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Redescription of Lerista storri Greer, McDonald and Lawrie, 1983 Mount Surprise Slider (Figs. 3, 4 & 5) Holotype. QM J39480, Springfield Station, NEQ (17��56'50"S, 144��24'25"E), 19 Aug, 1979. Paratypes. AMS R44772 ���73, Chillagoe Post Office, 14.9 km SE, NEQ (17��13'S, 144��33'E), 17 June, 1976 [now referred to Lerista parameles sp. nov. and excluded from the diagnosis and description below ]; QM J39481, Springfield Station, NEQ (17��56'50"S, 144��24'25"E), 22 August, 1981. Other material examined. QM J85022, Almaden���Mount Surprise railway line, NEQ (17��56'55"S, 144��24'28"E), 4 June, 2006; QM J94325, Springfield Station, NEQ (17��56'52"S, 144��24'30"E), 22 September, 2015; QM J94333, Springfield Station, NEQ (17��56'59"S, 144��24'27"E), 24 September, 2015. Diagnosis. Distinguished from all other Lerista by the complete absence of a forelimb, hindlimb styliform Comparisons. This species is very close morphologically to L. alia sp. nov. It can usually be distinguished by its shorter hindlimb, but there is overlap in this character (range: 1.70���2.46% SVL vs. 2.33���4.49% SVL). This species is almost patternless, with very vague to absent bands of darker pigment running along the body, strongest anteriorly. In L. alia sp. nov., discrete dark flecks are always present, forming more or less distinct longitudinal lines, strongest anteriorly (for comparison, see Fig. 3). The two species are separated geographically by about 60 km, with L. alia sp. nov. centred on Bulleringa National Park and L. storri known only from Springfield Station (see Fig. 1). Of those species of Lerista with no forelimb and a stylar or single digit hindlimb (18 species), only four other species have four supraciliaries, L. cinerea, L. hobsoni, L. vanderduysi and L. vittata. These four species all have a longer hindlimb (>4% SVL) with a distinct, clawed digit and usually have two infralabials contacting the postmental (vs. a single infralabial in L. storri and L. alia sp. nov.). Description of holotype. Adult female; SVL = 66 mm; HL = 5.6 mm, 8.5% SVL; HW = 3.2 mm, 57% HL; SE = 1.1 mm, 20% HL; eyelid free (not fused into a spectacle); EE = 2.6 mm, 45% HL; RL = 0.98 mm, 17% HL; NL = 1.1 mm, 20% HL; IN = 1.2 mm, 22% HL; EN = 1.8 mm, 32% HL; RF = 1.3 mm, 23% HL; E = 0.74 mm, 13% HL; ear minute, smaller than the surrounding scales; MW = 4.0 mm, 6.1% SVL; forelimb absent; L2 = 1.2 mm, 1.8% SVL; TL = 73 mm, 111% SVL (original, determined by X-ray). Hindlimb styliform, no evidence of a digit. Midbody scale rows 20; NC = 55%; NaL = 17%; FN = 109%; FW = 88%; IW = 114%; PL = 56%; MV = 50%; two supraoculars; four supraciliaries, all in contact, first enlarged; first supraciliary contacts preocular, loreal, frontonasal, frontal, first supraocular and second supraciliary; frontal contacts interparietal, frontoparietal, first supraocular, first supraciliary and frontonasal; interparietal free (not fused to frontoparietals); single loreal; prefrontal absent; single preocular; single presubocular; four palpebrals; single postocular; single postsubocular; five supralabials; third supralabial bordering eye; single postsupralabial; five infralabials, single infralabial contacting postmental; four scales between last infralabial and ear; single pretemporal; temporal contacts fourth and fifth supralabials, postocular, pretemporal, parietal (point contact), second temporal and lower temporal; three rows of enlarged chin shields; primary chin shields separated by intervening scale; secondary chin shields separated by one scale; tertiary chin shields separated by three scales; four enlarged nuchal scales; 107 paravertebrals; two enlarged preanals; L2B = 3. Variation. The two paratypes referred to L. parameles sp. nov. are excluded from this description. Sample size is therefore four unless otherwise noted: SVL = 47���67 mm (58 + 7 mm); HL = 7.8���8.9% SVL (8.5 + 0.3%); HW = 56���68% HL (63 + 4%); SE = 20���28% HL (24 + 3%); EE = 45���54% HL (49 + 2%); RL = 15���19 % HL (17 + 1%); NL = 19���23% HL (21 + 1%); IN = 19���24% HL (22 + 2%); EN = 31���34% HL (32 + 1%); RF = 23���28 % HL (25 + 2%); E = 13���18% HL (15 + 1%); MW = 5���7% SVL (6 + 1%); L2 = 1.7���2.5% SVL (2.1 + 0.4%); TL = 96% SVL (single original tail, QM J85022, determined by X-ray, all others regrown). Midbody scale rows 20 (18, QM J94325 only); NC = 40���55% (47 + 6%); NaL = 13���23% (18 + 4%); FN = 48��� 110% (82 + 29%); FW = 87���106% (96 + 8%); IW = 81���114% (98 + 9%); PL = 50���66% (59 + 6%); MV = 49���79% (63 + 10%); four supraciliaries, first enlarged, first three in contact, fourth separate at posterior edge of eye below last supraocular; 3���5 palpebrals (mode = 4); temporal contacts fourth and fifth supralabials, postocular, pretemporal, second temporal and lower temporal (sometimes no contact with postocular, N = 2); 3���5 enlarged nuchal scales (mode = 4), 101���115 paravertebrals; L2B = 2���4 (mode = 4); hindlimb styliform, no evidence of a digit or claw; 104 subcaudals (N = 1). Colouration in preservative (Figs. 3 & 4). The dorsal surfaces of the head, body and tail are pale silvery grey. The body (paravertebrals and adjacent scale rows) is largely without pattern but the flanks (rows three to six or four to seven) are marked with four diffuse longitudinal stripes. Ventral surface cream to straw coloured. The head shields are very weakly mottled and a dark zone is present from the secondary temporal, through the eye and extending forward to the ventral edge of the nasal. The tail is strongly marked with longitudinal rows of dark streaks and heavily flecked on the ventral surface. Colouration in life (as different from colouration in preservative, Fig. 5). As for spirit specimens but the ground colour is more lustrous. Distribution and habitat (Figs. 1 and 6). Known only from Springfield Station, N of Mount Surprise, NEQ. This falls within the Lynd River catchment of the Mitchell River drainage system in the Einasleigh Uplands Bioregion. The Extent of Occurrence (EOO, as defined by IUCN 2012) is less than 1 km 2. The species was collected in the following Regional Ecosystems (Queensland Government Environment and Science 2018): 9.5.8: Woodland to open woodland of Eucalyptus cullenii and/or E. leptophleba +/- Corymbia erythrophloia +/- Erythrophleum chlorostachys. Eucalyptus tardecidens may also occur as a subdominant in northern extent of this regional ecosystem. A sparse shrub layer includes Petalostigma spp., Melaleuca spp., Grevillea spp., Alphitonia pomaderroides and Denhamia cunninghamii. The sparse to dense ground layer is dominated by Heteropogon contortus and Sarga plumosum. Occurs on undulating plains in valleys in ranges on Tertiary/Quaternary soils overlying granite and metamorphic geologies. 9.12.3: Woodland to low woodland of Eucalyptus chartaboma and/or E. crebra or E. cullenii or E. granitica +/- Corymbia erythrophloia +/- E. tetrodonta +/- Erythrophleum chlorostachys +/- C. dallachiana +/- C. clarksoniana. There can be sub-canopy including canopy species, Grevillea glauca and Petalostigma pubescens. The shrub layer is sparse to open and includes juveniles of canopy species, Grevillea spp., Petalostigma spp., Melaleuca viridiflora, Alphitonia pomaderroides and Planchonia careya. The dense ground layer is dominated by Heteropogon spp., Themeda triandra, Schizachyrium fragile and Sarga plumosum. In the north of the bioregion the Eucalyptus crebra is replaced by E. cullenii. Small areas with C. trachyphloia or E. similis may occur. Occurs in patches on footslopes, low hills, crests and ridges. General ecology. Specimens were found in loose soil under logs and other debris. As far as is known, it feeds on small arthropods. Comments. The original diagnosis given in Greer et al. (1983) is similar to that given in the same publication for Lerista vittata and does not distinguish the two taxa. Lerista storri is properly diagnosed from L. vittata by a shorter hindlimb (vs. >4%SVL) lacking a distinct, clawed digit and a single infralabial contacting the postmental (vs. usually two). The major field guides Cogger (2014), Wilson (2015) and Wilson and Swan (2017) all refer to L. storri as the Chillagoe Fine-lined Slider. However, we have found the Chillagoe population is referrable to Lerista parameles sp. nov. and we therefore believe the name is more suited to this taxon. Accordingly, we prefer the name Mount Surprise Slider for L. storri. Conservation Status. This species is listed as Vulnerable by Queensland���s Nature Conservation Act (Queensland Government 1992) and Near Threatened by the IUCN (Vanderduys et al. 2018). However, these assessments were based on the broader concept of L. storri which included the populations split off here as L. alia sp. nov. and L. parameles sp. nov. With our revised narrower concept of the species, it is known from only a single locality less than 1 km 2 in extent, which is not in a protected reserve. Here it is threatened by compaction of sandy soil through intensification of cattle grazing, and by multiple invasive plant species (including Buffel Grass, Grader Grass, Indian Couch, and Rubber Vine) potentially altering soil structure. Population trends are unknown but inferred to be downwards. Therefore, we believe it qualifies as Critically Endangered under IUCN guidelines (IUCN 2012)., Published as part of Amey, Andrew P., Couper, Patrick J. & Wilmer, Jessica Worthington, 2019, Two new species of Lerista Bell, 1833 (Reptilia: Scincidae) from north Queensland populations formerly assigned to Lerista storri Greer, McDonald and Lawrie, 1983, pp. 473-493 in Zootaxa 4577 (3) on pages 477-481, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4577.3.3, http://zenodo.org/record/2632297, {"references":["Greer, A. E., McDonald, K. R. & Lawrie, B. C. (1983) Three new species of Lerista (Scincidae) from northern Queensland with a diagnosis of the wilkinsi species group. Journal of Herpetology, 17, 247 - 255. https: // doi. org / 10.2307 / 1563827","IUCN (2012) IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria: Fersion 3.1. 2 nd Edition. Gland and Cambridge, 32 pp.","Queensland Government Environment and Science (2018) Regional ecosytems descriptions. Available from: https: // environment. ehp. qld. gov. au / regional-ecosystems / (accessed 27 April 2018)","Cogger, H. G. (2014) Reptiles & Amphibians of Australia. 7 th Edition. CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood, 1033 pp. https: // doi. org / 10.1071 / 9780643109773","Wilson, S. K. (2015) A Field Guide to Reptiles of Queensland. 2 nd Edition. Reed New Holland Publishers, London, 304 pp.","Wilson, S. & Swan, G. (2017) A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia. 5 th Edition. Reed New Holland Publishers, London, 647 pp.","Queensland Government (1992) Nature Conservation Act, Brisbane, Queensland. Available from: https: // www. legislation. qld. gov. au / acts _ sls / Acts _ SL _ N. htm (accessed 28 June 2016)","Vanderduys, E., Couper, P., Amey, A., Sanderson, C. & Hobson, R. (2018) Lerista storri. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, 2018, e. T 109477586 A 109477591. https: // doi. org / 10.2305 / IUCN. UK. 2018 - 1. RLTS. T 109477586 A 109477591. en"]}

Lerista parameles sp. nov. Chillagoe Fine-lined Slider (Figs. 4, 10 & 11) ZooBank ID No. E3C2475F-F027-4EBB-9B68-CBCE2ED9A30A Holotype. QM J95783, Savanna Way, S Almaden, NEQ (17°24'04"S, 144°38'52"E), 5 May, 2017. Paratypes. AMS R44772 –73, Chillagoe Post Office, 14.9 km SE, NEQ (17°13'S, 144°33'E), 17 June, 1976 (also paratypes of L. storri); AMS R113854, Chillagoe Post Office, 14.9 km SE, NEQ (17°16'S, 144°34'E), no collection date; QM J87270, Almaden, NEQ (17°23'24"S, 144°39'39"E), 21 July, 2007; QM J95787, Savanna Way, S Almaden, NEQ (17°24'11"S, 144°38'54"E), 5 May, 2017; QM J95792, Savanna Way, S Almaden, NEQ (17°30'30"S, 144°36'54"E), 6 May, 2017; QM J95806, Savanna Way, S Almaden, NEQ (17°24'10"S, 144°38'55"E), 5 May, 2017. Diagnosis. Distinguished from all other Lerista by the complete absence of a forelimb, hindlimb with a single clawed digit, interparietal distinct from the frontoparietals, prefrontals absent, usually only 2 supraciliaries and anterior chin shields in broad contact. Comparisons. Lerista parameles sp. nov. is most closely related to L. ameles. It can be distinguished from this species by a hindlimb with a single, clawed digit (vs. limbs entirely absent) and the number of supraciliaries (usually two vs. four). The species would key to L. storri following Cogger (2014); however it can be distinguished from this species by the longer hindlimbs (>3.4% SVL vs. vs. monostylar, claw absent), usually only two supraciliaries (vs. three or four), usually two infralabials contacting the postmental (vs. always only one) and anterior chin shields in broad contact (vs. at most point contact). Only four other species of Lerista have two supraciliaries (Lerista greeri Storr, 1982, L. onsloviana Storr, 1984, L. praefrontalis Greer, 1986 and L. stylis (Mitchell, 1955)) and these species also have no forelimb. However, all have three supraoculars (vs. two), the supraciliaries in contact with each other (vs. separated) and are geographically distant, occuring in WA or the Northern Territory (NT). One specimen of L. parameles sp. nov. had three supraciliaries, a condition shared with five other species (Lerista desertorum (Sternfeld, 1919), L. edwardsae Storr, 1982, L. elegans (Gray, 1845), L. lineata Bell, 1833 and L. puncticauda Storr, 1991). However, these species all have a forelimb with one or more clawed digits (vs. forelimb entirely absent). Description of holotype. SVL = 71 mm; HL = 5.2 mm, 7.3% SVL; HW = 3.4 mm, 65% HL; SE = 1.4 mm, 26% HL; eyelid free (not fused into a spectacle); EE = 2.6 mm, 49% HL; RL = 0.83 mm, 16% HL; NL = 1.0 mm, 19% HL; IN = 1.1 mm, 21% HL; EN = 1.8 mm, 34% HL; RF = 1.4 mm, 27% HL; E = 0.70 mm, 13% HL; ear minute, smaller than the surrounding scales; MW = 4.0 mm, 5.6% SVL; forelimb absent; L2 = 2.8 mm, 4.0% SVL; TL = 11 mm (broken). Hindlimb with a single clawed digit. Midbody scale rows 18; NC = 38%; NaL = 19%; FN = 51%; FW = 111%; IW = 90%; PL = 59%; MV = 61%; two supraoculars; two supraciliaries, first enlarged and second at posterior edge of eye below last supraocular; first supraciliary contacts preocular, loreal, frontonasal, frontal and first supraocular; frontal contacts interparietal, frontoparietal, first supraocular, first supraciliary and frontonasal; interparietal free (not fused to frontoparietals); single loreal; prefrontal absent; single preocular; single presubocular; five palpebrals; single postocular; single postsubocular; five supralabials; third supralabial bordering eye; single postsupralabial; five infralabials, two infralabials contacting postmental; four scales between last infralabial and ear; single pretemporal; temporal contacts fourth and fifth supralabials, postocular, pretemporal, second temporal and lower temporal; three rows of enlarged chin shields; primary chin shields in broad contact; secondary chin shields separated by one scale; tertiary chin shields separated by three scales; five enlarged nuchal scales; 103 paravertebrals; two enlarged preanals; L2B = 5; five subdigital lamellae under single digit; two supradigitals. Variation. Sample size is seven unless otherwise noted: SVL = 44–71 mm (63 + 9 mm); HL = 7.2–9.4% SVL (8.0 + 0.7%); HW = 22–72% HL (56 + 6%); SE = 23–34% HL (26 + 4%); EE = 43–59% HL (52 + 5%); RL = 14– 19 % HL (17 + 1%); NL = 19–23% HL (20 + 2%); IN = 19–25% HL (21 + 2%); EN = 28–38% HL (32 + 3%); RF = 25–30 % HL (28 + 2%); E = 12–17% HL (14 + 1%); MW = 5–7% SVL (6 + 1%); L2 = 3.4–4.7% SVL (3.9 + 0.5%); TL = 103% SVL (single original tail, QM J95792, all others regrown). Midbody scale rows 18–20 (mode = 18); NC = 36–52% (42 + 5%); NaL = 16–29% (20 + 5%); FN = 41–67% (54 + 8%); FW = 104–116% (109 + 5%); IW = 80–111% (90 + 10%); PL = 52–68% (59 + 5%); MV = 56–86% (74 + 12%); usually two supraciliaries, first enlarged and second at posterior edge of eye below last supraocular, sometimes a third supraciliary present between the first and second supraoculars not in contact with the other supraciliaries (N = 2, one side only); 3–6 palpebrals (mode = 4); usually first two infralabials contacting postmental (N = 6), sometimes one (N = 1); 4–5 scales between last infralabial and ear (mode = 5); temporal contacts fourth and fifth supralabials, postocular, pretemporal, second temporal and lower temporal (sometimes point contact with parietal, N = 3); 3–7 enlarged nuchal scales (mode = 4), 92–107 paravertebrals (mode = 105); L2B = 5–7 (mode = 6); 4 subdigital lamellae under single digit; 3 supradigitals; 94 subcaudals (N = 1). Colouration in preservative (Fig. 4). The dorsal surfaces of the head, body and tail are pale beige to silvery grey. Body with a series of chocolate brown streaks that form broken to near continuous, longitudinal lines on back and flanks (scale rows one to six or seven), these extend along the length of the body and are continuous with those on the tail. The lateral stripes on the mid to lower flanks are usually broader than those on the dorsum. The lower flanks and ventral surface of the body are usually pale but may have a diffuse brown wash. The head shields bear obscure brown mottling. A dark zone is present from the secondary temporal, through the eye and extending forward to the ventral edge of the nasal. In AMS R44772 and AMS R44773, this extends as a dark wash encompassing the side of the face. The tail is strongly marked with longitudinal rows of dark streaks and heavily flecked on the ventral surface. Colouration in life (as different from colouration in preservative, Fig. 11). As for spirit specimens but the ground colour is more lustrous. Etymology. The species epithet is formed from a combination of the Greek word para, meaning beside or near, and the species L. ameles, referring to the close relationship between this species and Lerista ameles. Distribution and habitat (Figs. 1 and 12). Known only from the area surrounding Chillagoe in north-eastern Queensland with an EOO of approximately 256 km 2. AOO will be considerably less than this as areas of suitable habitat are small and patchily distributed within the EOO. This area is within the Lynd River catchment of the Mitchell River drainage system, in the Einasleigh Uplands bioregion of Queensland. Broadly speaking, the species inhabits loose, friable soil in open woodland. Queensland Regional Ecosystems in which this species was encountered are 912.7a and 9.12.27. These are defined as follows (Queensland Government Environment and Science 2018): 9.12.7a: Woodland to open woodland of Eucalyptus cullenii +/- Corymbia erythrophloia +/- Erythrophleum chlorostachys +/- C. dallachiana. An open to mid-dense sub-canopy can occur and includes a variety of species. The shrub layer is absent to open and dominated by Denhamia cunninghamii, Alphitonia pomaderroides, Petalostigma spp., and Acacia spp. The ground layer is sparse to dense and dominated by Heteropogon contortus, H. triticeus, Themeda triandra and Sarga plumosum with a Xanthorrhoea sp. occurring in some areas. Occurs on rhyolite hills. 9.12.27: Low open woodland to woodland of Eucalyptus melanophloia or E. shirleyi +/- Corymbia erythrophloia +/- Acacia spp. A sub-canopy of taller shrub-layer species may be present. The shrub layer can be absent to scattered individuals of a wide mixture of species including Petalostigma banksia, Terminalia spp., Alphitonia pomaderroides, Gardenia vilhelmii, Denhamia cunninghamii and Grevillea glauca as well as canopy species. The ground layer is dense grassy and dominated by Schizachyrium spp., and Heteropogon contortus. Occurs on rolling hills and slopes with shallow soils on acid igneous geology, often with boulders to the surface. General ecology. Specimens were found in loose soil under logs and other debris. As far as is known, it feeds on small arthropods. Conservation status. Only three populations are known but more survey work may uncover new populations. It seems likely populations are naturally fragmented as the species is restricted to areas of suitable (sandy) soils and is probably unable to cross areas of unsuitable habitat. No known populations are in protected areas. They are subject to cattle grazing with its attendant soil impaction and ecological degradation, and invasive plant species altering soil structure. As the species has a known extent of occurrence well below 5,000 km 2 consisting of only three small populations, and is subjected to the direct threats of cattle grazing and weeds from which declines in the area of occupancy, habitat quality and number of individuals can be inferred, we suggest it qualifies as Endangered under the IUCN guidelines B1a, b (ii, iii, v) (IUCN 2012).

Amey, Andrew P., Couper, Patrick J., Wilmer, Jessica Worthington (2019): Two new species of Lerista Bell, 1833 (Reptilia: Scincidae) from north Queensland populations formerly assigned to Lerista storri Greer, McDonald and Lawrie, 1983. Zootaxa 4577 (3): 473-493, DOI: https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4577.3.3

Lerista alia sp. nov. Bulleringa Fine-lined Slider (Figs. 3, 4, 7 & 8, also p 351 in Wilson & Swan 2017) ZooBank ID No. 981253C1-AA4F-46DB-A835-AD62586EC6D9 Holotype. QM J94337, Van Lee Station, NWQ (17°51'19"S, 143°50'17"E), 20 September, 2015. Paratypes. QM J74236, Donkey Spring, Bulleringa National Park, NWQ (17°37'18"S, 143°48'35"E), 30 October, 2000; QM J94306, Van Lee Station, NWQ (17°51'21"S, 143°50'15"E), 20 September, 2015; QM J94308, Van Lee Station, NWQ (17°51'19"S, 143°50'15"E), 20 September, 2015; QM J94309, Van Lee Station, NWQ (17°51'20"S, 143°50'13"E), 20 September, 2015; QM J94312, Van Lee Station, NWQ (17°51'23"S, 143°50'16"E), 20 September, 2015; QM J95798, Talaroo Rd, NWQ (18°02'04"S, 143°48'15"E), 8 May, 2017. Diagnosis. Distinguished from all other Lerista by the complete absence of a forelimb, hindlimb styliform or with a reduced digit,>2.5% SVL, interparietal distinct from the frontoparietals, prefrontals absent, four supraciliaries and anterior chin shields with an intervening scale. Comparisons. Lerista alia sp. nov. is very close morphologically to L. storri and would key to that species following Cogger (2014). It can usually be distinguished by its longer hindlimb, often with a distinct digit, but there is overlap in this character (range: 2.33–4.49% SVL vs. 1.70–2.46% SVL). Lerista alia sp. nov. always has discrete dark flecks forming more or less distinct longitudinal dark lines running along the body, strongest anteriorly, whereas, in L. storri, these are represented only by vague longitudinal bands of pigment. The two species are separated geographically by about 60 km, with L. alia sp. nov. centred on Bulleringa National Park and L. storri known only from Springfield Station (see Fig. 1). For comparisons with other species, see L. storri description above. Description of holotype. Adult male, SVL = 66 mm; HL = 5.0 mm, 7.5% SVL; HW = 3.6 mm, 73% HL; SE = 1.7 mm, 34% HL; eyelid free (not fused into a spectacle); EE = 2.8 mm, 57% HL; RL = 0.97 mm, 19% HL; NL = 1.2 mm, 25% HL; IN = 1.3 mm, 26% HL; EN = 1.6 mm, 33% HL; RF = 1.5 mm, 31% HL; E = 0.83 mm, 17% HL; ear minute, smaller than the surrounding scales; MW = 3.5 mm, 5.3% SVL; forelimb absent; L2 = 1.6 mm, 2.4% SVL; TL = 66 mm (tip regrown). Hindlimb styliform, no recognisable digit or claw. Midbody scale rows 20; NC = 32%; NaL = 21%; FN = 46%; FW = 110%; IW = 94%; PL = 59%; MV = 85%; two supraoculars; four supraciliaries, first enlarged, first three in contact, fourth separate at posterior edge of eye below last supraocular; first supraciliary contacts preocular, loreal, frontonasal, frontal, first supraocular and second supraciliary; frontal contacts interparietal, frontoparietal, first supraocular, first supraciliary and frontonasal; interparietal free (not fused to frontoparietals); single loreal; prefrontal absent; single preocular; single presubocular; five palpebrals; single postocular; single postsubocular; five supralabials; third supralabial bordering eye; single postsupralabial; five infralabials, single infralabial contacting postmental; five scales between last infralabial and ear; single pretemporal; temporal contacts fourth and fifth supralabials, postocular, pretemporal, second temporal and lower temporal; three rows of enlarged chin shields; primary chin shields separated by intervening scale; secondary chin shields separated by one scale; tertiary chin shields separated by three scales; three enlarged nuchal scales; 106 paravertebrals; two enlarged preanals; L2B = 5. Variation. Sample size is six unless otherwise noted: SVL = 43–73 mm (58 + 11 mm); HL = 7.4–9.5% SVL (8.4 + 0.8%); HW = 50–68% HL (64 + 7%); SE = 22–31% HL (26 + 4%); EE = 48–57% HL (52 + 3%); RL = 16– 19 % HL (18 + 1%); NL = 18–22% HL (20 + 1%); IN = 20–24% HL (22 + 1%); EN = 31–36% HL (33 + 2%); RF = 25–31 % HL (28 + 2%); E = 13–18% HL (15 + 1%); MW = 5–7% SVL (6 + 1%); L2 = 2.3–4.5% SVL (3.1 + 0.8%); TL = 90% SVL (single original tail, QMJ94309, all others regrown). Hindlimb styliform, sometimes digit evident (N = 2), sometimes with a minute claw (N = 1). NC = 39–58% (48 + 7%); NaL = 14–20% (17 + 2%); FN = 43–105% (59 + 23%); FW = 84–111% (97 + 10%); IW = 72–101% (90 + 11%); PL = 49–63% (56 + 5%); MV = 68–87% (80 + 7%); four supraciliaries, first enlarged, first three in contact, fourth separate at posterior edge of eye below last supraocular, sometimes third separate from first two (N = 2, both sides) and sometimes second supraciliary absent (N = 1); 2–5 palpebrals (mode = 4); 4–5 scales between last infralabial and ear (mode = 4); temporal contacts fourth and fifth supralabials, postocular, pretemporal, second temporal and lower temporal (sometimes point contact with parietal, N = 4); 3–6 enlarged nuchal scales (mode = 4), 105–111 paravertebrals (mode = 105); L2B = 3–7 (mode = 4); 97 subcaudals (N = 1). Colouration in preservative (see Figs. 3 & 4). The dorsal surfaces of the head, body and tail are pale beige to silvery grey. Body with a series of chocolate brown streaks that form broken, longitudinal lines (scale rows one to three), the intensity and extent of which are variable. In QM J94308 these are barely discernible but in other specimens they are most visible on the anterior dorsum. The pattern is strongest in QM J95798, a juvenile, and extends the full length of the back. The lateral surfaces are usually marked by rows of dark streaks which may be obscure to well-defined. In specimen QM J94337, they appear as continuous, diffuse lines on scale rows four to seven. The lower flanks and ventral surface of the body are usually cream with a diffuse brown wash but on QM J95798 they are relatively dark. The head shields bear obscure mottling with some dark-edged scales. A dark zone is present beneath the eye, incorporating the dorsal edge of the supralabials and extending forward to the ventral edge of the nasal. This may also be continuous with a dark blotch on the secondary temporal scale. Broken, longitudinal rows of dark streaks are present on the dorsal and lateral surfaces of the tail. Ventrally, the tail is cream and strongly flecked with brown. Colouration in life (as different from colouration in preservative, Fig. 8). As for spirit specimens but the ground colour is more lustrous. The photograph in Wilson & Swan (2017, p 351) for L. storri is of the holotype of L. alia sp. nov. The photograph of L. storri in Wilson (2015, p 162) is probably also this species, given its stated locality, but the specimen was not vouchered and consequently could not be examined for this study. Etymology. The species epithet alia is Latin for different or changed, chosen to illustrate its relationship to its close relative, L. storri s.s. Distribution and habitat (Figs. 1 and 9). Known only from the area of Bulleringa National Park and Talaroo, between Mount Surprise and Georgetown, NEQ. The EOO is approximately 235 km 2. Area of Occurrence (AOO, as defined by IUCN 2012) will be considerably less than this as areas of suitable habitat are small and patchily distributed within the EOO. There are only three known populations, one of which is in a protected reserve (Bulleringa National Park). The record from Bulleringa National Park falls within the Staaten River drainage in the Gulf Plains Bioregion of Queensland, while the other records are in the Einasleigh River drainage of the Einasleigh Uplands Bioregion. The Regional Ecosystems (Queensland Government Environment and Science 2018) are as follows: 2.7.2 x2 f: Mixed low open woodland to woodland, including combinations of the species Eucalyptus microneura, Corymbia pocillum, E. megasepala, C. gilbertensis, Melaleuca citrolens. Eucalyptus provecta, Terminalia platyptera and Adenanthera abrosperma may also occur in the canopy. A dense secondary tree or shrub layer of Petalostigma banksii and/or Acacia gonoclada commonly occurs. The ground layer is commonly tussock grasses, including Schizachyrium fragile, Heteropogon triticeus, Aristida spp. and Triodia sp. May occasionally form a Petalostigma banksii shrubland with emergent eucalypts. Occurs on low rises, breakaways and stripped surfaces on lateritised Cretaceous mudstones. Rock outcrop and skeletal soils. 2.7.2 x4: Eucalyptus provecta (predominantly) and/or E. tardecidens and/or E. chlorophylla low woodland to woodland. Eucalyptus microneura, Melaleuca foliolosa, Acacia shirleyi and Erythrophleum chlorostachys may occur in the canopy. A sparse shrub layer commonly occurs, including canopy species, Gardenia vilhelmii and Carissa lanceolata. The ground layer is tussock grasses, including Chrysopogon fallax, Aristida spp. and Schizachyrium fragile. Occurs on footslopes, flats and low rises of lateritised Cretaceous mudstone. 2.5.17 a: Melaleuca stenostachya and/or M. citrolens low woodland to woodland, occasionally with Eucalyptus microneura, E. provecta, Acacia leptostachya and Terminalia platyptera. A shrub layer of Petalostigma banksii may occur. The ground layer is variable, commonly tussock grasses. Occurs on undulating outwash deposits and erosional Tertiary sand sheets in the north of the bioregion. Brown sandy and texture contrast soils. 9.5.16: Woodland to open woodland of Eucalyptus tetrodonta frequently with Erythrophleum chlorostachys +/ - Corymbia clarksoniana +/- C. erythrophloia +/- Eucalyptus cullenii +/- E. chartaboma. The mixed shrub layer is open to absent and can include Gardenia vilhelmii, Grevillea spp., Melaleuca spp. The grassy ground cover is usually dominated by Heteropogon contortus but can include Sarga plumosum and Arundinella setosa. Occurs on Tertiary remnant sandsheets. Small areas of laterisation may be present. 9.11.22: Low woodland to low open woodland of Eucalyptus melanophloia +/- Corymbia erythrophloia +/- Terminalia platyptera +/- E. microneura and/or C. erythrophloia emergents. Eucalyptus microneura may dominate at the base of hills. A sparse to mid-dense shrub layer of Petalostigma banksii +/- Acacia spp., +/- Alphitonia spp. +/- Gardenia vilhelmii is present. The grassy ground layer is dominated by Heteropogon contortus, Schizachyrium spp. and Aristida spp. Occurs on rolling hills. General ecology. Specimens were found in loose soil under logs and other debris. As far as is known, it feeds on small arthropods. Comments. A single specimen (QM J95798) was vouchered from approximately 16 km south of the other specimens and exhibits some variation to the rest of the type series. It has the longest hindlimb, is the only specimen with an observable, though very small, claw and is considerably darker than the others. There was some genetic distinctiveness between this specimen and the other samples of L. alia sp. nov. but it is well within the range of intraspecific diversity normally seen in Lerista (Fig. 2). We therefore assign this specimen to L. alia sp. nov. and assume it exhibits some of the morphological diversity found within this taxon, pending the vouchering of further specimens. Conservation status. Only three populations are known but more survey work may uncover new populations. It seems likely populations are naturally fragmented as the species is restricted to areas of suitable (sandy) soils and is probably unable to cross areas of unsuitable habitat. While one population is within a national park, the other two are subject to cattle grazing with its attendant soil impaction and ecological degradation. All populations are likely to suffer from invasive plant species altering soil structure. As the species, on current knowledge, has a known extent of occurrence well below 5,000 km 2, consisting of only three small populations, at least two of which are subjected to the direct threats of cattle grazing and weeds, from which declines in the area of occupancy, habitat quality and number of individuals can be inferred, we believe the species qualifies as Endangered under IUCN guidelines B1a, b (ii, iii, v) (IUCN 2012).

Lerista vanderduysi sp. nov. Amey, Couper and Worthington Wilmer Leaden-bellied Fine-line Slider (Figs. 3���5, 6 A) Holotype. QMJ79057, Blackbraes National Park, 180 km NE Hughenden, MEQ (19�� 33' 58" S, 143�� 59' 28" E), 1 April, 2003. Paratypes. QMJ77459, Blackbraes National Park, between Hughenden and Mount Garnet, NWQ (19�� 32' 54" S, 143�� 56' 27" E), 23 April, 2002; QMJ77548, Blackbraes National Park, between Hughenden and Mount Garnet, NWQ (19�� 33' 07" S, 143�� 58' 20" E), 23 April, 2002; QMJ79058��� J79060, Blackbraes National Park, 180 km NE Hughenden, NWQ (19�� 35' 14" S, 144�� 01' 00" E), 31 March, 2003; QMJ80715, Blackbraes National Park, Gorge Creek Rd, NWQ (19�� 35' 13" S, 144�� 01' 00" E), 22 October, 2003; QMJ81773, Blackbraes National Park, NWQ (19�� 35' 14" S, 144�� 01' 00" E), 23 November, 2004; QMJ82299, Kidston Dam, NWQ (19�� 02' 08" S, 144�� 07' 16" E), 14 August, 2014; QMJ88148��� J88150, Gilberton, NWQ (19�� 12' 28" S, 143�� 39' 58" E), 18 August, 2008; QMJ91705, Gilberton Station, NWQ (19�� 12' 50" S, 143�� 39' 47" E), 17 May, 2011; QMJ91719, Gilberton Station, NWQ (19�� 12' 50" S, 143�� 39' 47" E), 18 May, 2011; QMJ91729, Blackbraes National Park, NWQ (19�� 33' 58" S, 143�� 59' 28" E); QMJ91730 ���91731, Blackbraes National Park, NWQ (19�� 35' 14" S, 144�� 01' 00" E). Diagnosis. Distinguished from all other Lerista by its enlarged first supraciliary, monodactyl hindlimb, single loreal scale, broad black lateral band enclosing at least one entire scale width, and ventrals dark brown to grey, heaviest posteriorly. Comparisons. Lerista vanderduysi sp. nov. can only be confused with other Lerista spp. that also possess an enlarged first supraciliary (resulting from the fusion of the first two supraciliaries). These include members of the Queensland L. wilkinsi group (L. ameles, L. cinerea, L. hobsoni sp. nov., L. storri, L. vittata and L. wilkinsi) and also L. apoda and L. stylis (both of which are no longer considered members of this group). It is separated from all of these by possessing a broad, dark lateral band that encloses at least one full scale row and a darkly pigmented ventral surface. Note that one specimen of L. vittata, QMJ93634, has a band enclosing at least one full scale row but this anomalous specimen has an immaculate belly, as do all other L. vittata. Lerista vanderduysi sp. nov. is further separated from L. ameles and L. apoda by its hindlimbs (vs. totally limbless), from L. hobsoni sp. nov. by having a single loreal scale (vs. two loreal scales) and from L. storri and L. stylis by its monodactyl hindlimb (vs. stylar). Description of holotype (Fig. 4). SVL = 57 mm; HL = 4.8 mm, 8.4% SVL; HW = 2.6 mm, 54% HL; SE = 1.8 mm, 38% HL; eyelid free (not fused into a spectacle); EE = 2.7 mm, 56% HL; RL = 0.65 mm, 14% HL; NL = 1.1 mm, 22% HL; IN = 1.1 mm, 22% HL; EN = 1.5 mm, 31% HL; RF = 1.5 mm, 32% HL; E = 0.71 mm, 15% HL; ear minute, smaller than the surrounding scales; MW = 3.6 mm, 6.3% SVL; forelimb absent; L2 = 3.3 mm, 5.9% SVL; TL = 50 mm (original, determined by X-ray) 88% SVL. Hindlimb with a single clawed digit. Midbody scale rows 18; NC = 46%; NaL = 23%; FN = 67%; FW = 104%; IW = 105%; PL = 56%; MV = 69%; supraocular two; supraciliaries four (Figs. 5 A, 5B and 6A); first supraciliary contacts preocular, loreal, frontonasal, frontal, first supraocular and second supraciliary; frontal contacts interparietal, frontoparietal, first supraocular, first supraciliary and frontonasal; interparietal free (not fused to frontoparietals); single loreal; prefrontal absent; single preocular; single presubocular; four palpebrals; single postocular; single postsubocular; five supralabials; third supralabial bordering eye; two postsupralabials; five infralabials, two infralabials contacting postmental; four scales between last infralabial and ear; single pretemporal; temporal contacts fourth and fifth supralabials, postocular, pretemporal, second temporal and postsupralabial; three rows of enlarged chin shields; primary chin shields very narrowly separated; secondary chin shields separated by one scale; tertiary chin shields separated by three scales (Fig. 5 C); four enlarged nuchal scales; 112 paravertebrals; two enlarged preanals; L2B = 9; six subdigital lamellae under single digit; five supradigitals; 93 subcaudals. Presacral vertebrae 50; caudal vertebrae 51. Variation. Sample size is 17 unless otherwise noted: SVL = 38���67 mm (55 �� 10 mm); HL = 7.5���11% SVL (8.7 �� 1%); HW = 49���72% HL (62 �� 6%); SE = 18���38% HL (28 �� 5%); EE = 46���57% HL (51 �� 3%); RL = 13���21 % HL (17 �� 2%); NL = 16���23% HL (20 �� 2%); IN = 19���25% HL (22 �� 1%); EN = 27���36% HL (32 �� 2%); RF = 23���33 % HL (28 �� 2%); E = 12���20% HL (15 �� 2%); MW = 5���8% SVL (6 �� 1%); L2 = 4���8% SVL (5 �� 1%); TL = 82���111% SVL (92 �� 11%, n = 5 original tails, all others regrown). Midbody scale rows 18���20 (mode = 18); NC = 29���64% (41 �� 9%); NaL = 13���25% (18 �� 3%); FN = 49���67% (57 �� 5%); FW = 84���109% (96 �� 7%); IW = 77���117% (95 �� 10%); PL = 50���80% (61 �� 8%); MV = 64���89% (76 �� 8%); supraoculars usually two (n = 16), rarely three (n = 1); 3���5 palpebrals (mode = 5); five infralabials, usually first two infralabials contacting postmental (n = 12), sometimes one (n = 5); 4���5 scales between last infralabial and ear (mode = 4); temporal contacts fourth and fifth supralabials, postocular, pretemporal, second temporal and postsupralabial (sometimes fails to contact postocular, n = 4); primary chin shields narrowly separated or in point contact (broadly contacting in one only); enlarged nuchal scales present or absent (mode = 4), 89���115 paravertebrals (mode = 104); L2B = 6���10 (mode = 7); 4���7 subdigital lamellae under single digit (mode = 5); 3���11 supradigitals (mode = 3); 77���99 subcaudals (n = 5). Presacral vertebrae 47���50 (mode = 49, n = 8); 3 phalanges (n = 4); 46���51 caudal vertebrae (mode = 51, n = 3). Colouration in preservative (Fig 4). The dorsal surfaces of the head, body and tail are beige to greyishbrown. Body with a series of chocolate brown streaks that form broken longitudinal lines along scale rows one (paravertebrals) and two (latero-dorsals) with the paravertebral streaks being more pronounced than those on the adjacent rows. These lines continue along the dorsal surface of the tail where there is no discernible difference in the intensity of the streaks between the two scale rows. The flanks are boldly marked by a broad, chocolate brown lateral stripe that begins behind the eye and extends along the side of the tail. On the body, this stripe encompasses the lower half of scale row three, all of scale row four and some, or all, of scale row five. Along its lower edge, this stripe merges with a zone of less intense brown or the pattern breaks to one or two poorly defined additional stripes on the lower flanks. The lateral stripe is present on the proximal portion of the tail but progressively narrows and becomes confined to the third scale row before breaking into a series of streaks on the distal portion. It is bordered below by another line of streaks on scale row four. The head shields have a narrow opaque edge, which forms a straw-coloured margin, and are marked with scattered dark flecks. A dark zone is present on the loreal region, commencing at the naris, extending to the eye and incorporating the supralabials. The ventral surfaces are diffused with grey to brown, which extends beyond the vent to the proximal portion of the tail. Beyond this, the diffusion fades and the tail becomes off-white with varying degrees of dark speckling. Regrown tails are more heavily pigmented both above and below and are without well-defined broken lines on the dorsal and lateral surfaces. Colouration in life (as different from colouration in preservative, Fig. 3). As for spirit specimens but the colours tend to be richer. Etymology. Named for Eric Vanderduys, CSIRO, for his contributions to Queensland herpetology. Eric has had a long-standing interest in this species and helped to collect the type series. Pronounced Vander ��� dice ��� i. Distribution and habitat. Lerista vanderduysi sp. nov. occurs in the region of Blackbraes National Park, within the Western Cape and Gulf Drainage (Fig. 1). It is largely restricted to patches of semi-evergreen vine thickets., Published as part of Couper, Patrick J., Amey, Andrew P. & Wilmer, Jessica Worthington, 2016, Cryptic diversity within the narrowly endemic Lerista wilkinsi group of north Queensland ��� two new species (Reptilia: Scincidae), pp. 61-91 in Zootaxa 4162 (1) on pages 73-76, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4162.1.3, http://zenodo.org/record/264311

Lerista hobsoni sp. nov. Amey, Couper and Worthington Wilmer Hobson���s Fine-lined Slider (Figs. 6 B, 7���8) Holotype. QMJ93709, Rubbish Tip Rd, Pentland, CQ (20�� 31' 46" S, 145�� 24' 13" E), 16 September, 2014. Paratypes. QMJ40098, male, Battery Station, 90 km NNW Charters Towers, NEQ (19�� 29' 54" S, 145�� 39' 30" E), 3 December, 1981; QMJ40099, Battery Station, 90 km NNW Charters Towers, NEQ (19�� 29' 54" S, 145�� 39' 30" E), 3 December, 1981; QMJ40100, Charters Towers, 83 km NNW, NEQ (19�� 33' 42" S, 145�� 42' 24" E), 4 December, 1981; QMJ69486, Pentland, CQ (20�� 32' S, 145�� 24' E), 9 March, 1999; QMJ74899, Lake Louisa, NWQ (19�� 54' 30" S, 144�� 14' 30" E), 18 March, 1984; QMJ84653 ���84654, Myola Station, CQ (20�� 04' 21" S, 145�� 28' 02" E), 29 September���17 December, 2006; SAMR 54519���54521, Lolworth, 3 km N, CQ (20�� 09' 40" S, 145�� 00' 02" E), 20 May, 2000. Diagnosis. Distinguished from all other Lerista by its combination of enlarged 1st supraciliary, two loreals, usually two preoculars and a single presubocular and no broad black lateral band. Comparison with other species. Lerista hobsoni sp. nov. can only be confused with other Lerista spp. that also possess an enlarged first supraciliary (resulting from the fusion of the first two supraciliaries). These include the Queensland Lerista wilkinsi group (L. ameles, L. cinerea, L. storri, L. vittata, L. vanderduysi sp. nov. and L. wilkinsi) and also L. apoda and L. stylis (both of which are no longer considered members of this group). It is separated from all of these by possessing two (vs. one) loreal scales. Lerista hobsoni sp. nov. is further separated from L. ameles and L. apoda by its hindlimb (vs. totally limbless), from L. storri by having a clawed digit (vs. stylar), from L. vittata and L. vanderduysi sp. nov. in lacking a broad, dark lateral band (vs. dark lateral band present) and from L. wilkinsi by the number of digits (1 vs. 2 toes on the hindlimb). Description of holotype (Fig. 7). SVL = 67 mm; HL = 5.4 mm, 8.1% SVL; HW = 3.4 mm, 62% HL; SE = 1.5 mm, 27% HL; eyelid free, not fused into a spectacle; EE = 2.7 mm, 49% HL; RL = 0.95 mm, 17% HL; NL = 0.9 mm, 17% HL; IN = 1.0 mm, 19% HL; EN = 1.8 mm, 34% HL; RF = 1.1 mm, 21% HL; E = 0.7 mm, 13% HL; ear minute, smaller than surrounding scales; midbody width 4.4 mm, 6.6% SVL; forelimb absent; L2 = 3.1 mm, 4.7% SVL; TL = 71 mm (with regrown tip, determined by eye). Hindlimb with a single clawed digit. Midbody scale rows 18; NC = 34%; NaL = 20%; FN = 56%; FW = 95%; IW = 76%; PL = 58%; MV = 90%; supraoculars two; supraciliaries four (Fig. 6 B, 8A and 8B); first supraciliary contacts preocular, second loreal, prefrontal, frontal, first supraocular and second supraciliary; frontal contacts interparietal, frontoparietal, first supraocular, first supraciliary prefrontal and frontonasal; interparietal free (not fused to frontoparietals); two loreals; prefrontal present, contacting first and second loreals, frontonasal, frontal and first supraciliary; two preoculars; single presubocular; five palpebrals, single postocular; single postsubocular; five supralabials, third supralabial bordering eye; two postsupralabials; five infralabials, two infralabials contacting postmental; four scales between last infralabial and ear; single pretemporal; temporal contacts fourth and fifth supralabials, pretemporal, second temporal and postsupralabial; three rows of enlarged chin shields; primary chin shields in point contact; secondary chin shields separated by one scale; tertiary chin shields separated by three scales (Fig. 8 C); four enlarged nuchal scales; 106 paravertebrals; two enlarged preanals; L2B = 9; six subdigital lamellae under single digit, four supradigitals. Notes. In the holotype (QMJ93709), the prefrontal contacts both loreals but not the preocular, a condition that was otherwise seen in only two of the ten paratypes. Despite this, QMJ93709 was chosen as holotype because there was a genetic sample available for it and it features in our phylogeny (Fig. 2). It is the best preserved individual in the series and typical in all other aspects of scalation. Specimens QMJ40098���40100 are also paratypes of Lerista cinerea. Greer et al. (1983) mention that the paratypes from Battery Station differ from other L. cinerea populations in having two (vs. three) phalanges on the single hind digit and a lower presacral vertebral count (46���47 vs. 48���49). We have assessed these characters over a larger sample and found there to be no consistent differences between L. cinerea and L. hobsoni sp. nov. Variation. Sample size is 11 unless otherwise noted: SVL = 30���68 mm (54 �� 10 mm); HL = 7���13% SVL (9 �� 1%); HW = 53���73% HL (61 �� 6%); SE = 18���31% HL (26 �� 4%); EE = 44���56% HL (51 �� 4%); RL = 14���20 % HL (17 �� 1%); NL = 16���21% (18 �� 1%); IN = 17���24% HL (21 �� 2%); EN = 27���34% HL (31 �� 2%); RF = 20���28% HL (24 �� 2%); E = 13���20% HL (16 �� 2%); MW = 5���9% SVL (7 �� 1%); L2 = 4���9% SVL (6 �� 1%); TL = 92���119% SVL (100 �� 13%, n = 4 original tails, all others regrown). Hindlimb with a single clawed digit. Midbody scale rows 18; NC = 27���43% (33 �� 5%); NaL = 19���29% (23 �� 3%); FN = 48���65% (56 �� 5%); FW = 79���105% (92 �� 8%); IW = 61���85% (75 �� 8%); PL = 50���73% (62 �� 7%); MV = 56���79% (65 �� 11%); prefrontal contacts preocular, second loreal, frontonasal, frontal and first supraciliary (in QMJ40098 the prefrontal fails to contact the preocular, in SAMR 54519, SAMR 54521 and QMJ93709 the prefrontal contacts the first loreal but not the preocular); first supraciliary contacts preocular, second loreal, prefrontal, frontal, first supraocular and second supraciliary (in QMJ69486 the first supraciliary contacts the presubocular but fails to contact the preocular, in QMJ74899 the first supraciliary contacts both the presubocular and preocular and in QMJ84654 the first supraciliary fails to contact both the presubocular and the preocular); two preoculars (QMJ74899 has only one preocular); 4���5 palpebrals (mode = 4); usually two infralabials (n = 10) contacting postmental, rarely one (n = 1, QMJ54519); 4���5 scales between last infralabial and ear (mode = 4); temporal contacts fourth and fifth supralabials, postocular, pretemporal, second temporal and postsupralabial (sometimes fails to contact postocular, n = 2); primary chin shields narrowly separated or in point contact (broadly contacting in one only, QMJ74899); 3���5 enlarged nuchal scales (mode = 4); 93���106 paravertebrals (mode = 99); L2B = 6���11 (mode = 10); 4���6 subdigital lamellae under single digit (mode = 6); 3���4 supradigitals (mode = 4); 80���96 subcaudals (mode = 91, n = 9). Presacral vertebrae 46���51 (mode = 47, n = 5); two or three phalanges (n = 5); 48 caudal vertebrae (n = 1). Colouration in preservative (Fig. 7). Dorsal surfaces of head, body and tail beige to greyish-brown. Body with a series of chocolate-brown streaks that form four to six broken, longitudinal lines; those on scale rows one (paravertebral) to four being the strongest. These are narrowest and most prominent on rows one to three and broader but more diffuse on the lower flanks. Lines one and two commence on the nuchal region, line three begins behind the upper posterior edge of the eye and row four begins slightly above the ear. The lines continue on the tail but are obscure or absent along its lateral surfaces. The head shields have a narrow opaque edge, which forms a pale straw-coloured margin, and are marked with scattered dark flecks. An irregular dark zone is present on the loreal region and along the dorsal margin of the supralabials. The ventral surfaces are off-white with a pale grey diffusion (body) or cream (tail). The underside of the tail has scattered dark flecks along its outer edges and in some specimens the central basal portion is distinctly flecked. Regenerated tails are dark above and below and lack the longitudinal rows of dark flecks that are seen on original tails. Colouration in life (as different from colouration in preservative). As for spirit specimens but the base colour is silvery grey (fades to pale brown in spirit). Etymology. Named for Rodney Grant Hobson of the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, for his significant contribution to the understanding and conservation of Queensland���s reptile fauna. Distribution and habitat (Figs. 1 and 9). Lerista hobsoni sp. nov. has been recorded from scattered open forest localities in the Upper Burdekin Drainage Basin., Published as part of Couper, Patrick J., Amey, Andrew P. & Wilmer, Jessica Worthington, 2016, Cryptic diversity within the narrowly endemic Lerista wilkinsi group of north Queensland ��� two new species (Reptilia: Scincidae), pp. 61-91 in Zootaxa 4162 (1) on pages 76-79, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4162.1.3, http://zenodo.org/record/264311

Redescription of Lerista cinerea Combining our morphological and genetic data shows that several populations previously identified as L. storri using the available keys, are more appropriately assigned to L. cinerea. However, morphological variation within these populations is greater than recognised by Greer et al. (1983) when they described the species and their diagnosis and keys will no longer diagnose our expanded concept of L. cinerea. To rectify this, we provide a redescription of L. cinerea., Published as part of Couper, Patrick J., Amey, Andrew P. & Wilmer, Jessica Worthington, 2016, Cryptic diversity within the narrowly endemic Lerista wilkinsi group of north Queensland ��� two new species (Reptilia: Scincidae), pp. 61-91 in Zootaxa 4162 (1) on page 81, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4162.1.3, http://zenodo.org/record/264311

Lerista cinerea Greer, McDonald and Lawrie, 1983 Vine-thicket Fine-lined Slider (Figs. 10���11) Holotype. QMJ40097, female, Cardigan Scrub, Warrawee Station, CQ (20�� 24' 24" S 146�� 40' 12" E), 17 August, 1981. Paratypes. QMJ40094 ���40096, Cardigan Scrub, Warrawee Station, CQ (20�� 24' 24" S, 146�� 40' 12" E), 17 August, 1981; QMJ40098, male, Battery Station, 90 km NNW Charters Towers, NEQ (19�� 29' 54" S, 145�� 39' 30" E), 3 December, 1981; QMJ40099, juvenile, Battery Station, 90 km NNW Charters Towers, NEQ (19�� 29' 54" S, 145�� 39' 30" E), 3 Dec, 1981; QMJ40100, Charters Towers, 83 km NNW, NEQ (19�� 33' 42" S, 145�� 42' 24" E), 4 December, 1981. (QMJ40098 ���40100 now identified as L. hobsoni sp. nov.). Other material examined is listed in Appendix 1. Diagnosis. Distinguished from all other Lerista by its combination of enlarged first supraciliary, monodactyl hindlimb, single loreal, usually single preocular, single presubocular and no broad black lateral band. Comparisons. Lerista cinerea can only be confused with other Lerista spp. that also possess an enlarged first supraciliary (resulting from the fusion of the first two supraciliaries). These include the Queensland Lerista wilkinsi group (L. ameles, L. hobsoni sp. nov., L. storri, L. vittata, L. vanderduysi sp. nov. and L. wilkinsi) and also L. apoda and L. stylis (both of which are no longer considered members of this group). Lerista cinerea is separated from L. ameles and L. apoda by its hindlimbs (vs. totally limbless), from L. storri by having a clawed digit (vs. stylar), from L. vittata and L. vanderduysi sp. nov. in lacking a broad, dark lateral band (vs. dark lateral band present) and from L. wilkinsi by the number of digits (one vs. two toes on the hindlimb). It is closest to L. hobsoni sp. nov. from which it can be distinguished by possessing a single loreal (vs. two loreals). While specimens from the type locality possess a prefrontal scale which distinguishes them from all other members of the L wilkinsi group, other populations now assigned to L. cinerea are lacking this character. Description of holotype. SVL = 63 mm; HL = 4.9 mm, 7.7% SVL; HW = 2.9 mm, 59% HL; SE = 1.1 mm, 22% HL; eyelid free; EE = 2.5 mm, 51% HL; RL = 0.79 mm, 16% HL; NL = 0.91 mm, 19% HL; IN = 1.0 mm, 21% HL; EN = 1.6 mm, 33% HL; RF = 1.2 mm, 24% HL; E = 0.67 mm, 14% HL; ear minute, smaller than surrounding scales; MW = 4.0 mm, 6.4% SVL; forelimb absent; L2 = 3.6 mm, 5.8% SVL; TL = 71 mm (with regrown tip, determined by eye). Hindlimb with a single clawed digit. Midbody scale rows 18; NC = 41%; NaL = 13%; NaL = 53%; FW = 82%; IW = 80%; PL = 55%; supraoculars two; supraciliaries four; first supraciliary contacts preocular, prefrontal, frontal, first supraocular and second supraciliary; frontal contacts interparietal, frontoparietal, first supraocular, first supraciliary, prefrontal and frontonasal; interparietal free (not fused to frontoparietals); single loreal; prefrontal present, contacting preocular, loreal, frontonasal, frontal and first supraciliary; single preocular; single presubocular; four palpebrals, single postocular; single postsubocular; five supralabials, third supralabial bordering eye; two postsupralabials; five infralabials, two infralabials contacting postmental; four scales between last infralabial and ear; single pretemporal; temporal contacts fourth and fifth supralabials, postocular, pretemporal, second temporal and postsupralabial; three rows of enlarged chin shields; primary chin shields in half contact; secondary chin shields separated by one scale; tertiary chin shields separated by three scales; four enlarged nuchal scales; 90 paravertebrals; midventral scale width 64% paravertebral scale width; two enlarged preanals; L2B = 8; seven subdigital lamellae under single digit; three supradigitals. Presacral vertebrae 49; 3 phalanges. Variation. Sample size is 25 unless otherwise noted: SVL = 39���71 mm (59 �� 7 mm); HL = 7���10% SVL (8 �� 1%); HW = 56���69% HL (65 �� 3%); SE = 19���32% HL (25 �� 3%); EE = 44���55% HL (50 �� 2%); RL =14���21 % HL (17 �� 1%); NL = 16���24% HL (19 �� 1%); IN = 19-25% HL (22 �� 1%); EN = 29���37% HL (32 �� 2%); RF = 21���29% HL (24 �� 2%); E = 12���19% HL (15 �� 2%); MW = 5���8% SVL (6 �� 1%); L2 = 5���8% SVL (7 �� 1%); TL = 92���106% SVL (101 �� 5%, n = 6 original tails, all others regrown). Midbody scale rows 18 (n = 19) or 20 (n = 6); NC = 28���51% (38 �� 6%); NaL = 13���25% (19 �� 3%); FN = 43��� 111% (60 �� 20%); FW = 79���117% (96 �� 10%); IW = 70���121% (82 �� 11%); PL = 34���81% (58 �� 9%); MW = 53��� 90% (76 �� 10%); prefrontal present (n = 15) or absent (n = 10) ��� when present, usually contacts preocular, second loreal, frontonasal, frontal and first supraciliary (fails to contact the preocular, n = 2); first supraciliary usually contacts preocular, loreal, prefrontal (when present, frontonasal when absent), frontal, first supraocular and second supraciliary (fails to contact loreal, n = 9); frontal contacts interparietal, frontoparietal, first supraocular, first supraciliary, prefrontal (when present) and frontonasal; preocular usually single (occasionally two, n = 3); 4���5 palpebrals (mode = 4); single postocular (or two, n = 3); single postsubocular (or absent, n = 7); usually two infralabials contacting postmental (n = 10), rarely one (n = 2); 4���5 scales between last infralabial and ear (mode = 4); temporal contacts fourth and fifth supralabials, postocular, pretemporal, second temporal and postsupralabial (sometimes fails to contact postocular, n = 4; sometimes point contact with parietal, n = 5); primary chin shields narrowly separated (n = 16) or in contact (n = 8); 2���8 enlarged nuchal scales (mode = 4), 86���113 paravertebrals (mode = 99); L2B = 7���14 (mode = 9); 6���8 subdigital lamellae under single digit (mode = 7), 3���8 supradigitals (mode = 4), 75���97 subcaudals (mode = 83, n = 6). Presacral vertebrae 47���49 (mode = 48, n = 9); 3 phalanges (n = 6); 45���49 caudal vertebrae (n = 3). Colouration in preservative. See Greer et al. (1983). Colouration in life (as different from colouration in preservative) (Fig. 10). As for spirit specimens but the base colour is silvery grey (fades to pale brown in spirit). Distribution and habitat (Figs. 1 and 12). The distribution of L. cinerea is centred on the Charters Towers region on the division between the Suttor and Lower Burdekin River drainage sub-basins. Most records are associated with semi-evergreen vine thickets., Published as part of Couper, Patrick J., Amey, Andrew P. & Wilmer, Jessica Worthington, 2016, Cryptic diversity within the narrowly endemic Lerista wilkinsi group of north Queensland ��� two new species (Reptilia: Scincidae), pp. 61-91 in Zootaxa 4162 (1) on pages 81-84, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4162.1.3, http://zenodo.org/record/264311, {"references":["Greer, A. E., McDonald, K. R. & Lawrie, B. C. (1983) Three new species of Lerista (Scincidae) from northern Queensland with a diagnosis of the wilkinsi species group. Journal of Herpetology, 17, 247 - 255. http: // dx. doi. org / 10.2307 / 1563827"]}

Amey, Andrew P., Wilmer, Jessica Worthington (2014): Morphological diversity and genetic structure within Lerista kalumburu Storr, 1976 (Squamata: Scincomorpha: Sphenomorphidae) — taxonomic implications. Zootaxa 3821 (2): 239-252, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3821.2.4

Lerista kalumburu Storr, 1976 Kalumburu Kimberley Slider Figure 3 Holotype: WAMR 27915, Kalumburu, Western Australia, 14 �� 18 ' S, 126 �� 38 ' E, collected by Mr W.H. Butler, austral summer 1965���1966. Elevation (estimated from Google Earth) 18 m. No secondary types. Diagnosis. A species of Lerista with two or three toes, forelimb with a single digit or a stump, a free eyelid, frontoparietals not fused to interparietal, four or five supraciliaries all in contact, three supraoculars, and no more than five nuchals. Distribution. Northern Kimberley, Western Australia, from Sir Graham Moore Island to the Carson Escarpment (Fig. 1). Description. Measurements. Sample size is 24 unless otherwise noted. SVL = 36���63 mm (average = 53 mm), HL = 8���12 % SVL (average = 10 %), HW = 63���74 % HL (average = 69 %), L 1 = 1���4 % SVL (average = 3 %), L 2 = 11���20 % SVL (average = 15 %), TL = 90���102 % SVL (average = 94 %, n = 4). Forelimb either a single digit with or without a tiny claw, or a stump. Hindlimb with either two or three clawed toes. Scalation. 18 (n = 17) or 20 (n = 7) midbody scale rows, three supraoculars, usually five supraciliaries, sometimes four (n = 4), two loreals, single preocular, occasionally two (n = 1, holotype), single presubocular, 4���6 palpebrals (mode = 5), single postocular, single postsubocular, six supralabials (five in a single individual where 6 th was fused to the temporal and seven in another where the 3 rd was split on one side only), fourth supralabial entering eye, 3���5 scales between last infralabial and ear (mode = 4), five infralabials, two infralabials (sometimes only one, n = 2) contacting postmental, frontoparietals separate, prefrontal contacts two loreals, frontonasal, frontal, first supraocular and first supraciliary (sometimes fails to contact first supraocular, n = 6); first supraciliary contacts preocular, loreal, prefrontal, first supraocular and second supraciliary (sometimes contacts frontal, n = 7); temporal contacts fifth and sixth supralabials, postocular, pretemporal, parietal and second temporal (sometimes fails to contact postocular, n = 2); frontoparietals and interparietal free (not fused into a single shield), 2���5 nuchals (mode = 4), 74���88 paravertebrals (mode = 82), 8���13 subdigital lamellae under the longest toe (mode = 10), 6���9 supradigitals (mode = 7), 71���83 subcaudals (average = 78, n = 4). Colour pattern. In alcohol, brown or grey-brown with longitudinal lines or lines of spots of dark brown along the dorsum, often also a dark brown reticulation. Belly immaculate cream to yellow, sometimes with dark stippling. Tail similar pattern to the body but often a yellowish wash with the pattern less distinct. Regrown tails tend to have heavier markings. In life, colour pattern very similar except that colours tend to be stronger and underlain by a pinkish hue. Comparison with other species. Fourteen species of Lerista have a single digit, a stump or nubbin as a forelimb and two or three toes, namely L. baynesi Storr, 1971, L. edwardsae Storr, 1982, L. gascoynensis Storr, 1986, L. gerrardii (Gray, 1864), L. kendricki Storr, 1991, L. kennedyensis Kendrick, 1989, L. lineopunctulata (Dum��ril and Bibron, 1839), L. macropisthopus galea Storr, 1991, L. nichollsi (Loveridge, 1933), L. petersoni Storr, 1976, L. picturata (Fry, 1914), L. punctatovittata (G��nther, 1867), L. stictopleura Storr, 1985 and L. yuna Storr, 1991. Of these, seven have a fixed, rather than free eyelid (L. gascoynensis, L. kendricki, L. kennedyensis, L. nichollsi, L. petersoni, L. stictopleura and L. yuna). Of those with a free eyelid, L. lineopunctulata has frontoparietals fused to the interparietal (free in L. kalumburu), L. edwardsae has only 3 supraciliaries whereas L. gerrardii and L. m. galea have either only 3 supraciliaries or the supraciliaries non-continuous (1 st supraciliary divided from the others by the 1 st supraocular; vs. 4 supraciliaries all in contact in L. kalumburu). Lerista punctatovittata has 7���9 nuchals (vs. 2���5 in L. kalumburu) and L. baynesi and L. picturata have only 2 supraoculars (vs. 3)., Published as part of Amey, Andrew P. & Wilmer, Jessica Worthington, 2014, Morphological diversity and genetic structure within Lerista kalumburu Storr, 1976 (Squamata: Scincomorpha: Sphenomorphidae) ��� taxonomic implications, pp. 239-252 in Zootaxa 3821 (2) on pages 248-249, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3821.2.4, http://zenodo.org/record/225886, {"references":["Storr, G. M. (1976) Revisionary notes on the Lerista (Lacertilia: Scincidae) of Western Australia. Records of the Western Australian Museum, 4, 241 - 256.","Storr, G. M. (1971) The genus Lerista (Lacertilia: Scincidae) in Western Australia. Journal of the Royal Society of Western Australia, 54, 59 - 75.","Storr, G. M. (1982) Four new Lerista (Lacertilia: Scincidae) from Western and South Australia. Records of the Western Australian Museum, 10, 1 - 9.","Storr, G. M. (1986) Two new members of the Lerista nichollsi complex. Records of the Western Australian Museum, 13, 47 - 52.","Gray, J. E. (1864) Catalogue of the Specimens of Lizards in the Collection of the British Museum. British Museum, London, 289 pp.","Kendrick, P. G. (1989) Two new species of Lerista (Lacertilia: Scincidae) from the Cape Range and Kennedy Range of Western Australia. Journal of Herpetology, 23, 350 - 355. http: // dx. doi. org / 10.2307 / 1564045","Dumeril, A. M. C. & Bibron, G. (1839) Erpetologie Generale, ou Histoire Naturelle Complete des Reptiles. Roret, Paris, 854 pp.","Loveridge, A. (1933) New scincid lizards of the genera Sphenomorphus, Rhodona, and Lygosoma from Australia. Occasional Papers of the Boston Society of Natural History, 8, 95 - 100.","Fry, D. B. (1914) On a collection of reptiles and batrachians from Western Australia. Records of the Western Australian Museum and Art Gallery, 1, 174 - 210.","Gunther, A. (1867) Additions to the knowledge of Australian reptiles and fishes. Annals and Magazine of Natural History, 20, 45 - 68.","Storr, G. M. (1985) Two new skinks (Lacertilia: Scincidae) from Western Australia. Records of the Western Australian Museum, 12, 193 - 196."]}

Hydrophis belcheri (Gray, 1849). Hydrophis belcheri was described by Gray (1849) who gave the type locality "New Guinea" with no further information. Smith (1926) re-described H. belcheri based on 21 specimens mainly from the Philippines, New Guinea and Fiji Islands. Most of Smith's H. belcheri specimens have since been reassigned to the following taxa: Hydrophis coggeri, H. czeblukovi, H. pachycercos and H. pacificus (Cogger, 1975; Kharin, 1983, 1984a; Rasmussen, Gravlund, van Nguyen, & Chanhome, 2007; Rasmussen & Smith, 1997). However, H. belcheri has been confirmed to occur from the Gulf of Thailand to the South China Sea (McCarthy & Warrell, 1991; Rasmussen, Elmberg, et al., 2011). There is a single record of H. belcheri from Australian waters identified by Kharin and Cheblukov (2007). The specimen is an adult female (# TINRO P 40) from the Arafura Sea, collected by V.P. Cheblukov, March 1970. Cheblukov's specimen is in good accordance with the type of H. belcheri, confirming this species' presence in Australian waters (Kharin & Cheblukov, 2007)., Published as part of Rasmussen, Arne Redsted, Sanders, Kate Laura, Guinea, Michael L. & Amey, Andrew P., 2014, Sea snakes in Australian waters (Serpentes: subfamilies Hydrophiinae and Laticaudinae) - a review with an updated identification key, pp. 351-371 in Zootaxa 3869 (4) on page 353, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3869.4.1, http://zenodo.org/record/4947280, {"references":["Gray, J. E. (1849) Catalogue of the Specimens of Snakes in the Collection of the British Museum. Printed by order of the Trustees, 125 pp.","Smith, M. A. (1926) Monograph of the sea-snakes (Hydrophiidae). Printed by order of the Trustees of the British museum (Natural History) London, 130 pp.","Cogger, H. G. (1975) Sea Snakes of Australia and New Guinea. In: Dunson, W. A. (Ed.), The Biology of Sea Snakes. University Park Press, Baltimore London & Tokyo, pp. 59 - 139.","Kharin, V. E. (1983) A new species of the genus Hydrophis sensu lato (Serpentes: Hydrophiidae) from the north Australian shelf. Zoologicheskii Zhurnal, 62, 1751 - 1753.","Kharin, V. E. (1984 a) A review of sea snakes of the group Hydrophis sensu lato (Serpentes, Hydrophiidae). 3. the genus Leioselasma. Zoologicheskii Zhurnal, 63, 1535 - 1546.","Rasmussen, A. R. & Smith, L. (1997) The taxonomic status of the sea snake Hydrophis czeblukovi (Kharin, 1984) from northwest Australian waters. Amphibia-Reptilia, 18, 419 - 425. http: // dx. doi. org / 10.1163 / 156853897 x 00468","McCarthy, C. J. & Warrell, D. (1991) A collection of sea snakes from Thailand with new records of Hydrophis belcheri (Gray). Bulletin of Natural History Museum (zoology), London, 57, 161 - 166.","Kharin, V. E. & Cheblukov, V. P. (2007) On first reliable record of the sea snake Chitulia belcheri (Gray, 1849) from Australian waters, with notes on species composition and taxonomic status of the genus Chitulia (Serpentes, Hydrophiidae). Russian Journal of Marine Biology, 33, 161 - 165. http: // dx. doi. org / 10.1134 / s 1063074007030030"]}

Hydrophis atriceps Günther, 1864. Hydrophis fasciatus atriceps was mentioned by Smith (1926) as occurring in Australian waters based on one specimen from the Australian Museum (AMR6715) and two specimens close to Australian waters (Aru Island and Kaiser Wilhelmsland, New Guinea). Cogger (1975) mentioned the same specimen as Smith, but had doubts about the locality and suggested the specimen was collected in Asian waters. Cogger also mentioned another juvenile specimen collected from Darwin (AMR14022) that he regarded as a H. fasciatus fasciatus (Schneider, 1799). We have examined the same specimen and agree with Cogger's (1975) identification using Smith's (1926) characters to separate the two subspecies. The identification and distribution of the two taxa remains based on Smith´s monograph from 1926, where he separated them at a subspecies level and mentioned the typical form occurs to west of the Malay Peninsula and the other form is found east of it throughout the Malay Archipelago to Australia. Smith also indicated the dividing line is in the region of Singapore, despite including a specimen from China in the western subspecies and two specimens from India and Rangoon in the eastern form. The specimen from China included by Smith in the western form (H. f. fasciatus) is the type of Hydrophis lindsayi (Gray, 1831), which antedates the name H. f. atriceps by 22 years, indicating that if the taxa are separated into two geographically distinct forms and this specimen was incorrectly assigned by Smith (1926) to H. f. fasciatus, the right name for the eastern population would be H. fasciatus lindsayi and not H. fasciatus atriceps. Later, Cogger et al. (1983) raised the two taxa to species level, referring the Australian specimens to H. atriceps. Ward (1996) assigned five specimens to H. atriceps from the northern Australian continental shelf. All the specimens were collected by prawn trawling ships (Ward, 1996). It seems likely the characters used by Smith (1926) and all subsequent taxonomists to separate H. fasciatus and H. atriceps -scale rows around the neck and body together with ventrals -are not useful to assign correctly all specimens to species level in this complex. Whether the name for an Australian population of the H. fasciatus complex proves to be atriceps, fasciatus or lindsayi, we regard the species to be in Australian waters based on at least one specimen from the region of Darwin (AMR14022) and the specimens mentioned by Ward (1996). We suggest using the name H. atriceps for the Australian population of this species until further taxonomic clarification., Published as part of Rasmussen, Arne Redsted, Sanders, Kate Laura, Guinea, Michael L. & Amey, Andrew P., 2014, Sea snakes in Australian waters (Serpentes: subfamilies Hydrophiinae and Laticaudinae) - a review with an updated identification key, pp. 351-371 in Zootaxa 3869 (4) on page 353, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3869.4.1, http://zenodo.org/record/4947280, {"references":["Gunther, A. C. L. G. (1864) The reptiles of British India. Ray Society, London, 452 pp.","Smith, M. A. (1926) Monograph of the sea-snakes (Hydrophiidae). Printed by order of the Trustees of the British museum (Natural History) London, 130 pp.","Cogger, H. G. (1975) Sea Snakes of Australia and New Guinea. In: Dunson, W. A. (Ed.), The Biology of Sea Snakes. University Park Press, Baltimore London & Tokyo, pp. 59 - 139.","Schneider, J. G. (1799) Historiae amphibiorum naturalis et literariae. Fasciculus primus continens ranas, calamitas, bufones, salamandras et hydros in genera et species descriptos notisque suis distinctos. Vol. 1. Ienae, Frommann, 264 pp.","Cogger, H. G., Cameron, E. E. & Cogger, H. M. (1983) Hydrophiidae. In: Zoological catalogue of Australia. Amphibia and Reptilia. Government Publishing Service, Canberra: Australian, pp. 241 - 256.","Ward, T. M. (1996) Sea snake by-catch of prawn trawlers on the northern Australian continental shelf. Marine and Freshwater Research, 47, 631 - 635. http: // dx. doi. org / 10.1071 / mf 9960631"]}

Rasmussen, Arne Redsted, Sanders, Kate Laura, Guinea, Michael L., Amey, Andrew P. (2014): Sea snakes in Australian waters (Serpentes: subfamilies Hydrophiinae and Laticaudinae)-a review with an updated identification key. Zootaxa 3869 (4): 351-371, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3869.4.1

Hydrophis caerulescens (Shaw, 1802). We have identified specimens of H. caerulescens from the northern part of Australia from the Australian Museum and the Queensland Museum. This species occurs in the Gulf of Carpentaria (Cogger, 1975; Cogger et al., 1983; David & Ineich, 1999; Kharin, 2004a; Redfield, Holmes, & Holmes, 1978). We therefore regard H. caerulescens as confirmed from Australian waters., Published as part of Rasmussen, Arne Redsted, Sanders, Kate Laura, Guinea, Michael L. & Amey, Andrew P., 2014, Sea snakes in Australian waters (Serpentes: subfamilies Hydrophiinae and Laticaudinae) - a review with an updated identification key, pp. 351-371 in Zootaxa 3869 (4) on page 353, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3869.4.1, http://zenodo.org/record/4947280, {"references":["Shaw, G. (1802) General zoology, or systematic natural history. Vol. 3. Part 2. G. Kearsley, Thomas Davison, London, 302 pp.","Cogger, H. G. (1975) Sea Snakes of Australia and New Guinea. In: Dunson, W. A. (Ed.), The Biology of Sea Snakes. University Park Press, Baltimore London & Tokyo, pp. 59 - 139.","Cogger, H. G., Cameron, E. E. & Cogger, H. M. (1983) Hydrophiidae. In: Zoological catalogue of Australia. Amphibia and Reptilia. Government Publishing Service, Canberra: Australian, pp. 241 - 256.","David, P. & Ineich, I. (1999) Les serpents venimeux du monde: systematique et repartition. Dumerilia (Paris), 3, 3 - 499.","Kharin, V. E. (2004 a) On the Taxonomic Position of the Sea Snake Hydrophis caerulescens (Shaw, 1802) (Serpentes: Hydrophiidae). Russian Journal of Marine Biology, 30, 196 - 198. http: // dx. doi. org / 10.1023 / b: rumb. 0000033955.59825. a 8"]}

Hydrophis schistosus Daudin, 1803 / Hydrophis zweifeli (Kharin, 1985). McDowell (1972) mentioned a specimen from Sepik River, East Sepik District, New Guinea (AMNH 104340) that was very similar to the ‘beaked sea snake’, H. schistosus, but showed some morphological characters which were not in accordance with H. schistosus. Later Kharin (1985) described a new species, Enhydrina zweifeli, based on McDowell´s (1972) data. The similarity with H. schistosus is striking. However, a recently published paper presented molecular evidence showing the two species represent distinct lineages and are not each other’s closest relatives, indicating convergent phenotypic evolution probably related to a specialist diet of large, spiny prey (Ukuwela, de Silva, Fry, Lee, & Sanders, 2012). Morphological analysis of 18 specimens from the Asian region and 12 specimens from Australia suggested the specimens in Australian waters all belong to H. zweifeli based on scale counts and colour pattern characters, thus excluding H. schistosus from Australian waters (Ukuwela, de Silva, et al., 2012). However, more molecular and morphological analyses of additional specimens are needed to determine the precise distributions of the two species (Ukuwela, de Silva, et al., 2012). Based on the above, we exclude H. schistosus from the list of sea snakes occurring in Australian waters in favour of H. zweifeli., Published as part of Rasmussen, Arne Redsted, Sanders, Kate Laura, Guinea, Michael L. & Amey, Andrew P., 2014, Sea snakes in Australian waters (Serpentes: subfamilies Hydrophiinae and Laticaudinae) - a review with an updated identification key, pp. 351-371 in Zootaxa 3869 (4) on page 355, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3869.4.1, http://zenodo.org/record/4947280, {"references":["Daudin, J. D. (1803) Histoire naturelle generale et particuliere des reptiles. Ouvrage faisant suite aux oeuvres de leclerc de Buffon et partie du cours complet d'histoire naturelle redige par C. S. Sonnini, membre de plusieurs societes savantes. Vol. VII. Duffart, Paris, 380 pp.","Kharin, V. E. (1985) A new species of sea snakes of the genus Enhydrina (Serpentes, Hydrophiidae) from waters of New Guinea. Zoologicheskii Zhurnal, 64, 785 - 787.","McDowell, S. B. (1972) The genera of sea-snakes of the Hydrophis group (Serpentes: Elapidae). Transactions of the Zoological Society of London, 32, 189 - 247. http: // dx. doi. org / 10.1111 / j. 1096 - 3642.1972. tb 00028. x","Sanders, K. L., Rasmussen, A. R., Elmberg, J., Mumpuni, Guinea, M., Blias, P., Lee, M. S. Y. & Fry, B. G. (2012) Aipysurus mosaicus, a new species of egg-eating sea snake (Elapidae: Hydrophiinae), with a redescription of Aipysurus eydouxii (Gray, 1849). Zootaxa, 3431, 1 - 18."]}

Hydrophis inornatus (Gray, 1849). Hydrophis inornatus was described by Gray (1849) who gave the type locality "Indian Ocean" with no further information. The validity of Hydrophis inornatus as a species is doubtful and only the type specimen was recognized by Rasmussen (1989) in this taxon until Kharin and Czeblukov (2005) referred to a specimen collected in Australia (Arafura Sea). However, we have not found any other evidence to support Kharin and Czeblukov's (2005) claim that it occurs in Australia. We find little similarity between Kharin and Czeblukov's H. inornatus specimen (TINRO R11) and the type of H. inornatus (BMNH 1946.1.1.27). In particular, the maxillary bone shown in figure 2 of Kharin and Czeblukov (2005) is markedly different from that of the type of H. inornatus (see also Rasmussen, 1989; M. A. Smith, 1926); further the type does not have any spots on its body, unlike the specimen in Kharin and Czeblukov (2005). The specimen shown in Kharin and Czeblukov (2005) more closely resembles H. major in all the morphological characters mentioned, including the number of scale rows around neck and body, ventrals, subcaudals, number of teeth on maxillary bone and body form and colour pattern. Kharin and Czeblukov (2005) also included another specimen from Arafura Sea (NTMR897) mentioned by Cogger (1975) as a possible H. inornatus; however, this specimen differs in ventral scale count to H. inornatus (Cogger, 1975). We therefore include this species neither in the checklist nor in the list of possible Australian sea snakes. Another recent paper published new records for H. inornatus from the Arabian Sea (Kharin & Dotsenko, 2012); however, based on photos included by the authors these specimens bear little resemblance to either the specimen from Australia or the type specimen, and instead clearly resemble Hydrophis viperinus (Schmidt, 1852) based on the diagnostic characters for this species (large ventral scales in the anterior part of the body) (Kharin & Dotsenko, 2012 Figures 2 and 3)., Published as part of Rasmussen, Arne Redsted, Sanders, Kate Laura, Guinea, Michael L. & Amey, Andrew P., 2014, Sea snakes in Australian waters (Serpentes: subfamilies Hydrophiinae and Laticaudinae) - a review with an updated identification key, pp. 351-371 in Zootaxa 3869 (4) on page 354, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3869.4.1, http://zenodo.org/record/4947280, {"references":["Gray, J. E. (1849) Catalogue of the Specimens of Snakes in the Collection of the British Museum. Printed by order of the Trustees, 125 pp.","Rasmussen, A. R. (1989) An analysis of Hydrophis ornatus (Gray), H. lamberti Smith, and H. inornatus (Gray) (Hydrophiidae, Serpentes) based on samples from various localities, with remarks on feeding and breeding biology of H. ornatus. Amphibia-Reptilia, 10, 397 - 417. http: // dx. doi. org / 10.1163 / 156853889 x 00043","Kharin, V. E. & Czeblukov, V. P. (2005) On the new Record of rare sea snakes Chitulia inornata Gray, 1849 (Serpentes: Hydrophiidae) from Australia Russian Journal of Herpetology, 12, 118 - 120. http: // dx. doi. org / 10.1134 / s 1063074012010087","Smith, M. A. (1926) Monograph of the sea-snakes (Hydrophiidae). Printed by order of the Trustees of the British museum (Natural History) London, 130 pp.","Cogger, H. G. (1975) Sea Snakes of Australia and New Guinea. In: Dunson, W. A. (Ed.), The Biology of Sea Snakes. University Park Press, Baltimore London & Tokyo, pp. 59 - 139.","Kharin, V. E. & Dotsenko, I. B. (2012) The First Record of the Sea Snake Chitulia inornata Gray, 1849 from the Arabian Sea with Notes on the Composition of the Genus Chitulia Gray, 1849 (Serpentes: Hydrophiidae). Russian Journal of Marine Biology, 38, 35 - 42. http: // dx. doi. org / 10.1134 / s 1063074012010087"]}

Hydrophis melanosoma Günther, 1864. Shuntov (1971) suggested that 19% of the trawled specimens from shoal waters of the northwest coast of Australian belong to Hydrophis melanosoma. This claim was cited by several subsequent authors (e.g. Cogger, 1975; Cogger et al., 1983; Minton, 1975), although Cogger (1992) considered the presence of H. melanosoma in Australian waters as "uncertain". The identifications by Shuntov lacks validation by any specimen of H. melanosoma having been collected or reported from this area since. Shuntov's identification, in our opinion, was incorrect. We therefore exclude H. melanosoma from the checklist and the list of possible Australian sea snakes., Published as part of Rasmussen, Arne Redsted, Sanders, Kate Laura, Guinea, Michael L. & Amey, Andrew P., 2014, Sea snakes in Australian waters (Serpentes: subfamilies Hydrophiinae and Laticaudinae) - a review with an updated identification key, pp. 351-371 in Zootaxa 3869 (4) on page 354, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3869.4.1, http://zenodo.org/record/4947280, {"references":["Gunther, A. C. L. G. (1864) The reptiles of British India. Ray Society, London, 452 pp.","Shuntov, V. P. (1971) Sea snakes of the North Australian shelf. Ekologiia, 4, 65 - 72.","Cogger, H. G. (1975) Sea Snakes of Australia and New Guinea. In: Dunson, W. A. (Ed.), The Biology of Sea Snakes. University Park Press, Baltimore London & Tokyo, pp. 59 - 139.","Cogger, H. G., Cameron, E. E. & Cogger, H. M. (1983) Hydrophiidae. In: Zoological catalogue of Australia. Amphibia and Reptilia. Government Publishing Service, Canberra: Australian, pp. 241 - 256.","Minton, S. A. (1975) Geographic distribution of sea snakes. In: Dunson, W. A. (Ed.), The Biology of Sea Snakes. London & tokyo, Baltimor, pp. 21 - 31.","Cogger, H. G. (1992) Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. 5 th Edition. Reed International Books, Chatswood New South Wales and Cornell University Press, New York., 775 pp."]}

Identification key to Australian sea snakes including 4 possibly Identifying sea snakes to species level is not an easy task. The genus Hydrophis in particular shows great interspecific and intraspecific variation and interspecific convergence making identification problematic when using only external characters. The key is based primarily on counting ventral scales and scale rows around the neck and body, but shape and size of the head and the position of the maxillary bone are other distinguishing characters. A combination of characters are required to identify a specimen. In using the key it is important that all the identifying characters fit with the specimen at each step in the key. If this is not the case, the alternative “not as above” should be followed. When counting scale rows around the neck and body it is important to note that the count around the neck is a minimum count and the count around the body is a maximum count (as in Smith, 1926). Record the minimum count of three or four scale rows around the neck at one and a half head lengths, two, two and a half, and three head lengths behind the head. The maximum number of body scales occurs just behind midbody, but three to four counts between midbody and vent are required. The most precise scale row count follows a transverse line across the dorsal surface of the body starting from a ventral scale to a ventral scale on the other side of the body (Thomas, 1976). Ventral scales are excluded from the count of scale rows. “Ground colour” refers to the colour between the darker dorsal markings or bands (if present), and is generally the same as the colour on the ventral side. “Bands” here refers to darkish transverse markings anywhere on the body. Drawings are by Mogens Andersen ZMUC. The nomenclature follows Sanders, Lee, et al. (2013). 1. A Nasals separated by internasals (fig.1 left)........................................................... Laticauda B Nasals not separated by internasals (fig.1 right)............................................................. 2. 2. A Three supralabials, the second very elongated (fig.2 left).................................. Emydocephalus annulatus B More than four supralabials (fig.2 right)................................................................... 3. 3. A No preocular scale, the prefrontal borders the eye (fig.3 left)................................. Hydrelaps darwiniensis B Preocular scales present (fig.3 right)...................................................................... 4. 4. A Ventrals small, each not more than 2 times as broad as adjacent body scales.............................................................................................. Hydrophis and Microcephalophis (21 species—key below) B Ventrals large, each at least 3 times as broad as adjacent body scales............................................ 5. 5. A At least 28 scale rows around body...................................................... Parahydrophis mertoni B Less than 28 scale rows around body:..................................................................... 6. 6. A Maxillary bone not extending forwards as far as palatine (fig.4 left)................................ Ephalophis greyae B Maxillary bone and palatine straight, or maxillary bone reaching beyond palatine (fig.4 right)................................................................................................... Aipysurus (8 species—key below), Published as part of Rasmussen, Arne Redsted, Sanders, Kate Laura, Guinea, Michael L. & Amey, Andrew P., 2014, Sea snakes in Australian waters (Serpentes: subfamilies Hydrophiinae and Laticaudinae) - a review with an updated identification key, pp. 351-371 in Zootaxa 3869 (4) on page 357, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3869.4.1, http://zenodo.org/record/4947280, {"references":["Smith, M. A. (1926) Monograph of the sea-snakes (Hydrophiidae). Printed by order of the Trustees of the British museum (Natural History) London, 130 pp."]}

Microcephalophis gracilis (Shaw, 1802). M. gracilis is mentioned by M. A. Smith (1926) as occurring in Australia based on one specimen at the Australian Museum in Sydney (AMR6719). Cogger (1975) regarded this specimen as of doubtful provenance, but mentioned another from the Gulf of Papua (MCR142375), indicating M. gracilis does occur in Australian waters. The specimens mentioned as M. gracilis at the Museum Victoria, Melbourne turned out to be H. elegans (examined by ARR). Ineich and Rasmussen (1997) could not confirm M. gracilis in New Caledonian waters as the specimens identified by Gail and Rageau (1958) turned out to be H. coggeri. We have found no evidence to include this species in the checklist, but based on the specimen from Gulf of Papua we include it in the possible list., Published as part of Rasmussen, Arne Redsted, Sanders, Kate Laura, Guinea, Michael L. & Amey, Andrew P., 2014, Sea snakes in Australian waters (Serpentes: subfamilies Hydrophiinae and Laticaudinae) - a review with an updated identification key, pp. 351-371 in Zootaxa 3869 (4) on page 355, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3869.4.1, http://zenodo.org/record/4947280, {"references":["Shaw, G. (1802) General zoology, or systematic natural history. Vol. 3. Part 2. G. Kearsley, Thomas Davison, London, 302 pp.","Smith, M. A. (1926) Monograph of the sea-snakes (Hydrophiidae). Printed by order of the Trustees of the British museum (Natural History) London, 130 pp.","Cogger, H. G. (1975) Sea Snakes of Australia and New Guinea. In: Dunson, W. A. (Ed.), The Biology of Sea Snakes. University Park Press, Baltimore London & Tokyo, pp. 59 - 139.","Ineich, I. & Rasmussen, A. R. (1997) Sea snakes from New Caledonia and the Loyalty Islands (Elapidae, Laticaudinae and Hydrophiinae). Zoosystema, 19, 185 - 192.","Gail, R. & Rageau, J. (1958) Introduction a l'etude des serpents marins (ophidiens Hydrophiidae) en Nouvelle-Caledonie. Bulletin de la Societe de Pathologie Exotique, 51, 448 - 458."]}

A key to the genus Aipysurus in Australia 1. A At least 180 ventral scales......................................................................... A. tenuis B Less than 180 ventral scales............................................................................ 2. 2. A Ventrals with a deep notch in the posterior border (Fig.5 top).................................................. 3. B Ventrals without or with only a slight median notch on the posterior border (Fig.5 bottom)........................... 4. 3. A Less than 19 scale rows around midbody and without prefrontal scales (Fig.6 left)..................... A. apraefrontalis B At least 19 scale rows around midbody and with prefrontal scales (Fig.6 right).......................... A. foliosquama 4. A All head shields symmetrical and no supralabials divided horizontally (Fig.7 left).......................... A. mosaicus B Head shields more or less broken up and some of the supralabials divided horizontally (Fig.7 right)................... 5. 5. A All head shields broken up into small irregular scales (fig.8)............................................ A. duboisii B Only some of the head shields broken up, especially parietals.................................................. 6. 6. A At least 155 ventrals and less than 21 scale rows around midbody......................................... A. fuscus B Less than 155 ventrals and at least 21 scale rows around midbody................................ A. laevis / pooleorum, Published as part of Rasmussen, Arne Redsted, Sanders, Kate Laura, Guinea, Michael L. & Amey, Andrew P., 2014, Sea snakes in Australian waters (Serpentes: subfamilies Hydrophiinae and Laticaudinae) - a review with an updated identification key, pp. 351-371 in Zootaxa 3869 (4) on pages 359-362, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3869.4.1, http://zenodo.org/record/4947280

Hydrophis spiralis (Shaw, 1802). Ineich and Rasmussen (1997) mentioned H. spiralis for the first time in New Caledonia, which is surprising, as it has never been collected in Australian waters. The known distributions of H. spiralis are the Persian Gulf in the west to Vietnam in the east, Indonesia including Java and Sulawesi in the south (David & Ineich, 1999; Rasmussen, Elmberg, et al., 2011). Whether it was a vagrant specimen from Asia or there is a population at New Caledonia is uncertain, but with only one specimen collected from New Caledonia without precise locality (Ineich & Rasmussen, 1997), we do not include it in the possible list until further specimens have confirmed its presence closer to Australian waters., Published as part of Rasmussen, Arne Redsted, Sanders, Kate Laura, Guinea, Michael L. & Amey, Andrew P., 2014, Sea snakes in Australian waters (Serpentes: subfamilies Hydrophiinae and Laticaudinae) - a review with an updated identification key, pp. 351-371 in Zootaxa 3869 (4) on page 355, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3869.4.1, http://zenodo.org/record/4947280, {"references":["Shaw, G. (1802) General zoology, or systematic natural history. Vol. 3. Part 2. G. Kearsley, Thomas Davison, London, 302 pp.","Ineich, I. & Rasmussen, A. R. (1997) Sea snakes from New Caledonia and the Loyalty Islands (Elapidae, Laticaudinae and Hydrophiinae). Zoosystema, 19, 185 - 192.","David, P. & Ineich, I. (1999) Les serpents venimeux du monde: systematique et repartition. Dumerilia (Paris), 3, 3 - 499."]}

Proablepharus barrylyoni sp. nov. (Figs 1 and 2) Material. HOLOTYPE: QMJ 40339, Springfield Stn, via Mt Surprise, Queensland, Australia (18 ° 02’ S, 144 ° 24 ’ E). Collected by C. J. Limpus and K. R. McDonald, 1 Sept., 1979. PARATYPES QMJ 40327 – QMJ 40338, QMJ 40340 – QMJ 40341, QMJ 40710 – QMJ 40714; QMJ 40998 – QMJ 41003, QMJ 69452, QMJ 78115 – QMJ 78116, locality data as for holotype (all paratypes collected Aug-Sept, 1979-1981). Additional material. QMJ 87231 – QMJ 87233 (eggs laid in captivity from wild caught gravid females), QMJ 87221 – QMJ 87230 (hatchlings from eggs incubated in captivity) Springfield Stn, Mt Surprise, Queensland, Australia. Etymology. Named for Barry Lyon who played an important role in collecting the type series of this species and for his contributions to wildlife conservation across Cape York Peninsula. Diagnosis. A large, longitudinally striped Proablepharus (maximum SVL 51 mm) with four supraoculars, five supraciliaries, fused interparietal/frontoparietals, a well-developed upper preocular, two postsupralabials and smoothly rounded subdigital lamellae on digits of the hind limb. Measurements and Meristics. SVL (mm) 32.8–50.9 (n = 29, mean = 44.6, SD = 4.6). AG 55.3–66.2 % SVL (n = 28, mean = 59.2, SD = 2.8); TL = 160 % SVL; HL 14.2–18.8 % SVL (n = 27, mean = 16.3, SD = 1.1). Body. Robust with smooth scales. Midbody scales 21–22 rows (n = 29, mean = 21.9, SD = 0.3). Paravertebral scales (to the level of the posterior margin of the hindlimbs) 58–67 (n = 27, mean = 61.4, SD = 2.6). Outer preanal scales overlap inner preanal scales. Limbs. Well-developed, pentadactyl; L 1 17.5–22.6 % SVL (n = 25, mean = 20.4, SD = 1.5); L 2 25.1–33.2 % SVL (n = 27, mean = 29.3, SD = 2.4); L 1 65.1 –76.5 % L 2 (n = 25, mean = 69.4, SD = 3.1). Fourth toe of L 2 longest with 16–19 (n = 28, mean = 17.7, SD = 0.8) subdigital lamellae and a single row of 11–14 (n = 28, mean = 12.1, SD = 0.6) scales on dorsal surface. Head. Barely distinct from neck. HW 58.2–66.8 % HL (n = 25, mean = 62.9, SD = 2.2); HD 35.3–45.5 % HL (n = 26, mean = 40.7, SD = 2.4); S 37.1–42.4 % HL (n = 27, mean = 40.6, SD = 1.2); EE 29.6–42.2 % HL (n = 27, mean = 38.0, SD = 2.4). Snout rounded in profile. Frontonasal in broad contact with rostral and in moderate contact with frontal. Prefrontals large narrowly (34 %) to widely separated (66 %). Supraoculars four (rarely three, 6.9 % of cases; one side only on 4 / 29 specimens) with first and second in contact with frontal and second, third and fourth in contact with frontoparietal (where only three supraoculars occur, the 1 st and 2 nd are fused and contact the frontal and all three contact the frontoparietal). Frontoparietals and interparietal fused to form a single shield; parietal eye spot in posterior lobe. Parietals in contact on posterior margin of fused frontoparietal/interparietal shield. Enlarged nuchals usually two (sometimes three, 17 % of specimens). Snout rounded in profile. Loreals two, first taller than second. Preoculars two, upper smaller, but well- developed. Presubocular single (rarely two, 3 %). Supraciliaries five. Lower eyelid preablepharine (with a large clear window, fixed in the raised position but with a palpebral slit dorsally; see Greer 1989). Ear opening small, round, inconspicuous, without lobules. Supralabials seven, with fifth below eye, or eight (5 % of cases) with sixth below eye and last overlapping lower secondary temporal. Postsupralabials two. Pretemporals two. Primary temporal single. Secondary temporals two (upper overlapping lower). Tertiary temporals two. Infralabials six, two in contact with postmental. Three pairs of enlarged chin shields, first pair in contact, second pair separated by single scale row (rarely in point contact), third pair separated by three scale rows. Colouration. The dorsum is dark brown with three conspicuous grey/white longitudinal stripes on each side; beginning behind the head and extending to the proximal third of the tail). The dorsal stripes are positioned centrally on the scale rows and the dorsolateral stripe is the palest. A pale mid-lateral stripe is present and is most conspicuous on the neck and anterior flanks. Additional pale stripes are present on the flanks but these are not well-defined and vary in intensity between individuals. The number of stripes varies between 10 and 14, but those on the lower flanks may not extend much beyond the forelimb. Some specimens are quite dark, but an indication of striping remains. The top of the head and snout are paler than the body with darker stippling and dark edging to the supraoculars. The labials are pale, with or without some dark spots. The limbs are mid-brown with striping evident on the proximal half. The tail is straw-coloured, suggesting an orange wash in life (extends to cloacal area and ventral surface of the hindlimbs), with reduced pigmentation distally. Ventral surface is pale and grades evenly with lower flanks. The parietal peritoneum is heavily suffused with dark brown. The lungs are pale. The tongue is darkly pigmented on the anterior portion. The contrast between the pale longitudinal stripes and the ground colour is greatly reduced in some of the paratypes (QMJ 40336, QMJ 40998, QMJ 41000, QMJ 41002 –003, QMJ 69452, and QMJ 78116). Our material comes from a single locality and all collections were made in spring (Aug–Sept, 1979–1981), hence, it is unlikely that geographic, ecological or seasonal factors account for this variation. Greer et al. (2004) report a proportion of uniformly coloured specimens in their description of P. naranjicaudus, but unlike the P. barrylyoni sp. nov. specimens, these lack any indication of longitudinal stripes. In life, breeding males have an orange/red flush to the outer margin of the throat and jaw-line (KRM pers. obs.). Details of holotype. Male, SVL 44.10 mm, AG 25.75 mm, T 73.01 mm, L 1 9.39 mm, L 2 13.37 mm, HL 7.42 mm, HW 4.96 mm, HD 3.19 mm, S 3.07 mm, EE 3.13 mm. Seven supralabials (fifth subocular), midbody scale rows 22, paravertebral rows 61, fourth toe subdigital lamellae 17 left and 18 right, fourth toe supradigital scales 11 left and 10 right. Distribution. Proablepharus barrylyoni sp. nov. is known from a single location (18 ° 02’ S, 144 ° 24 ’ E) of no more than a few hectares in size on Springfield Stn, north-eastern Queensland (see Figure 3). It was found at no other site despite targeted searches over the broader survey area between 1979 and 1984 (Amber, Burlington and Springfield Stations). These initially sampled a diversity of habitats and included numerous drift-fence trapping events. The searches were later narrowed to sample grassy open woodland situations similar to the habitat found at the type locality. Habitat. The habitat is on a seasonally inundated, basaltic (grey cracking clay) soil plain of the McBride Plateau. In 1980, the vegetation was grassland with scattered trees (see Figure 4). In the intervening 30 years the floristic composition has changed to a mixed species open woodland dominated by Corymbia dallachyana with occasional C. pocillum, C. terminalis and Terminalia spp. and scattered Acacia (A. bidwillii, A. sutherlandi and A victoriae). The ground cover in 2009 was dominated by Oryza australiensis with areas of Pennisetum basedowii, Iseilema vaginiflorum (all native grasses), Polymeria sp. (a native vine) and the introduced weeds Themeda quadrivalvis (Grader Grass), Crytostegia grandiflora (Rubber Vine; a declared class 2 pest under the Land Protection (Pest and Stock Route Management) Act 200 2) and Xanthium occidentale (Noogoora burr) (Figure 5). Themeda quadrivalvis was not present when P. barrylyoni sp. nov. was collected and has been a vigorous invader in recent times, displacing many native ground cover species. Fire has been excluded from the system resulting in an increase in woody vegetation. Reproduction. Gravid females and reproductive males (nine of twelve with turgid testes and opaque epididymis) are present in the population in early spring (late August to early September). The smallest mature male (enlarged testes and epididymides present) was found to be 32.8 mm SVL, the largest 47.6 mm, while for females the range was 42.6–50.9 mm SVL (vitellogenic follicles present). Fully developed eggs measure 10.0– 10.7 mm in length (n = 3, mean = 10.4) x 5.0– 5.6 mm in width (n = 3, mean = 5.4 mm) and weigh 0.12–0.14 g (n = 3, mean = 0.13). Hatchlings measure 19.8–21.9 mm SVL (n = 6, mean = 20.8) with tail length of 116–130 % SVL (n = 4, mean = 120.8). Comparison with similar species. Proablepharus barrylyoni sp. nov is most similar to P. kinghorni and P. naranjicaudus in colour pattern (pale stripes on dark ground colour) and all three species have fused frontoparietals. It is separated from P. kinghorni by lacking a distinct interparietal scale (vs. interparietal distinct from fused frontoparietals). From P. naranjicaudus it is separated by the number of supraciliaries (five vs. generally six), the number of postsupralabials (two vs. usually one), the upper preocular (well-developed vs. reduced or absent) and the surface structure on the subdigital lamellae of the pes (smoothly rounded vs. trimucronate). Proablepharus barrylyoni sp. nov. generally has more presacral vertebrae than P. naranjicaudus (32–36, mean = 33.5, n = 29 vs. 30–33, mean = 31.2, n = 17, Mann –Whitney U = 25.0, Pet al. 2004). The remaining two species of Proablepharus, P. tenuis (Broom, 1896) and P. reginae (Glauert, 1960) both have paired frontoparietals (vs. fused in P. barrylyoni sp. nov.).

Couper, Patrick J., Amey, Andrew P. (2009): Lerista karlschmidti (Marx and Hosmer, 1959) (Sauria: Scincidae): re-examination of the type series, reassignment of a paratype and distribution notes. Zootaxa 2312: 39-48, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.191920

Lerista rochfordensis sp. nov. (Figs 1 and 2) Material. HOLOTYPE QMJ 84790, Rochford Scrub, Queensland, Australia (20 �� 06��� 49 ��� S 146 �� 37 ��� 03��� E) collected 11-12 Dec 2006 in pitfall trap. PARATYPES QMJ 44385 ��� 6, Boori Stn, Queensland, Australia (20 �� 01��� S 146 �� 46 ��� E) collected 15 Nov 1983, method unknown; QMJ 85002, Rochford Scrub, Queensland, Australia (20 �� 07��� 01��� S 146 �� 37 ��� 49 ��� E) collected 11 Dec 2006 ��� 11 Feb 2007 in pitfall trap; QMJ 85007, Rochford Scrub, Queensland, Australia (20 �� 07��� 05��� S 146 �� 37 ��� 43 ��� E) collected 11 Dec 2006 ��� 11 Feb 2007 in pitfall trap. All types are lodged at the Queensland Museum. Diagnosis. Readily distinguished from all other Lerista by; forelimb absent with no groove or other indication, hindlimb 5���8 % SVL with a single clawed digit, and five supraciliaries. Measurements. Sample size is five unless otherwise noted: SVL = 40���82 mm (average = 64 mm), HL = 8���12 % SVL (average = 9 %), HW = 55���61 % HL (average = 59 %), L 2 = 5���8 % SVL (average = 6 %), TL = 79���98 %SVL (average = 88, n = 2). Scalation. 16 midbody scale rows, three supraoculars, five supraciliaries, two loreals, single preocular, 0���2 presuboculars (mode = 1), 4���5 palpebrals (mode = 5), single postocular, single postsubocular, five supralabials, third supralabial entering eye, five scales between last supralabial and ear, five infralabials, one infralabial contacting postmental, rostral dome-shaped when viewed from above with apex of dome anterior, nasals in half contact, nostrils placed antero-laterally, frontonasal narrower than long, frontoparietals separate, prefrontal contacts preocular, loreal, frontonasal, frontal and first supraciliary; first supraciliary contacts preocular, loreal, prefrontal, frontal, first supraocular and second supraciliary; temporal contacts fourth and fifth supralabials, postocular, pretemporal, parietal and second temporal; frontoparietals and interparietal free (not fused into a single shield), 8���10 nuchals (mode = 10), 93���95 paravertebrals (mode = 93), 4���6 subdigital lamellae (mode = 5), 3���4 supradigitals (mode = 4), 88���97 subcaudals (average = 93, n = 2). Osteology. 45���47 presacral vertebrae (mode = 46, n = 5), 50 caudal vertebrae (n = 1). Colour pattern (in spirit). Pale beige to grey, head scales with varying amounts of dark brown to black edging and flecking, dorsum with a narrow, irregular dark brown to black longitudinal line medially along each scale line, 8���10 lines in total, lateral lines thickest, ventral-most line sometimes lacking. Belly immaculate cream, tail usually with heavier markings. Holotype. Measurements and scale counts for the holotype are as follows: SVL = 74.99 mm, TL = 68.35 mm (not original), L 2 = 4.38 mm, HL = 6.71 mm, HW = 4.06 mm, SE = 1.36 mm, five scales between last supralabial and ear, ten enlarged nuchals, four palpebrals, 16 midbody scale rows, 94 paravertebrals, five subdigital lamellae beneath toe, four supradigitals, dome-shaped rostral, prefrontal contacts preocular, loreal, frontonasal, frontal, first supraocular and first supraciliary, first supraciliary contacts preocular, loreal, prefrontal, first supraocular and second supraciliary (frontal contact lacking), single presubocular. Otherwise as for description above. Variation in paratypes. Two paratypes (QMJ 85002 and QMJ 85007) are dehydrated from their initial field preservation in ethylene glycol (they were collected in entomological pitfall traps which are filled with glycol). In one specimen, the prefrontal contacts the presubocular, while in another (in addition to the holotype), it contacts the first supraocular. First supraciliary contact is more variable, in one specimen it contacts the presubocular but fails to contact the loreal, in another it fails to contact the second supraciliary and in another it fails to contact the loreal. Otherwise, variation in morphometric and scale characters is as noted in the description. methods, scale definitions as in Horner (1992). Characters not overlapping with L. rochfordensis sp. nov. are highlighted in bold. Given for each character state are range, average, mode (for meristics only) and sample size. continued next page. Lamellae 5���8 Absent 4���8 4���7 3���5 4���6 Absent or 4���7 6���7 Mode 8 6 5 4 5 5 Sample size 7 4 10 19 8 5 9 22 Comparison with other species. This species would key to L. cinerea in Cogger (2000) and L. karlschmidti in Wilson (2005). From L. cinerea it is distinguished by usually possessing 16 midbody scale rows (vs. 18 in L. cinerea), two loreals (vs. single), three supraoculars (vs. two), five supraciliaries (vs. four) and postmental contacting single infralabial (vs. two). From L. karlschmidti it is distinguished by five supraciliaries (vs. absent in L. karlschmidti), prefrontals present (vs. absent), 8���10 nuchals (vs 3���5), postmental contacting single infralabial (vs. two), 93���96 paravertebrals (vs. 98���110) and 45���47 presacral vertebrae (vs. 48���49). This diagnosis applies equally to Northern Territory and Queensland populations of L. karlschmidti. For comparison with other species examined, see Table 1. Distribution. Known only from two closely adjacent localities, Rochford Scrub (20 �� 07��� S 146 �� 37 ��� E) and Boori Station (20 �� 01��� S 146 �� 46 ��� E) both south-east of Charters Towers, north-eastern Queensland, Australia (see Figure 3). Habitat. The holotype and one paratype (QMJ 85002) were collected in ���Lancewood [Acacia shirleyi] and Bendee [Acacia catenulata] vinescrub��� and another paratype (QMJ 85007) from ���Bendee���. QMJ 44385 and QMJ 44386 were in ���semi-evergreen vine thicket on sandy soil���. Nothing further is known of this species��� habits. The vine thickets of this area (more properly known as dry rainforest), are described in detail by Fensham (1995; 1996) and Kahn and Lawrie (1987). Etymology. Named for the type locality, Rochford Scrub., Published as part of Amey, Andrew P. & Couper, Patrick J., 2009, A new limb-reduced skink (Scincidae: Lerista) from the dry rainforest of north Queensland, Australia, pp. 19-30 in Zootaxa 2173 on pages 20-26, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.189272, {"references":["Horner, P. (1992) Skinks of the Northern Territory. Northern Territory Museum of Arts and Sciences Handbook Series, Vol. 2. Northern Territory Museum of Arts and Sciences, Darwin, 174 pp.","Cogger, H. G. (2000) Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia, 6 th ed. Reed New Holland, Sydney, 808 pp.","Wilson, S. K. (2005) A Field Guide to Reptiles of Queensland. New Holland Press, Sydney, 256 pp.","Fensham, R. (1995) Floristics and environmental relations of inland dry rainforest in north Queensland, Australia. Journal of Biogeography, 22, 1047 - 1053.","Fensham, R. (1996) Land clearance and conservation of inland dry rainforest in north Queensland, Australia. Biological Conservation, 75, 289 - 298.","Kahn, T. P. & Lawrie, B. C. (1987) Vine thickets of the inland Townsville region. The Rainforest Legacy. Australian National Rainforests Study, Vol. 1. Australian Government Publishing Service, Canberra, pp. 159 - 199."]}

Rhodona karlschmidti Marx and Hosmer, 1959 = Lerista karlschmidti (Marx and Hosmer, 1959) Holotype: Chicago Field Museum of Natural History No. 97957; Woodstock, 36 km S of Townsville, NEQ; A. Johnson, 1952. Measurements: SVL 66.2 mm; HL 5.2 mm; HW 3.8 mm; MBW 4.6 mm; L 2 2.4 mm; TL 60.2 mm. Head indistinct from neck; snout obtusely angular in profile. Rostral crescent-shaped, with a posteromedial projection partially separating the nasals. Nasals large, in contact for approximately 34 % of their maximum length. Nostrils positioned anteriorly in nasals. Frontonasal 1.9 times wider than long. Prefrontals absent (possibly subsumed into the posterior loreals). Frontal slightly wider than long. Frontoparietals distinct and widely separated. Interparietal 1.2 times wider than long (medial length) and appreciably larger than a single frontoparietal. Parietal eyespot located centrally in interparietal. Parietals in broad contact behind interparietal, each in contact with primary temporal, upper secondary temporal and a nuchal along posterolateral margin. Transversely enlarged nuchals two pairs. Loreals two. Preocular single. Presubocular single. Supraoculars three, first two in contact with frontal. Supraciliaries absent (supraoculars bordering upper ciliaries). Postoculars two. Lower eyelid movable with clear window. Pretemporal single. Primary temporal large. Secondary temporals two, lower smallest and overlapping upper. External ear opening small, barely discernible. Supralabials five, third below eye. Infralabials five. Mental 1.7 times wider than long (medial length). Postmental 1.6 times wider than long, in contact with first two infralabials on each side. Three pairs of enlarged chin shields; first pair in narrow contact, second pair separated by one longitudinal ventral scale row, third pair separated by three longitudinal ventral scale rows. Body elongate, with smooth scalation. Midbody scale rows 16. Paravertebral scales, from anterior-most nuchal to posterior margin of hindlimb 110. Number of scales in a direct line between mental and preanal scales 113. Midbody width 7.0% of SVL. Medial pair of preanal scales enlarged, left overlapping right. Forelimbs absent. Hindlimbs monodactyl, 3.5 % SVL. Subdigital lamellae four. Tail 90.9 % SVL. Colour (in alcohol preservative): Pale brown above, with ground colour confined to the first four scale rows on either side. Cream below. No sharp demarcation between dorsal and ventral surfaces. Each body scale is marked with a median dark brown streak, forming 16 broken, longitudinal stripes, which become obscure on the lower flanks and ventral surface. The stripes centred on the two mid-ventral scale rows are barely discernible and only present on the posterior two thirds of the body. Body stripes extending to tail, where they remain bold on both dorsal and ventral surfaces. Dorsal head shields with irregular dark brown mottling. Pigment most intense in zone between nasal and primary temporal, particularly along the dorsal half of the first two supralabials. Infralabials two to five with diffuse dark pigment, which is also present along the edges of the postmental scale and chin shields. Paratype: Chicago Field Museum of Natural History No. 97958; data as for holotype. Measurements: SVL 69.8 mm (measured along string line); HL 5.4 mm; HW 3.7 mm; MBW 5.0 mm; L 2 2.6 mm; tail 30.2 mm (re-grown). Although the scalation of specimen FMNH 97958 is generally consistent with the holotype, the following differences were recorded: anterior chin shields narrowly separated (almost in point contact); transversely enlarged nuchals five (two on right side, three on left); paravertebral scales 104. Colour (in alcohol preservative): Colour pattern as for holotype but with the two mid-ventral stripes being more prominent and extending further forward. Paratype: Chicago Field Museum of Natural History No. 97741; Woodstock, 36 km S of Townsville, NEQ; A. Johnson, 1954. Measurements: SVL 51.2 mm; HL 4.5 mm; HW 2.9 mm; MBW 3.1 mm; L 2 (right side only) 3.8 mm; TL 47.4 mm (original). Transversely enlarged nuchals five (left - three, right - two); supraoculars two, first only in contact with frontal; supraciliaries four (first and second scales composite), 1���3 form a continuous series, fourth separated by a continuation of the second supraocular to the edge of the supraocular shelf; loreal single; supralabials five, third below eye; infralabials five; postmental in contact with two infralabials on each side; three pairs of enlarged chin shields; first and second pairs separated by one longitudinal scale row, third pair separated by three longitudinal scale rows; midbody scale rows 18, paravertebral scales 105; subdigital lamellae seven (right side only). Colour (in alcohol preservative): Medium brown with dark longitudinal dashes on body and tail (absent on four ventral scale rows)., Published as part of Couper, Patrick J. & Amey, Andrew P., 2009, Lerista karlschmidti (Marx and Hosmer, 1959) (Sauria: Scincidae): re-examination of the type series, reassignment of a paratype and distribution notes, pp. 39-48 in Zootaxa 2312 on pages 41-43, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.191920, {"references":["Marx, H. & Hosmer, W. (1959) A new skink from Australia (Rhodona karlschmidti, sp. nov.). Copeia, 1959, 207 - 208."]}