Sphenomorphus anomalopus
The long-toed forest skink (Sphenomorphus anomalopus) is a species of skink found in Malaysia and Indonesia (Nias, Sumatra, Pinang)[1] which can be identified by an extended/elongated fourth hind foot.
Etymology
| Sphenomorphus anomalopus | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Scincidae |
| Genus: | Sphenomorphus |
| Species: | S. anomalopus
|
| Binomial name | |
| Sphenomorphus anomalopus (Boulenger, 1890)
| |
Presumably from the Greek anomalos (strange) plus pous (foot). The description emphasizes the abnormal hind foot, with extended toes with strongly keeled lamellae, and a lack of granules on the sole (replaced by imbricate scales).
Rediscovery
Very little is known about the species, with just a handful of records, and none between 1915 and 2025, when it was rediscovered in Sumatra during a two-day trek made by Pablo Sinovas.[3]
This rediscovery also shed light on the species' “vibrant and contrasting” colouration, micro-habitat and natural history, which had remained a mystery for over a century following its original description. According to observations made in situ in Gunung Leuser National Park, the species inhabits the rain forest floor and, contrary to previous hypothesis, is not arboreal.[3]
References
- ^ Sphenomorphus anomalopus at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 22 March 2020.
- ^ Iskandar, D.; Grismer, L.; Quah, E.; McGuire, J. (2018). "Sphenomorphus anomalopus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018 e.T102347171A102347174. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T102347171A102347174.en. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
- ^ a b Sinovas, Pablo; Grismer, L. Lee (2025-04-10). "Rediscovery of the skink Sphenomorphus anomalopus (Boulenger, 1890) (Squamata: Scincidae): first documentation of its natural history and live coloration". Zootaxa. 5620 (3): 485–492. doi:10.11646/zootaxa.5620.3.8. ISSN 1175-5334.