.639°S, 142.625°E (WGS 84), 1900 m a.s.l. (BPBM 34178; male); “ Top House ”, 5.6591°S, 142.635°E (WGS 84), 1910 m a.s.l. (PNGNM 25285; male). Diagnosis: A medium-sized species of Lobulia (adult SVL 41.9–56.9 mm), characterized by the unique combination of frontoparietals fused; supraorbital ridges typically pronounced; nuchals 2–4 pairs; paravertebral scales 46–56; mid-body scale rows 30–34; 4 th digit on front foot longer than 3 rd; subdigital lamellae 20–25 under 4 th toe; single supradigital scales 3–4 on 4 th toe; mid-dorsum with two rows of large dark brown spots converging to a single row roughly around midbody; top of tail with two rows of dark brown spots joining ventrally with dark lateral stripes along the tail length; light blue or white dorsolateral stripes absent; flanks dark brown spotted with grey; light blue or white lateral stripes absent; uniform coloration on abdomen and base of tail, lemon yellow in life, light blue in preservative; thighs and precloacal region without brown spotting; tail and chin uniform light blue speckled with brown spots; palmar and plantar surfaces dark yellow in life, light brown in preservative. Comparisons: Lobulia marmorata differs from Lo. elegans, Lo. lobulus and Lo. huonensis in having fused vs. unfused frontoparietals. Lobulia marmorata is most similar in scalation and coloration to Lo. brongersmai, but differs from it in having a higher average count of midbody scale rows [31.5 (30–34) vs. 29 (27–32)], a dark blotch on the nuchal region, posterior to the parietals, and a generally darker coloration due to larger size of the dark brown dorsal spots relative to the base grey coloration. Description of the holotype: Rostral broad and shallow, wider than deep, projecting slightly onto top of snout; nasals more or less rectangular, separated by rostral and frontonasal contact, projecting anterodorsally onto dorsum of snout; nostril circular, centred within nasal; frontonasal large, with eight sides, extending laterally to slightly above the level of nares, in broad contact with frontal; prefrontals large, separated by frontonasal and frontal contact, bordered ventrolaterally by two loreals; supraoculars four, anterior two in contact with frontal, posterior three in contact with frontoparietal; frontal kite shaped, widest anteriorly; frontoparietal single, anteriorly in contact with frontal, posteriorly with interparietal and parietals; interparietal smaller than fused frontoparietal, kite shaped, widest anteriorly; parietal eye spot absent; parietals in contact behind interparietal, in contact anteriorly with frontoparietal, posteriormost supraocular and two pretemporals; nuchals two pairs, transversely enlarged, wider than long, separated from secondary temporal by a single intercalated scale, with a third nuchal on the right side. Anterior loreal slightly smaller than posterior loreal, roughly as long as high; posterior loreal longer than high; lower preocular roughly square in shape; upper preocular much smaller, longer than high; presubocular single; postsuboculars three, lowest interdigitated between subocular supralabial and penultimate supralabial; lower eyelid scaly, moveable, with a clear palpebral disc roughly the size of ear opening; supraciliaries nine, anteriormost in narrow contact with frontal, posteriormost projecting medially and interdigitated between posteriormost supraocular and upper pretemporal; primary temporal single, ventrally contacting posteriormost supralabial; secondary temporals two, upper larger and overlapping lower; supralabials seven, fifth in contact with small scales of lower eyelid; postsupralabials two; ear opening moderately large, with lobules along anterior margin. Mental single; postmental single, contacting two anteriormost infralabials; infralabials seven; enlarged chin shields four pairs, the first two pairs in medial contact, third pair narrowly separated by a single medial scale, fourth pair separated by three medial scales; posteriormost chin shield in contact with penultimate infralabial. Body scales smooth, in 31 rows at midbody; paravertebral scales 50; medial precloacal scales enlarged, overlapping lateral precloacals. Scales on dorsal surface of 4th toe in two rows proximally, single row distally beginning at third interphalangeal joint, three single scales; subdigital lamellae under 4th toe 20, smooth. In preservative (Fig. 13), base dorsal coloration grey-brown, with two mid-dorsal parallel rows of large dark brown spots two to four scales long, converging posterior to forelimbs to form a single continuous mid-dorsal dark stripe with transverse lateral projections, extending to base of tail; on dorsal surface of tail, two parallel rows of dark brown blotches extending medially from dark brown lateral stripes; light blue or white dorsolateral stripes absent, but parallel dorsolateral rows of dark brown blotches present, extending laterally to lateral fields; lateral field dark brown, speckled with grey spots; light blue or white lateral stripe absent; head similar in coloration to dorsum; dark brown spotting on head scales, mostly along scale margins, with large dark spot in centre of frontal; large dark blotch in nuchal region formed by dark coloration on the posterior margins of parietals and medial margins of nuchals; ventral surfaces uniform light blue; brown dusting present on chin; scales on palmar and plantar surfaces light brown, contrasting with dark brown digits. In life (Figs 6, 14), dorsum greyish with black mid-dorsal spots; lateral field brown with white spotting; chin white; chest, abdomen, thighs, precloacal region and base of tail lemon yellow, with tail becoming white posteriorly; scales on palmar and plantar surfaces dark yellow. Variation: Adult body size 41.9–56.9 mm SVL (mean = 48.1, SD = 3.8, N = 29). Females (mean = 50.5, range: 42–56.9, SD = 4.0, N = 12) larger than males (mean = 46.4, range: 41.9–50.5, SD = 2.6, N = 17; t = 3.4, P <0.01). Forelimbs 36.8–47.0% of SVL (mean = 42.4%, SD = 2.5, N = 29). Hindlimbs 44.1– 53.4% of SVL (mean = 47.5%, SD = 2.8, N = 29). Scale rows at midbody 30–34 (mean = 31.5, SD = 0.9, N = 33); paravertebral scales 46–56 (mean = 51.2, SD = 2.2, N = 33). Lamellae under 4th toe 20–25 (mean = 22.5, SD = 1.2, N = 32); single supradigital scales on 4th toe 3–4 (mean = 3.2, SD = 0.4, N = 32). Mostly 2–4 pairs of nuchals, but BPBM 34150–51, 34155–56, 34166, 34169–71, 34173, 34178 and PNGNM 25281 have an asymmetrical number of nuchals, with one more nuchal either on left side (N = 6) or on right side (N = 5). Primary nuchals usually separated from secondary temporals by single smaller intercalated scale (N = 27), rarely by none on left side and one on right (N = 1), one on left side and two on right (N = 1), two on left side and one on right (N = 3) or two on both sides (N = 1). Supraorbital ridges usually pronounced (N = 25), but occasionally not (N = 8). Frontonasal usually as wide as long (N = 25), occasionally longer than wide (N = 8). Frontonasal fragmented in PNGNM 25285. Interparietal fused with frontoparietal in BPBM 34151 and 34153. Loreals typically two (N = 29), rarely three (N = 4). Supraciliaries either eight (N = 15) or nine (N = 18). Anteriormost supraciliary usually not in contact with frontal (N = 22), sometimes in narrow contact (N = 11). Postsuboculars rarely two (N = 2), typically three (N = 24), occasionally four (N = 7). Supralabials rarely six (N = 1), typically seven (N = 20), occasionally eight (N = 12). Infralabials typically seven (N = 25), occasionally eight (N = 8). Mental split medially in BPBM 34160. Chin shields typically four on both sides (N = 31), rarely five on right side (N = 2). Infralabials posterior to contact with chin shields occasionally zero (N = 7), usually one (N = 24), rarely two (N = 2). Colour pattern of all specimens generally similar to holotype, with a few exceptions. Size of mid-dorsal dark brown spots, and location at which two anterior rows converge to form single posterior row vary between individuals. In some individuals, dark blotches form a continuous thick stripe posterior to convergence; in others form a row of dark blotches. BPBM 34174 has continuous, unfrgamented lateral stripes. Degree of brown speckling on chin varies from almost no brown spots (BPBM 34156) to chin shields being almost uniformly brown (BPBM 34152). Colour in life: Notes for the holotype (BPBM 34150) stated “Dorsum tan with irregular black zigzags vertebrally and dorsolaterally, tan scales margined in black. Face black. Chest, belly, and under rear legs deep orange-yellow; chin and throat white with black spots. Mouth lining and tongue blue-black.” Paratypes BPBM 34152 and BPBM 34155 had the venter entirely white. Etymology: Feminine Latin adjective meaning “marbled”, in reference to the marbled grey and dark brown dorsal coloration of the species. Distribution: Known only from 1777–1966 m a.s.l. on the north-eastern slopes of the Muller Range, Hela Province, where it occurs in sympatry with another, currently undescribed, species of Lobulia (BPBM 34161) having unfused frontoparietals. Natural history: This species was locally common in the village areas and surrounding cleared areas; it was never observed in forested situations. Reproduction: Viviparous. Litter size varies between 2–3 (mean 2.4, N = 9). Conservation status: The species is locally abundant in the areas where collected although the population trend is unknown. Based on the available samples, Lo. marmorata has an extent of occurrence of 2.5 km 2 and an area of occupancy of 16 km 2 (based on occupation of 4 km 2 cells; both calculated using http://geocat.kew.org/). However, it is likely distributed in other localities of suitable habitat in the Muller Range. It does not occur near any protected areas. Further research is needed to discern its true distributional boundaries, potential threats and demographic trends for a proper assessment. We recommend assigning a status of Data Deficient to Lo. marmorata.Published as part of Slavenko, Alex, Tamar, Karin, Tallowin, Oliver J S, Kraus, Fred, Allison, Allen, Carranza, Salvador & Meiri, Shai, 2022, Revision of the montane New Guinean skink genus Lobulia (Squamata: Scincidae), with the description of four new genera and nine new species, pp. 220-278 in Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 195 (1) on pages 257-258, DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlab052, http://zenodo.org/record/653069

Papuascincus Allison & Greer 1986

PAPUASCINCUS ALLISON & GREER (CLADE IV) (FIG. 5; SUPPORTING INFORMATION, FIG. S6; TABLE 1) Papuascincus Allison & Greer, 1986. Journal of Herpetology 20(1): 116–119. Type species: Lygosoma stanleyanum Boulenger, 1897, by original designation. Diagnosis: Medium-sized (adult SVL 36.3–67.8 mm) terrestrial skinks with short forelimbs (forelimbs 25.1– 38.9% of SVL) and moderately long hindlimbs (33.6– 49.6% of SVL); lobules present on anterior edge of ear opening; single pair of chin shields in medial contact; three supralabials posterior to subocular supralabial; chin shields abutting infralabials; lower eyelid with semitransparent window; standard three-scale temporal region; nasal scale divided by a horizontal suture extending posteriorly from the nostril; frontoparietals fused; oviparous; clutch size two; pustulate egg shells. Papuascincus differs from all other genera by having pustulate egg shells and a divided (vs. undivided) nasal scale. It further differs from Nubeoscincus, Prasinohaema and Lobulia by having one pair of chin shields in medial contact (vs. two pairs) and an oviparous (vs. viviparous) reproductive mode. It further differs from Nubeoscincus and Prasinohaema by having the standard three-scale temporal region (vs. fragmented temporal region) and the chin shields abutting the infralabials (vs. chin shields separated from infralabials by a row of genials). It further differs from Prasinohaema by lacking green blood serum and tissues (Greer, 1974), a prehensile tail with a glandular tip and basally expanded subdigital lamellae. Species included: Papuascincus buergersi (Vogt, 1932); Papuascincus morokanus (Parker, 1936); Papuascincus phaeodes (Vogt, 1932); Papuascincus stanleyanus (Boulenger, 1897). D i s t r i b u t i o n: M e m b e r s o f Pa p u a s c i n c u s a r e widespread across montane regions of New Guinea, ranging from the Papuan Peninsula to the Central Highlands in Papua Province (Indonesia). Remarks: The genus Papuascincus most likely contains more species than currently recognized (Slavenko et al., 2020). However, members of the genus appear to be more morphologically conservative than the other genera described in this manuscript. A full taxonomic revision of Papuascincus is underway.Published as part of Slavenko, Alex, Tamar, Karin, Tallowin, Oliver J S, Kraus, Fred, Allison, Allen, Carranza, Salvador & Meiri, Shai, 2022, Revision of the montane New Guinean skink genus Lobulia (Squamata: Scincidae), with the description of four new genera and nine new species, pp. 220-278 in Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 195 (1) on page 239, DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlab052, http://zenodo.org/record/653069

Revision of the montane New Guinean skink genus Lobulia (Squamata: Scincidae), with the description of four new genera and nine new species

The skink genus Lobulia is endemic to New Guinea, the largest and highest tropical island in the world. Lobulia and its related genera represent an important component of the montane herpetofauna of New Guinea, but it remains understudied and poorly known. We here provide the first, large-scale, systematic revision of Lobulia, using molecular phylogenetic and morphological comparisons to assess the monophyly of the genus and the diversity of species within it. We find that Lobulia, as currently defined, is polyphyletic. The eight species currently assigned to it form three clades. Furthermore, many specimens from New Guinea of unknown specific affinity are genetically and morphologically distinct from each other. Based on these data, we re-diagnose Lobulia and two of its closely related genera, Prasinohaema and Papuascincus. We erect four new genera (Alpinoscincus gen. nov., Nubeoscincus gen. nov., Ornithuroscincus gen. nov. and Palaia gen. nov.) to address the problem of polyphyly and describe nine new species Lobulia fortis sp. nov., Lobulia huonensis sp. nov., Loublia marmorata sp. nov., Lobulia vogelkopensis sp. nov., Ornithuroscincus bengaun sp. nov., Ornithuroscincus inornatus sp. nov., Ornithuroscincus pterophilus sp. nov., Ornithuroscincus shearmani sp. nov. and Ornithuroscincus viridis sp. nov. We supplement this taxonomic revision by investigating the biogeographic history of Lobulia s.l. and find evidence for a large radiation in the accreted terranes of New Guinea, with multiple independent colonizations of montane habitats and subsequent recolonization of lowland habitats. Our study reinforces the uniqueness and richness of the montane herpetofauna of New Guinea and the importance of mountains to biodiversity in the Tropics.This work was supported by a Binational Science Foundation grant 2012143 to S.M. and A.A., a Naomi Foundation through the Tel Aviv University GRTF programme grant 064181317 to A.S., National Science Foundation grants DEB-0103794 and DEB-0743890 to F.K. and A.A. A.S. is supported by a Royal Society grant RGF\EA\181082

Lobulia lobulus

LOBULIA LOBULUS (LOVERIDGE, 1945) CENTRAL RANGE MOSS SKINK (FIGS 6–8; TABLE 1) Ly g o s o m a (L e i o l o p i s m a) e l e g a n t o i d e s l o b u l u s Loveridge, 1945: 49. Type locality: Mt Wilhelm, Papua New Guinea. Lobulia lobulus, Kraus, 2020: 204. Material examined for rediagnosis: Papua New Guinea: Madang Province: Bismarck Range: Mt Wilhelm, 2286– 2438 m a.s.l. (“ 7500 to 8000 ft ”) (MCZ R-47067; male; holotype; photos only); Eastern Highlands Province: Daulo Pass, 6.0409°S, 145.2256°E (WGS 84), 2472 m a.s.l. (BPBM 2577, 2578; two juveniles); Chimbu Province: Bismarck Range: Denglagu, Mt Wilhelm, 5.8424°S, 145.0967°E (WGS 84), 2500 m a.s.l. (BPBM 3901, 3910; one male, one juvenile); Mt Wilhelm, above Keglsugl, 5.8071°S, 145.00631°E (WGS 84) (BPBM 6125–26; one male, one juvenile); vicinity of Keglsugl, 5.8311°S, 145.0981°E (WGS 84), 2652 m a.s.l. (BPBM 10811; juvenile); Western Highlands Province: Trika, 5.812°S, 145.095°E (WGS 84), 2200 m a.s.l. (BPBM 22976; female); Rondon Ridge, 5.8891°S, 144.2521°E (WGS 84), 1960 m a.s.l. (BPBM 47837; male); Hela Province: Ambua Lodge, Tari, 5.9616°S, 143.0677°E (WGS 84), 2100 m a.s.l. (BPBM 23058; female). Diagnosis: A medium-sized species of Lobulia (adult SVL 42.5–55.8 mm), characterized by the unique combination of frontoparietals unfused; supraorbital ridges usually not pronounced; nuchals 1–3 pairs; paravertebral scales 54–61; mid-body scale rows 32–40; 4 th digit on front foot longer than 3 rd; subdigital lamellae 19–24 under 4 th toe; single supradigital scales 3–4 on 4 th toe; mid-dorsum with two rows of large dark brown spots on an olive green background typically joined to form two irregularly-shaped dark brown mid-dorsal stripes; top of tail base with two rows of large dark brown spots; fragmented white dorsolateral stripes present, extending from parietals to base of tail; flanks dark brown with light spots; unbroken white lateral stripes present, extending from occiput to hindlimbs; ventral coloration light blue on chin, occasionally speckled with dark brown spots, lemon-yellow on abdomen and base of tail in life, uniform light blue in preservative; thighs and precloacal region lack brown spotting; ventral surfaces of tail occasionally speckled with light brown spots; palmar and plantar surfaces lemon-yellow in life, light brown in preservative. Comparisons: Lobulia lobulus differs from Lo. brongersmai inhavingunfused(vs.fused) frontoparietals. It differs from Lo. elegans in having white dorsolateral stripes and lateral stripes (vs. absent), and in having higher counts of midbody scale rows (32–40 vs. 30–32) and paravertebral scales (54–61 vs. 52–54). Description: This description is based on photographs of the holotype (available online: https://mczbase. mcz.harvard.edu/guid/MCZ:Herp:R-47067) and our examinations of ten specimens in the BPBM collections. Adult body size 42.5–55.8 mm SVL (mean = 52.2, SD = 5.5, N = 5). Females (mean = 49.2, range: 42.5–55.8, SD = 9.4, N = 2) have larger maximal size than males (mean = 54.2, range: 53.7–55.0, SD = 0.7, N = 3), although Loveridge (1945) reports an SVL of 60 mm for the male holotype. Forelimbs 32.9–42.9% of SVL (mean = 39.6%, SD = 3.9, N = 5). Hindlimbs 42.0–51.5% of SVL (mean = 47.7%, SD = 3.7, N = 5). Rostral broad and shallow, wider than deep, projecting slightly onto top of snout; nasals more or less rectangular, separated by rostral and frontonasal contact, projecting anterodorsally onto dorsum of snout; nostril circular, centred within nasal, undivided in all but BPBM 6125; frontonasal large, with eight sides, extending laterally to slightly above the level of nares; prefrontals large, either separated by frontonasal and frontal contact (N = 5) or in narrow contact (N = 4), rarely separated by a single azygous scale (N = 2), bordered lateroventrally by two loreals; supraoculars four, anterior two in contact with frontal, posterior three in contact with frontoparietals; frontal roughly kite shaped, widest anteriorly; frontoparietals single pair in medial contact, in narrow contact with frontal; interparietal of roughly similar area to single frontoparietal, kite shaped, widest anteriorly; parietal eye spot absent; parietals in contact behind interparietal, in contact anteriorly with frontoparietals, posteriormost supraocular and two pretemporals; nuchals 1–3 pairs, transversely enlarged, wider than long, separated from secondary temporal by a single intercalated scale; nuchals typically symmetrical (N = 7), sometimes one more on left side (N = 3), rarely one more on right side (BPBM 40327). Anterior loreal smaller than posterior loreal, higher than long; posterior loreal usually longer than high; lower preocular roughly square in shape; upper preocular much smaller, longer than high; presubocular single; postsuboculars usually three (N = 8), occasionally four (N = 3), lowest interdigitated between subocular supralabial and penultimate supralabial; lower eyelid scaly, moveable, with a clear palpebral disc smaller than the size of the ear opening; supraciliaries typically eight (N = 7), rarely seven (N = 2) or nine (N = 2), anteriormost usually not in contact with frontal (N = 7), sometimes in narrow contact (N = 4), posteriormost projecting medially and interdigitated between posteriormost supraocular and upper pretemporal; primary temporals typically one (N = 9), but rarely two (N = 2) with lower interdigitated between posterior two supralabials; secondary temporals two, upper larger and overlapping lower; supralabials seven, fifth in contact with small scales of lower eyelid, posteriormost fragmented by horizontal suture in BPBM 47837; postsupralabials two; ear opening moderately large, with lobules along anterior margin. Mental single; postmental single, contacting two anteriormost infralabials; infralabials typically seven (N = 7), occasionally eight (N = 4); enlarged chin shields four pairs, the first two pairs in medial contact, third pair narrowly separated by single medial scale, fourth pair separated by three medial scales; posteriormost chin shield in contact with penultimate infralabial (N = 10), rarely with prepenultimate (N = 1). Body scales smooth, in 32–40 rows at midbody (mean = 35.3, SD = 2.4, N = 10); paravertebral scales 54–61 (mean = 57.7, SD = 2.6, N = 10); medial precloacal scales enlarged, overlapping lateral precloacals. Scales on dorsal surface of fourth toe in two rows proximally, single row distally beginning at third interphalangeal joint, 3–7 single scales (mean = 4, SD = 1.2, N = 10); subdigital lamellae under fourth toe 19–24 (mean = 21, SD = 1.6, N = 10), smooth. In preservative (Fig. 7), base dorsal coloration coppery brown, with two mid-dorsal parallel rows of large dark brown spots two to four scales long, typically joined to form irregular dark brown parallel stripes, extending to base of tail; two parallel rows of dark brown spots become smaller posteriorly on tail; dorsolateral stripes present as light brown or light blue fragmented stripes extending from occiput to base of tail; lateral field dark brown, speckled with light blue spots one to two single scales wide; unfragmented light blue lateral stripe present, extending from postsupralabials, across ear opening, to hind limbs; head similar in coloration to dorsum, with dark brown spotting, mostly in centre of scales and along scale margins; ventral surfaces uniform cream or light blue; light brown dusting occasionally present on chin and ventral surface of tail; scales on palmar and plantar surfaces light brown, contrasting with dark brown digits. In life (Figs 6, 8), dorsal colour coppery brown with black mid-dorsal spots; fragmented dorsolateral stripes, uniform lateral stripes and spots on lateral field pale yellow; chin light blue; ventral surfaces of chest, abdomen, thighs, precloacal region and tail lemon yellow, with tail becoming light blue posteriorly; scales on palmar and plantar surfaces dark yellow. Distribution: Known from several locations in the Central Ranges of Papua New Guinea at elevations 1960–2650 m a.s.l., mostly around the vicinity of Mt Wilhelm. It likely does not extend to the Huon Peninsula or the Owen Stanley Ranges, where it is replaced by two newly described species (see below) and Lo. elegans. Reproduction: Viviparous. Only a single gravid female was examined, with three embryos, but litter size is presumably variable in this species, as in other members of the genus. Conservation status: The species appears locally abundant although the population trend is unknown. Based on the sampled populations Lo. lobulus has an extent of occurrence of 4085 km 2 and an area of occupancy of 32 km 2 (based on occupation of 4 km 2 cells; both calculated using http://geocat.kew.org/). However, its distribution almost certainly encompasses more populations throughout the Central Ranges in suitable elevations, including many specimens already deposited in natural history collections, and the true area of occupancy and extent of occurrence are likely much larger than estimated here. The type locality is in the vicinity of a protected area, the Mount Wilhelm National Park, although the National Park only encompasses elevations> 3200 m, and it is unclear if Lo. lobulus occurs at such elevations. Since it is locally abundant, with no immediate direct threats to the species or indirect threats to its habitat or location, and because it likely occurs over a wide distribution range encompassing at least one protected area, we recommend assigning a status of Least Concern to Lo. lobulus, although its true distribution extent needs to be confirmed.Published as part of Slavenko, Alex, Tamar, Karin, Tallowin, Oliver J S, Kraus, Fred, Allison, Allen, Carranza, Salvador & Meiri, Shai, 2022, Revision of the montane New Guinean skink genus Lobulia (Squamata: Scincidae), with the description of four new genera and nine new species, pp. 220-278 in Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 195 (1) on pages 243-249, DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlab052, http://zenodo.org/record/653069

Alpinoscincus Slavenko & Tamar & Tallowin & Kraus & Allison & Carranza & Meiri 2022

KEY TO SPECIES IN ALPINOSCINCUS (ADAPTED FROM GREER ET AL., 2005) 1. (a) Subdigital lamellae 15–23; chin and throat similar in colour to rest of venter; presuboculars modally one; supralabials modally nine.................................................................. A. subalpinus — subalpine skink (b) Subdigital lamellae 12–19; chin and throat abruptly darker than rest of venter; presuboculars modally two; supralabials modally eight........................................................................... A. alpinus — alpine skinkPublished as part of Slavenko, Alex, Tamar, Karin, Tallowin, Oliver J S, Kraus, Fred, Allison, Allen, Carranza, Salvador & Meiri, Shai, 2022, Revision of the montane New Guinean skink genus Lobulia (Squamata: Scincidae), with the description of four new genera and nine new species, pp. 220-278 in Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 195 (1) on page 272, DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlab052, http://zenodo.org/record/653069

Lobulia huonensis Slavenko & Tamar & Tallowin & Kraus & Allison & Carranza & Meiri 2022, SP. NOV.

LOBULIA HUONENSIS SP. NOV. HUON MOSS SKINK (FIGS 6, 11–12; TABLE 1) Z o o b a n k r e g i s t r a t i o n: u r n:l s i d: z o o b a n k. org:act: 692113B4-B03F-4D41-8620-7DE7852BDA1B Holotype: BPBM 40322 (field tag AA 20573), adult male, collected by A. Allison at Dopeke, 5.9538°S, 146.5573°E (WGS 84), 2646 m a.s.l., Finisterre Range, Madang Province, Papua New Guinea, 3 October 2010. Paratypes (N = 18): Papua New Guinea: Morobe Province: Saruwaged Range: Tobo, 6.367°S, 147.37°E (WGS 84), 1600 m a.s.l. (BPBM 2893; male); Madang Province: Finisterre Range: same locality as holotype (BPBM 40320, 40323; one male, one female); Wil, near Teptep, 5.9438°S, 146.5549°E (WGS 84), 2359 m a.s.l. (BPBM 40321, 40330–31; two males, one female); ridge N of Teptep, 5.9369°S, 146.5499°E (WGS 84), 2662 m a.s.l. (BPBM 40324, 40327, 40332; one male, one female, one juvenile); c. 1.6 km NW of Teptep, 5.9392°S, 146.5523°E (WGS 84), 2556 m a.s.l. (BPBM 40325; male); c. 11 km WNW of Teptep, 5.9365°S, 146.5487°E (WGS 84), 2686 m a.s.l. (BPBM 40326; male); c. 2 km NNW of Teptep, 5.9339°S, 146.5567°E (WGS 84), 2564 m a.s.l. (BPBM 40328–29; one male, one female); Siwasiwa, 5.9377°S, 146.5592°E (WGS 84), 2440 m a.s.l. (BPBM 40333; juvenile); Siwasiwa Camp, near Teptep, 5.9464°S, 146.5601°E (WGS 84), 2478 m a.s.l. (BPBM 40334, 40337; two males); vicinity of Teptep Station, 5.9552°S, 146.5595°E (WGS 84), 2173 m a.s.l. (BPBM 40335; female); “ca. 2 km NW of Teptep ”, 5.9334°S, 146.5336°E (WGS 84), 2687 m a.s.l. (BPBM 40336; male). Diagnosis: A medium-sized species of Lobulia (adult SVL 45.2–63.9 mm), characterized by the unique combination of frontoparietals unfused; supraorbital ridges not pronounced; nuchals 1–3 pairs; paravertebral scales 59–68; mid-body scale rows 33–38; 4 th digit on front foot longer than 3 rd; subdigital lamellae 19–25 under 4 th toe; single supradigital scales 3–4 on 4 th toe; mid-dorsum with two rows of large dark brown spots on an olive green background; top of tail base with two rows of large dark brown spots; fragmented white dorsolateral stripes present, extending from parietals to base of tail; flanks dark brown with light spots; unbroken white lateral stripes present, extending from occiput to hindlimbs; ventral coloration light blue on chin, light blue to lemon yellow on abdomen and base of tail in life, uniform light blue in preservative; thighs and precloacal region lack brown spotting; ventral surfaces of tail speckled with light brown spots forming fragmented parallel longitudinal lines; palmar and plantar surfaces pale to lemon yellow in life, light brown in preservative. Comparisons: Lobulia huonensis differs from Lo. brongersmai in having unfused (vs. fused) frontoparietals. It differs from Lo. elegans and Lo. fortis in having white dorsolateral stripes and lateral stripes (vs. absent). Lobulia huonensis is most similar in scalation and general habitus to Lo. lobulus. It differs from it in dorsal coloration—whereas Lo. lobulus has dorsal rows of dark brown spots joined to form two mid-dorsal stripes, Lo. huonensis has large mid-dorsal dark brown spots arrayed in parallel longitudinal rows (not creating stripes), giving it an overall “lighter” appearance—and in having a higher average count of paravertebral scales [62.7 (59–68) vs. 57.7 (54–61)]. Description of the holotype: Rostral broad and shallow, wider than deep, projecting slightly onto top of snout; nasals more or less rectangular, separated by rostral and frontonasal contact, projecting anterodorsally onto dorsum of snout; nostril circular, centred within nasal; frontonasal large, with eight sides, extending laterally to slightly above the level of nares, in broad contact with frontal; prefrontals large, separated by frontonasal and frontal contact, bordered lateroventrally by two loreals; supraoculars four, anterior two in contact with frontal, posterior three in contact with frontoparietals; frontal roughly kite shaped, widest anteriorly; frontoparietals single pair in medial contact, in narrow contact with frontal; interparietal of roughly similar area to single frontoparietal, kite shaped, widest anteriorly; parietal eye spot absent; parietals in contact behind interparietal, in contact anteriorly with frontoparietals, posteriormost supraocular and two pretemporals; nuchals single pair, transversely enlarged, wider than long, separated from secondary temporal by a single intercalated scale. Anterior loreal smaller than posterior loreal, higher than long; posterior loreal longer than high; lower preocular roughly square in shape; upper preocular much smaller, longer than high; presubocular single; postsuboculars four, lowest interdigitated between subocular supralabial and penultimate supralabial; lower eyelid scaly, moveable, with a clear palpebral disc smaller than size of ear opening; supraciliaries eight, anteriormost not in contact with frontal, posteriormost projecting medially and interdigitated between posteriormost supraocular and upper pretemporal; primary temporals two, lower interdigitated between posterior two supralabials; secondary temporals two, upper larger and overlapping lower; supralabials seven, fifth in contact with small scales of lower eyelid; postsupralabials two; ear opening moderately large, with lobules along anterior margin. Mental single; postmental single, contacting two anteriormost infralabials; infralabials eight; enlarged chin shields four pairs, the first two pairs in medial contact, third pair narrowly separated by single medial scale, fourth pair separated by three medial scales; posteriormost chin shield in contact with penultimate infralabial. Body scales smooth, in 36 rows at midbody; paravertebral scales 67; medial precloacal scales enlarged, overlapping lateral precloacals. Scales on dorsal surface of 4th toe in two rows proximally, single row distally beginning at third interphalangeal joint, three single scales; subdigital lamellae under 4th toe 23, smooth. In preservative (Fig. 11), base dorsal coloration coppery brown, with two mid-dorsal parallel rows of large dark brown spots two to four scales long, extending to base of tail; spots become smaller posteriorly on tail; dorsolateral stripes present as light blue fragmented stripes extending from occiput to base of tail; lateral field dark brown, speckled with light blue spots one to two single scales wide; unfragmented light blue lateral stripe present, extending from postsupralabials, across ear opening, to hind limbs; head similar in coloration to dorsum, with dark brown spotting, mostly in centre of scales and along scale margins; ventral surfaces uniform light blue; light brown dusting present on ventral surface of tail, roughly forming parallel longitudinal rows along tail margins; scales on palmar and plantar surfaces light brown, contrasting with dark brown digits. In life (Figs 6, 12), dorsal colour coppery brown with black mid-dorsal spots; fragmented dorsolateral stripes, uniform lateral stripes and spots on lateral field white; chin light blue; ventral surfaces of chest, abdomen, thighs, precloacal region and tail lemon yellow, with tail becoming light blue posteriorly; scales on palmar and plantar surfaces lemon yellow. Variation: Adult body size 45.2–63.9 mm SVL (mean = 54.0, SD = 4.7, N = 17). Females (mean = 51.8, range: 45.2–63.9, SD = 7.2, N = 5) have larger maximal size than males (mean = 56.5, range: 51.5– 60.2, SD = 3.2, N = 12). Forelimbs 37.7–43.6% of SVL (mean = 42.1%, SD = 1.7, N = 17). Hindlimbs 46.1– 51.9% of SVL (mean = 49.8%, SD = 1.6, N = 17). Scale rows at midbody 33–38 (mean = 36.2, SD = 1.3, N = 19); paravertebral scales 59–68 (mean = 62.7, SD = 2.6, N = 18). Lamellae under 4th toe 19–25 (mean = 21.3, SD = 1.3, N = 19); single supradigital scales on 4th toe 3–4 (mean = 3.1, SD = 0.3, N = 19). Mostly 1–3 pairs of nuchals, but BPBM 40323, 40325, 4027, 40328, 40333 and 40325 have an asymmetrical number of nuchals, with either one more nuchal on right side (BPBM 40327) or on left side (all others). Primary nuchals usually separated from secondary temporals by a single smaller intercalated scale (N = 16), rarely by two on left side and one on right (N = 2) or none on left side and one on right (N = 1). Prefrontals usually separated by frontonasal and frontal contact (N = 16), rarely by a single azygous scale (N = 3). Supraciliaries rarely seven (N = 1), typically eight (N = 9), occasionally nine (N = 7) or ten (N = 2). Anteriormost supraciliary usually not in contact with frontal (N = 14), sometimes in narrow contact (N = 5). Postsuboculars usually three (N = 16), rarely four (N = 2) or two (N = 1). Supralabials almost always seven (N = 18), rarely nine (N = 1). Primary temporals either single (N = 13) or two (N = 6). Infralabials rarely six (N = 1), typically seven (N = 13), occasionally eight (N = 3) and rarely nine (N = 1). Infralabials posterior to contact with chin shields usually one (N = 18), rarely two (N = 1). Colour pattern of all examined specimens generally similar to holotype, with few exceptions. Size of middorsal dark brown spots varies between individuals. BPBM 40320, 40326 and 40328 have unfragmented, as opposed to fragmented, dorsolateral stripes. BPBM 2893, 40325 and 40331 have fragmented, as opposed to unfragmented, lateral stripes. BPBM 40334 has dark brown palmar and plantar surfaces. Colour in life: Dorsal surfaces coppery brown with two parallel mid-dorsal rows of large dark brown spots (Figs 6, 12). Dorsolateral stripes white to pale yellow. Sides dark brown to jet black with white or pale yellow spotting and white or pale yellow lateral stripe extending from occiput to hind limbs. Coloration of sides becomes gradually lighter ventrally from lateral stripes. Chin pale blue. Chest, abdomen, precloacal region, thighs and base of tail range from pale blue (BPBM 40335) through light lime green to bright lemon yellow. Yellow coloration more prominent in adult males. Etymology: The Latin adjectival suffix –ensis denotes belonging to a place and is used in reference to the Huon Peninsula, Papua New Guinea, where the type series was collected. Distribution: Known only from 1600–2690 m a.s.l. in the Finisterre Range, Madang Province and the Saruwaged Range, Morobe Province, both on the Huon Peninsula, Papua New Guinea. It is presumed endemic to the Huon Peninsula, where it is the only member of Lobulia present. Lobulia huonensis appears to be sympatric with one species of Papuascincus (lineage I), although Lo. huonensis is seemingly more common at higher elevations (most specimens collected> 2200 m a.s.l.), whereas Papuascincus sp. is more common at lower elevations (most specimens collected 2500 m) dominated by Nothofagus sp., with a ground flora fairly typical of montane New Guinea that included as aspect dominants a variety of species of shrubs in the genera Rhododendron, Coprosma and Tasmannia, and an impressively robust ground moss, Dawsonia sp. In much of New Guinea, timberline occurs at around 2800–3000 m. In the Finisterre Mountains, mossy forest extends to around 3200 m or higher. This was in line with our overall impression that the vegetation zones around Teptep were shifted upwards by 200–300 m compared to the rest of New Guinea. This may, at least in part, explain the occurrence of Lo. huonensis to nearly 2700 m; Lo. fortis and Lo. elegans, which are ecologically similar and occur in the central ranges, do not generally occur above 2400 m. Like the two aforementioned species, Lo. huonensis is heliothermic and is exclusively found on tree stumps and logs. However, it is often found close to the ground, unlike Lo. fortis and Lo. elegans, which generally occur from 2–3 m above the ground. But like these species, Lo. huonensis is mainly active in the morning, when the first sun reaches its habitat. It is common. Lobulia huonensis is sympatric with at least two other species of skinks: a ground-dwelling species of Papuascincus and the arboreal Pr. flavipes. A terrestrial colubrid snake, Tropidonophis sp., occurs to 2500 m. There are only two sympatric species of nocturnal, scansorial frogs above 2200 m: Choerophryne sp. and Cophixalus sp. Zweifel (1980) has commented on the relatively low diversity of montane frogs on the Huon Peninsula, attributing this to the geological youth of the Saruwaged and Finisterre mountain ranges. Reproduction: Viviparous. Only a single gravid female was collected, with two embryos, but litter size is presumably variable in this species, as in other members of the genus. Conservation status: The species appears locally abundant at the type locality although the population trend is unknown. Based on the sampled populations, Lo. huonensis has an extent of occurrence of 100 km 2 and an area of occupancy of 16 km 2 (based on occupation of 4 km 2 cells; both calculated using http:// geocat.kew.org/). However, its distribution almost certainly encompasses more populations throughout the Huon Peninsula at suitable elevations, and the true area of occupancy and extent of occurrence are likely much larger than estimated here. The type locality is approximately 3 km from a protected area, the YUS Conservation Area. Since it is locally abundant, with no immediate direct threats to the species or indirect threats to its habitat or location, and because it likely occurs over a wide distribution range encompassing at least one protected area, we recommend assigning a status of Least Concern to Lo. huonensis, although its true distribution extent needs to be confirmed through further surveys in the Huon Peninsula.Published as part of Slavenko, Alex, Tamar, Karin, Tallowin, Oliver J S, Kraus, Fred, Allison, Allen, Carranza, Salvador & Meiri, Shai, 2022, Revision of the montane New Guinean skink genus Lobulia (Squamata: Scincidae), with the description of four new genera and nine new species, pp. 220-278 in Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society 195 (1) on pages 254-256, DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlab052, http://zenodo.org/record/653069