Lampropholis isla
| Lampropholis isla | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Scincidae |
| Genus: | Lampropholis |
| Species: | L. isla
|
| Binomial name | |
| Lampropholis isla Hoskin, 2025
| |
Lamphropholis isla, also known as the Scawfell Island sunskink,[1] is a species of skink belonging to the subfamily Eugongylinae. It is endemic to the rainforest areas of Scawfell Island off the coast of Queensland, Australia.[2]
It is a robust species with the head and body being continuous with almost narrowing of the neck. The snout is rounded and its nasals are widely separated. Their bodies are mostly a uniform light brown color with the occasional darker flecks. A pale faint and narrow strip can be seen starting from the ear and extending to the midbody. Males tend to have a copper color on the dorsal surface of their heads. They also have prominent lateral orange markings.[2]
Discovery
This species was discovered by Professor Conrad Hoskin during a reptile survey of Scawfell Island that occurred from the 16–19 of November in 2021. In the year 1994, two specimens were collected and assigned to the species Lampropholis delicata.[2]
Taxonomy
Lampropholis isla is possibly a sister species to Lampropholis couperi which together possibly form a group with Lampropholis adonis. However the genetic evidence to support this is weak.[2]
References
- ^ "New skink a second unique species for Scawfell Island". www.jcu.edu.au. 2025-03-18. Retrieved 2025-10-21.
- ^ a b c d Hoskin, Conrad J. (2025-01-27). "A new species of Lampropholis skink (Lacertilia: Scincidae) from Scawfell Island, mid-east Queensland, Australia". Australian Journal of Taxonomy. 85: 1–13.