Search

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

Couper, Patrick J., Oliver, Paul M. (2016): A new species of gecko from arid inland regions of eastern Australia (Diplodactylus; Diplodactylidae). Zootaxa 4093 (4): 525-538, DOI: http://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4093.4.4

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

Diplodactylus ameyi sp. nov. Eastern Deserts Fat-tailed Gecko Figs: 2, 3, 4 A, 5 A, 6, 7 (top row) [Diplodactylus] ��� conspicillatus ��� F (Oliver et al. 2009) Holotype. QM J 90778 (Fig. 2), 3.4km NNE Noonbah homestead (24 ��04' 51 "S, 143 �� 11 ��� 54 ���E) Queensland, Australia, frozen tissue sample at South Australian Museum ABTC 113844, collected by Mark Hutchinson. Paratypes. Queensland. SAMA R 63336, Winton, (22 �� 27 'S, 142 �� 57 'E); QM J 92287, Winton (22 �� 28 ' 42 "S, 142 �� 53 ' 31 "E); AMS R 110564, Camp 14km NE Scott���s Tank, Diamantina Lakes, NW of Windorah (23 �� 45 'S, 141 �� 40 'E); AMS R 110529, Scott���s Tank, Diamantina Lakes, NW of Windorah (23 �� 58 'S, 141 �� 32 'E); QM J 83467, Noonbah Station (24 ��07'S, 143 �� 11 'E); QM J 90774, Noonbah homestead, 3.4km NNE (24 ��04' 51 "S, 143 �� 11 ' 54 "E); QM J 90170, Valetta Stn (24 �� 15 ' 21 "S, 143 ��05' 57 "E); QM J 59978 Jundah. ���Noonbah Stn��� Rd to 'Waterloo Stn' in Bore Paddock (24 ��07' 40 "S, 143 �� 11 ' 30 "E); QM J 56888, Waterloo site 1 (24 �� 16 ' S, 143 �� 13 'E); AMS R 143856, Stonehenge area, within 10km N to S of Stonehenge (24 �� 22 'S, 143 �� 19 'E); QM J 89191, Tyrone, approx 70km NW of Charleville - 3km S of old north Tyrone homestead (25 �� 58 ' 55 "S, 145 �� 44 ' 17 "E); QM J 35697, Ambathala, 1km S Ra Tank (26 ��01' 30 "S, 145 ��04' 30 "E); QM J 79909, Mariala (26 ��05'S, 145 ��04'E); QM J 74874, Mariala Nature Ref. (26 ��05' 30 "S, 145 ��04' 15 "E). New South Wales. AMS R 158426, Sturt NP, Silver City Hwy, Wittabrinna Ck. Crossing (29 �� 22 ' 38 "S, 142 ��02'08" E); AMS R 132996, AMS R 132997, Wanaaring, 4km W of Wanaaring at Turnoff to Wilcannia (29 �� 42 'S, 144 ��07'E); AMS R 141988, Wanaaring (29 �� 42 'S, 144 ��09'E); AMS R 165698, Nocoleche Nature Reserve, 11km W of Wanaaring - Wilcannia Rd (29 �� 52 '08"S, 144 ��00' 34 "E); AMS R 165659, AMS R 165697, AMS R 166837, Nocoleche Nature Reserve, 11km West of Wanaaring - Wilcannia Road (29 �� 52 '08"S, 144 ��00' 34 " E); AMS R 162733, AMS R 165673, Lake Peery National Park (30 �� 43 ' 28 "S, 143 �� 29 ' 15 "E). ������continued on the next page Species-group diagnosis. A member of the Diplodactylus conspicillatus group as defined by the following combination of characters: most supralabials small and granular, at most only one enlarged anterior (first) supralabial; terminal lamellae on fingers at most only slightly wider than digit; prominent enlarged subdigital lamellae absent; tail short, as wide or wider than body, depressed with heterogeneous scalation, and bearing large plate-like scales and/or conical tubercules arranged in transverse rows; and dorsal colouration extremely variable, but lacking large well defined bands or blotches. Specific diagnosis. A large member of the D. conspicillatus group (max SVL = ~ 60 mm) in which the first supralabial is small and does not contact the ventral edge of nasal scale (Fig. 3). Snout broad and ���U���-shaped snout (dorsal view, Fig. 4 A), convex along its dorsal edge and lacking a well-defined canthus rostralis (Fig. 5 A). The canthal stripe is absent or poorly defined (Figs 1, 2, 4 A, 5 A, 6 & 7 - top row). Description. SVL mm 46.0��� 60.2 (n = 22, mean = 53.2, SD = 4.3). Proportions as % SVL: AG 42.2���55.9 (n = 22, mean = 48.9, SD = 3.4); T 33.2���44.7 (n = 15, mean = 37.8, SD = 3.0). Head: broad and deep but not strongly differentiated from neck; snout longer than diameter of eye, broad and blunt (U-shaped when viewed from above; Fig. 4 A), with a conspicuous bulbous swelling anterior to the eyes (resulting in a poorly defined canthus rostralis), and gently convex along dorsal edge in lateral profile (Fig 5 A). HW 76.9���92.3 % HL (n = 22, mean = 83.8, SD = 4.5); HD 44.8 ���57.0% HL (n = 22, mean = 48.9, SD = 3.2); S 42.5���48.6 % HL (n = 22, mean = 45.4, SD = 1.15); EE 24.0��� 32.1 % HL (n = 22, mean = 28.2, SD = 2.4); covered in small granular scales; rostral shield large and lacking a medial groove, hexagonal with 8���13 scales contacting posterior edge (n = 22, mean = 10.5, SD = 1.3); mental shield hemispherical; 10���15 scales contacting posterior edge (n = 22, mean = 12.1, SD = 1.3); supralabial scales 11���18 (n = 22, mean = 15.0, SD = 2.0), the first not enlarged and subequal with the rest of the supralabial row which are not differentiated from the adjacent loreal scales (Fig. 3); infralabial scales 12���19 (n = 22, mean = 15.1, SD = 1.9), small and barely differentiated from adjacent chin scales; eye large, pupil vertical with crenulated margin; ear small, round to horizontally elliptic. Neck: broad with small granular scales on dorsal surface that are only slightly larger than the adjacent scales on the lateral surfaces. Trunk: moderate and somewhat stout; scales of dorsum plate-like and markedly larger than the granules on flanks; scales granular on ventral surface but increase in size on pectoral region; precloacal pores absent; a small cluster of postcloacal tubercles present in both sexes but larger and more prominent in males. Limbs: moderate; forelimb 28.3���37.1 % SVL (n = 22, mean = 32.5, SD = 2.5); hindlimb 31.1���40.8 % SVL (n = 22, mean = 35.5, SD = 2.6); digits moderate with no or only slight distal expansion; subdigital scales granular with a small pair of apical lamellae; 9���13 scales beneath fourth finger (n = 22, mean = 11, SD = 1.0); 9��� 14 scales beneath fourth toe (n = 22, mean = 11.7, SD = 1.19). Original tail: short 33��� 45 % SVL, width 48.0��� 78.8 % of tail length (n = 15, mean = 61.1, SD = 7.9); spade-like and bluntly pointed (lacking an acute attenuated tip); dorsal scales each with a short blunt to sharp medial tubercle, arranged in clear transverse series which are usually more or less uniform in size (but may include rows of smaller scales); 23���32 (n = 15, mean = 26.2, SD = 2.1) medial scale rows on tail in longitudinal series from fracture plane (1 st autotomy septum) to tip; 13���18 (n = 15, mean = 14.4, SD = 1.3) rows of scales across original tail (large row at maximum width); ventral scales considerably smaller than dorsal scales, flat and not arranged in regular rows. Regrown tail: rounded distally, scales not arranged in clear transverse rows. Pattern (in spirit, Fig. 2, 7 - top row). Variable. Most specimens tan to medium-dark brown with heavy, pale spotting on the flanks. Dorsum with an overlay of fine dark reticulations and pale spotting (usually smaller than those on flanks). The vertebral zone has reduced pigmentation and is marked by a series of pale blotches (~ 5���6 between the pectoral and pelvic girdles) which in some specimens are narrowly broken and slightly misaligned across the vertebral line. Head, as for dorsal ground colour with scattered dark flecks or blotches. Canthal stripe absent or weak without sharply defined edges and not contrasting strongly with other facial markings. Limbs with fine reticulations, inner digit of forelimb with reduced pigmentation. Ventral surfaces off-white, immaculate. Original tail as for trunk but usually with broader, dark markings that form a coarse reticulated pattern. Measurements and scale counts of holotype (in mm). QM J 90778 ♀ (Fig. 2), SVL = 60.2, MBW = 14.1, MBD = 7.6, AG = 28.3, L 1 = 17.3, L 2 = 20.0, HL = 11.0, HD = 5.7, HW = 9.1, S = 5.1, EE = 3.3, TL = 23.3, TW = 14.4, scales contacting posterior edge of rostral = 11, scales contacting posterior edge of mental = 10, lamellae beneath 4 th finger = 10, scales beneath 4 th toe (basal junction to tip) = 12, medial scale rows on tail from fracture plane (1 st autotomy septum) to tip = 26, rows of scales across original tail = 14, supralabials = 16, infralabials = 15. Etymology. Named for Dr Andrew Amey for his contributions to documenting Australia���s herpetofauna and promoting access to the Queensland Museum���s reptile and amphibian collections. Comparisons. Diplodactylus ameyi sp. nov. can be distinguished from Diplodactylus barraganae Couper, Oliver & Pepper (in Oliver et. al., 2014), Diplodactylus bilybara Couper, Pepper & Oliver (in Oliver et. al., 2014), D. conspicillatus Lucas & Frost (1897), Diplodactylus custos Couper, Oliver & Pepper (in Oliver et. al., 2014), Diplodactylus hillii Longman (1915) and Diplodactylus laevis Sternfield (1924) in possessing a small first supralabial that is not differentiated from the rest of the supralabial row (vs. enlarged and contacting ventral edge of nasal scale) and in lacking a well-defined canthal stripe (vs. canthal stripe well-defined). It further differs from D. bilybara, D. custos and D. laevis in lacking an acute attenuated extension at the tip of the original tail. Diplodactylus ameyi sp. nov. differs from all known populations of D. platyurus (which may be composite, containing at least two additional candidate taxa - lineages G & H in Oliver et al., 2014) in having a broad Ushaped snout (dorsal view) which is convex along its dorsal edge and lacks a well-defined canthus rostralis (Figs 2, 4 A, 5 A, 6, 7 top row). All` D. platyurus��� populations have finely tapered (V-shaped) snouts with a prominent canthus rostralis, suggesting significant differences in the underlying skull morphology (Figs 1, 4 B, 5 B & C, 7 middle and bottom rows). Diplodactylus ameyi sp. nov. tends to have more scales contacting the posterior edge of the rostral shield (8���13, 10.5 �� 1.3 vs. 5���10, 7.9 �� 1.4 in` D. platyurus���). Diplodactylus ameyi sp. nov. also obtains a greater SVL (max SVL = ~ 60 mm vs. D. platyurus���) (Figure 7). Distribution and vegetation associations (Figs. 8, 9). Diplodactylus ameyi sp. nov. occurs widely across the eastern edge of the Eromanga Basin, from Winton in the north to the north-western edge of New South Wales. The distribution of museum specimens suggests a geographic hiatus between northern and southern samples (Fig. 8) but further fieldwork is required to establish if this is simply an artefact of sampling. This species occurs widely through arid woodland habitats on a range of sand and clay-based substrates throughout its range (typical habitat at one collection site is illustrated in Fig. 9). The following habitat notes are associated with specimens in the Queensland Museum collection: QM J 83467 ���Red sandy soils Acacia cambagei associations���; QM J 59978 ���Open flat, few low bushes. Red sandy soils��� and QM J 74874, QM J 89191 and QM J 90170 were found in association with Mulga woodlands (Acacia aneura). Dietary note. The stomach of QM J 90778 (the holotype, collected 1 May 2010) was examined to determine prey species. Its contents comprised ~ 85 % worker termites and 15 % ants belonging to the genus Iridomyrmex (Formicidae: Dolichoderinae)., Published as part of Couper, Patrick J. & Oliver, Paul M., 2016, A new species of gecko from arid inland regions of eastern Australia (Diplodactylus; Diplodactylidae), pp. 525-538 in Zootaxa 4093 (4) on pages 526-535, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4093.4.4, http://zenodo.org/record/270976

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"]}

Liburnascincus artemis sp. nov. Bamboo Range Rock Skink (Figs 2 B, 3, 4, 5 A, 6) Material examined. Holotype: QM J 93471, Bamboo Range (14 �� 47 ' 35 " S, 143 �� 24 '03" E; elevation 200 m; datum WGS 84), Cape York Peninsula, northeast Queensland, C. J. Hoskin & A. Zimny, 31 August 2013. Paratypes: QM J 93472, QM J 93473, QM J 93474, collection details as for holotype; QM J 76266, Artemis Station (14 �� 58 ' S, 143 �� 34 ' E). Diagnosis. Liburnascincus artemis sp. nov. is a long-legged, moderate sized skink (SVL 41���58 mm) that is diagnosed from its congeners by the following combination of characters: forelimb length 38���39 % SVL; hindlimb length 52���54 % SVL; 34���36 midbody scale rows; 52��� 53 paravertebral scales; 20���23 lamellae beneath Finger III; 27���30 lamellae beneath Toe IV (Table 1). Etymology. Named in reference to Artemis Station, the cattle property on which the type series was collected. Measurements and scalation of holotype (QM J 93471) (Figs 3, 4, 5 A): SVL = 47.3 mm, AG = 21.0 mm, TL (original) = 71.1 mm, L 1 = 18.1mm, L 2 = 25.1 mm, HLL = 8.5 mm, Toe IV length = 6.7 mm, NL = 7.7 mm, NW = 7.1 mm, HL = 12.0 mm, HW = 9.0 mm, HD = 5.4 mm, S = 5.0 mm, EE = 4.2 mm, midbody scale rows = 35, paravertebrals = 52, subdigital lamellae Finger III = 20, subdigital lamellae Toe IV = 27, supralabials = 7, supraciliaries = 7. Description of type series. Data presented as range followed by mean in brackets (N = 5). Measurements (mm): SVL = 41.7���57.8 (47.4), AG = 17.4���25.6 (20.8), TL (original; holotype and paratype QM J 93472 only) = 71.1���78.3 (74.7), L 1 = 15.9���22.2 (18.3), L 2 = 21.7���30.9 (25.1), HLL = 7.4 ���11.0 (8.6), Toe IV length = 5.7���8.1 (6.6), NL = 5.5���9.2 (7.3), NW = 6.1���8.2 (6.9), HL = 10.2���13.9 (11.7), HW = 7.5���10.4 (8.7), HD = 5.1���7.3 (5.8), S = 4.3��� 5.9 (4.9), EE = 3.6���5.2 (4.2). Proportions (as % SVL): AG = 41.8���46.1 (44.0), TL (original) = 150.3 ���170.0 (160.1), L 1 = 38.0��� 39.2 (38.6), L 2 = 52.0��� 53.6 (53.0), HLL = 17.6 ���19.0 (18.1), Toe IV = 13.7���14.5 (14.0), NL = 13.1���16.5 (15.4), NW = 13.9���15.9 (14.7), HL = 24.1���25.3 (24.6), HW = 18.0���19.0 (18.3). General characteristics: Body moderately robust. Head distinct from body due to slight narrowing at neck. Snout rounded in lateral profile. Limbs long and slender; four fingers; five toes. Scalation: Dorsal scales hexagonal, with angular posterior edge; weakly to moderately keeled; predominantly bicarinate (some tricarinate scales usually present). Head shields somewhat rugose, particularly the parietals, frontoparietal and supraoculars. Nasals widely spaced; rostral and frontonasal in very narrow to moderate contact; prefrontals large, moderately to very narrowly separated; frontal contacting frontonasal, prefrontals, first two supraoculars and fused frontoparietals; four supraoculars, second the largest; seven supraciliaries (except for six on left side of QM J 76266), first the largest; frontoparietals fused and distinct from interparietal; two nuchals contacting parietals, in broad contact with one another; two temporals contacting parietals (i.e., upper secondary temporal on both sides); two loreal scales, first largest and extending higher dorsally than the upper edge of the nasal scale; two preoculars, the lower being the largest; one presubocular scale; seven supralabials (except for eight on left side of QM J 76266); fifth subocular in direct contact with granules of lower eyelid; usually six infralabials (except five on one side only for both QM J 93472 and QM J 93473). Postmental contacting two infralabials on each side; primary chin shields in contact; secondary chin shields separated by one scale row; tertiary chin shields separated by three scale rows. Palpebral disc transparent; of moderate size and subequal to or larger than ear aperture. Ear opening round, with conspicuous spinose lobules on all margins; lobules largest anteriorly (Fig. 4). Midbody scale rows 34���36 (mean 35.0); paravertebrals 52���53 (mean 52.5). Plantar scales round, dense and cobblestone-like (Fig. 5 A). Subdigital lamellae smooth; 20���23 (mean 21.0) under Finger III; 27���30 (mean 27.6) under Toe IV. Medial pair of precloacal scales larger than more lateral precloacals; inner overlapped by outer. Colour pattern in preservative (Figs 3, 4, 5 A): Body: Dorsal base colour greyish brown; an unmarked continuous vertebral band from nape to base of tail; a paravertebral series of longitudinally aligned blackish spots, each encompassing one to three scales and separated from the next by two to four rows of scales of background colour or a pale spot; a dorsolateral series of similarlysized dark markings interspersed with pale dashes; dark paravertebral and dorsolateral spots merge on neck on some individuals to form transverse bars. Sides of neck and flanks marked with dark and white blotches on a greyish-brown background. Dark and pale dorsal and lateral markings less pronounced on largest individual (QM J 93474). Ventral surfaces immaculate white. Head: Dorsal surface coppery brown, with a short pale line extending back from the upper margin of the eye; sometimes a black spot on each parietal (QM J 93472); labials barred with overlapping or near non-overlapping ranges; * = large difference in means). Asterisks are not presented for individual measurements other than SVL because these are better assessed as proportions. Dorsal carination and ear lobule descriptions represent the most common state in the specimens examined. dark centers and pale sutures (Fig. 4); rostral with dark smudges at lateral edges and a short dark bar extending down from the central dorsal margin. Original tail: Greyish brown with dark and pale blotches and mottling; posterior half or third pale brown. Regenerated tail: greyish brown. Limbs: Heavily mottled with dark and pale blotches on a greyish brown background; dark markings sometimes forming irregular transverse bands. Palmar and plantar scales white, cream or pale brown; subdigital lamellae brown to black (Fig. 5 A). Colour pattern in life (Figs 2 B, 6). Head and front half of body copper coloured, grading to grey on posterior body; an unpatterned grey dorsal midline; paired paravertebral series of dark and pale spots down back; white line from behind eye over temporal region, then continuing from neck and along body as a dorsolateral series of white dashes or spots and small black spots. Lateral surfaces marked with black and white blotches. Some large individuals have a greenish wash to the flanks. Black and white dorsal and lateral markings less pronounced on largest individuals. Original tail heavily blotched and spotted with black and white on a grey background; regenerated tail evenly pale brown or greyish. Limbs heavily mottled with dark and pale markings on a grey background. Labials barred dark brown and white. Ventral surfaces immaculate white; peach flush under tail on some large individuals. Plantar and palmer surfaces pale grey; underside of digits black. Comparison with similar species. Liburnascincus artemis sp. nov. can be readily distinguished from L. coensis and L. scirtetis by its lower midbody scale count (��� 36 vs. ��� 42 in L. scirtetis and ��� 37 in L. coensis), lower paravertebral count (52���53 vs. ��� 64 in L. scirtetis and ��� 59 in L. coensis), and fewer subdigital lamellae beneath Toe IV (27���30 vs. 30���34 in L. scirtetis and 29���36 in L. coensis) (Table 1). Further distinguished from these species by smaller body size, proportionally wider head, and other traits marked in Table 1. Further distinguished by colour pattern: black and pale spots on a copper to greyish background in L. artemis sp. nov. (Figs 2 B, 6) vs. fairly uniform black in L. scirtetis (Fig. 2 C) and variable in L. coensis (uniform black or brown; black with series of white blotches; brownish with pale blotches, Fig. 2 A). Liburnascincus artemis sp. nov. is most similar to L. mundivensis but is distinguished from that species based on the following aspects of morphology, scalation, and colour pattern. Liburnascincus artemis sp. nov. has longer limbs (L 1 38���39 % SVL, L 2 52���54 % SVL) than L. mundivensis (L 1 28���37 % SVL, L 2 39���51 % SVL). It also has, on average, fewer midbody scale rows (mean 35 vs. 38 in L. mundivensis), and more subdigital lamellae beneath Toe IV (mean 28 vs. 24 in L. mundivensis) and Finger III (mean 21 vs. 19 in L. mundivensis) (Table 1). Liburnascincus artemis sp. nov. also has a more defined neck (see HW/NW and NW/SVL in Table 1). The typical plantar scalation of L. artemis sp. nov. and L. mundivensis differs. In L. artemis sp. nov. it consists of an inner row of large block-like scales that are about twice the size of the small, evenly sized, densely packed plantar scales (Fig. 5 A). The typical state in L. mundivensis is a fairly even gradation from larger inner to smaller outer plantar scales (Fig. 5 B). Further distinguished by the dark and light spots in the colour pattern of L. artemis sp. nov. (vs. dark mottling, bars or blotches in L. mundivensis) (Figs 6, 7). Genetics. For a 900 base pair section of the ND 4 region of mtDNA, L. artemis sp. nov. is approximately 15 % divergent from sequences of L. mundivensis (uncorrected pairwise patristic distances), 21 % divergent from L. scirtetis, and 21 % divergent from L. coensis (CH, unpub. data). ND 4 sequences for two individuals of L. artemis sp. nov. were deposited in GenBank (QM J 93471 = KP 714394, QM J 93473 = KP 714395). Distribution. Known only from Bamboo Range, central-eastern Cape York Peninsula (Fig. 1). Has been sighted at two sites: one about 10 km west of Musgrave roadhouse (14 �� 47 ' 35 " S, 143 �� 24 '03" E), and the other about 17 km north of Musgrave (14 �� 37 ' 51 " S, 143 �� 27 ' 43 " E). The species is no doubt more extensively distributed along the fairly connected low rocky hills forming the Great Dividing Range in this area. Based on the extent of potentially suitable habitat, the total distribution may extend about 75 km south to north along the range from about 14 �� 56 ' S, 143 �� 31 ' E to about 14 �� 15 ' S, 143 �� 23 ' E. Habitat and habits. Known from a low rocky range of about 200 m elevation. The habitat consists of open woodland with patches of exposed granite rocks (Fig. 8) and small areas of vine scrub in gullies. The basic ecology of L. artemis sp. nov. appears very similar to that of other Liburnascincus. The skinks are restricted to rock; are most active early in the morning and late in the afternoon; and retreat to crevices during hotter parts of the day. The skinks are very alert and allow close approach before retreating to a crevice. As for other Liburnascincus, they soon reappear to observe the threat from a safe distance. No other skinks were observed co-occurring on the rocks with L. artemis sp. nov., Published as part of Hoskin, Conrad J. & Couper, Patrick J., 2015, A new skink (Scincidae: Liburnascincus) from rocky habitat on Cape York, northeast Australia, pp. 222-234 in Zootaxa 3994 (3) on pages 225-231, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3994.2.3, http://zenodo.org/record/240443

Hoskin, Conrad J., Couper, Patrick J. (2015): A new skink (Scincidae: Liburnascincus) from rocky habitat on Cape York, northeast Australia. Zootaxa 3994 (3): 222-234, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3994.2.3

Pygmaeascincus gen. nov. Type species. Pygmaeascincus timlowi (Ingram 1977) Species. P. timlowi (Ingram 1977), P. koshlandae (Greer 1991), P. sadlieri (Greer 1991). Etymology. From the Latin pygmaea for pygmy. Referring to the very small size of the three species. These skinks, at SVL Diagnosis. Pygmaeascincus is a genus of small litter skinks that is distinguished from all other Australian skinks by the following character states: small size (SVL The ‘ timlowi’ species group is separated from Menetia, to which it was most recently assigned by at least 14 characters (1–14 in Table 1). The polarity of most of these characters remains uncertain. One of these is clearly a derived character (Greer 1991): frontoparietals fused with interparietal to form a single shield (vs interparietal distinct from fused frontoparietals) and is a very rare condition seen in only a few other Australian skinks (Greer 1991). Two other characters are most likely derived (15 and 16 in Table 1) but each is only diagnostic for two of the three Pygmaeascincus. The first is a reduced number of supraoculars. A reduction from the plesiomorphic condition of four supraoculars (Greer 1991) is derived in both Pygmaeascincus and Menetia, but in Menetia there are always two supraoculars whereas two of the three Pygmaeascincus have 3 (Table 1). The second is the presence of enlarged upper palprebrals in P. timlowi and P sadlieri, a condition that appears to be unique within skinks (Greer, 1991).

A key to the Glaphyromorphus nigricaudis group of north-eastern Australia Group defined as having: adpressed limbs overlapping or separated by at most the length of forelimb, 24 or more midbody scale rows, and prefrontal not contacting first preocular scale. 1. Body size small (SVL ~ 50 mm); dark barred pattern on dorsal and lateral surfaces of the body, extending posteriorly to groin; supralabials predominantly dark............................................................... nyanchupinta - Body size large (SVL ~ 70���90 mm); dark barred pattern not extending to groin; supralabials predominantly pale with dark sutures.............................................................................................. 2 2. Eight supralabial scales with 6 th below centre of eye, and more than 14 subdigital lamellae beneath 4 th finger...... othelarrni - Seven supralabial scales with 5 th below centre of eye, and less than 14 subdigital lamellae beneath 4 th finger.............. 3 3. 59���70 paravertebral scale rows; a series of pale or yellowish dorsolateral blotches present on shoulders......... fuscicaudis - 51���58 paravertebral scale rows; no series of yellowish dorsolateral blotches on shoulders................... nigricaudis, Published as part of Hoskin, Conrad J. & Couper, Patrick J., 2014, Two new skinks (Scincidae: Glaphyromorphus) from rainforest habitats in north-eastern Australia, pp. 1-16 in Zootaxa 3869 (1) on page 14, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3869.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/4930777

Glaphyromorphus nyanchupinta sp. nov. McIlwraith Bar-lipped Skink (Figs 3B, 4B, 5B, 8, 9) Material examined. Holotype: QMJ 85244, mature male with turgid opaque testes, Peach Creek (13°44'12" S, 143°19'47" E, elevation 530 m a.s.l.), McIlwraith Range, north-east Queensland, collected 20 July 2007 by S. Williams & C. Moritz. Paratypes: QMJ 38195, adult female with developing follicles, 17 km ENE of Mt Croll (13º46' S, 143º19' E), McIlwraith Range, collected 2 June 1979, J. W. Winter & R. G. Atherton; QMJ66642, adult female with developing follicles, Peach Creek headwaters (13º44'15", S 143º20'20" E, 530 m a.s.l.), McIlwraith Range, collected 25 August 1998 by K. McDonald & J. Covacevich; QMJ 70609, gravid adult female, McIlwraith Range (13º44'01" S, 143º20'09" E, 530 m a.s.l.), collected 16 August 1999, K. McDonald, A. Freeman & H. Hines. Diagnosis. Glaphyromorphus nyanchupinta sp. nov. is diagnosed from all congeners in having: narrowly separated adpressed limbs (not separated by more than the length of the forelimb); more than 24 midbody scale rows; the prefontal separated from the preocular; small body size (max SVL ~ 54 mm); seven supralabials (with 5 th below centre of eye); fewer than 21 lamellae beneath 4 th toe; a strong barred body pattern extending to hindlimbs; dark supralabial scales with a central white dot; dark streaks typically present on throat. Etymology. Nyanchupinta translates as: ‘nyanchu’ for ‘dead leaves or mulch’ and ‘pinta’ for ‘covered’, referring to the lizard being hidden in the leaf-litter. The species was named by Elders of the Kaantju clan, traditional owners of the McIlwraith Range where the species lives. Measurements and scale counts of holotype QMJ85244 (Figs 3B, 4B, 8, 9). Mature male with turgid, opaque testes. SVL = 53.0 mm, AG = 26.4 mm, TL not measured due to partial tail loss, L1 = 10.5 mm, L2 = 17.0 mm, HL = 10.2 mm, HW = 7.4 mm, NL = 7.9 mm, midbody scale rows = 27, paravertebrals = 60, lamellae 4 th toe = 17, lamellae 4 th finger = 11, supralabials = 7 with 5 th below centre of eye, infralabials = 6, supraciliaries = 6 left/7 right. Description of type series. Data presented as range followed by mean in brackets (n = 4, unless stated otherwise). Adult measurements (mm): SVL = 49.2–53.6 (51.8), AG = 25.4–29.5 (27.3), TL = 51.8 (n = 1), L1 = 10.1–11.3 (10.7), L2 = 14.3–17.0 (15.5), HL = 9.2–10.2 (9.5), HW = 6.6–7.4 (6.9), NL = 7.8–9.8 (8.5) (Table 1). Adult proportions (as % SVL): AG = 50–55 (53), TL = 100 (n = 1), L1 = 20–21 (21), L2 = 28–32 (30), HL = 18–19 (18), HW = 13–14 (13), NL = 15–18 (16) (Table 1). Body: elongate, tubiform. Neck broad and not well differentiated from back of head. Snout rounded in profile. Limbs short, pentadactyl, and separated by the about the length of the forelimb when adpressed. Scalation: Scales smooth with rounded posterior margins; 25–27 (mean = 26.5) rows at midbody; paravertebrals not transversely enlarged (except enlarged nuchals) and numbering 56–60 (mean = 58.5) in a line between the parietals and the posterior margin of the hindlimb. Nasals moderate, wellspaced, with a relatively large external naris; rostral and frontonasal in moderate contact; prefrontals large, moderately to very narrowly separated, and not contacting 1 st preocular; frontal contacting frontonasal, prefrontals, first two supraoculars, frontoparietals and usually in point contact with 1 st supraciliary; supraoculars 4, second the largest; supraciliaries 6–7 (mean = 6.5), first the largest; frontoparietals paired and distinct from interparietal; parietals in contact behind interparietal; 6–7 (mean = 6.3) nuchal scales; primary temporals 1; secondary temporals 2, upper largest and overlapping lower; loreals 2; preoculars 2; presuboculars 2; an enlarged subocular scale penetrating the suture between the 4 th and 5 th supralabials; supralabials 7, 5 th below centre of eye; infralabials 6; postmental contacting two infralabials on each side; lower eyelid scaly; ear opening round or vertically oval, without lobules and with tympanum moderately recessed; lamellae under 4 th finger 10–11 (mean = 10.8); lamellae under 4 th toe 17–20 (mean = 17.8); medial pair of preanal scales greatly enlarged. Colour pattern in preservative (Fig. 3B, 4B, 9): Dorsal ground colour mid brown with narrow, dark brown or dark grey wavy bars extending from vertebral zone to lower flanks. Pattern extends to hindlimbs but generally more prominent on anterior half of dorsum. Laterally the pattern breaks up, becoming increasingly mottled on the posterior third of the body and sides of tail. The temporal region and sides of neck marked with dark reticulations, where dark bars merge together, and the upper labials are predominantly dark, each bearing a pale central dot. Venter immaculate cream except at edge of jawline and chin, where there are dark markings around the scale edges. These are least prominent in QMJ66642 but extend to the throat in the rest of the type series. Limbs pale brown with a dark reticulated pattern. Colour pattern in life (Figs 5B, 8). As for spirit specimens but colours richer, particularly on body bars and face, and appearance generally more glossy. Comparison with similar species. Glaphyromorphus nyanchupinta sp. nov. can only be confused with G. othelarrni sp. nov., G. fuscicaudis and G. nigricaudis. It is readily distinguished from all three species by its small body size (max SVL = ~ 54 mm vs > 85 mm), less robust form (WT/SVL 0.04–0.06 vs > 0.09); number of subdigital lamellae beneath the 4 th toe (17–20 vs generally 20 or more) (Table 1); labial pattern (supralabials predominantly dark, enclosing a central white dot vs supralabials pale with dark barring along sutures) (Fig. 4B), lateral head and neck pattern (dark reticulations vs dark bars or spots) (Figs 3B, 5B); the extent of the body pattern (dark dorsal and lateral bars extend posteriorly to hindlimb vs pattern generally strongest on anterior half of body and breaking up or absent beyond midbody) (Figs 3B, 5B); and dark streaks typically present on the throat (Fig. 9) vs throat typically unmarked. Glaphyromorphus nyanchupinta sp. nov. is further distinguished from G. othelarrni sp. nov. in having a proportionately shorter tail (TL/SVL 1.00 vs 1.47–1.86); shorter limbs (L1/SVL: 0.20–0.21 vs 0.22–0.26; L2/SVL: 0.28–0.32 vs 0.33–0.41); fewer midbody scale rows (25–27 vs 28–30); fewer subdigital lamellae beneath the 4 th finger (10–11 vs 14–15); and fewer supralabial scales (7 with 5 th below centre of eye vs typically 8 with 6 th below centre of eye) (Table 1). It is further distinguished from G. fuscicaudis in having a proportionately larger head (HW/SVL: 0.13–0.14 vs 0.12–0.13; HL/SVL: 0.18–0.19 vs 0.16–0.17); fewer midbody scale rows (25–27 vs 28–30); and generally fewer paravertebral scales (mean 59 vs 64) (Table 1). It also lacks the series of yellow dorsolateral blotches that are prominent in G. fuscicaudis (Figs 5B, 5C). It is further distinguished from G. nigricaudis in having fewer paravertebral scales (56–60 vs 51–56) (Table 1). Distribution. Known only from the uplands of McIlwraith Range, north-east Australia (Fig. 6). All individuals have been collected in the same area, at about 530 m elevation in the headwaters of Peach Ck. The McIlwraith Range is poorly explored and it is likely the species is more widespread in the uplands. Habitat and habits. Found in upland rainforest (Fig. 10). Individuals have been collected from under logs in rainforest. A gravid female (QMJ70609), with two fully-developed eggs, was collected in mid August.

Glaphyromorphus othelarrni sp. nov. Cape Melville Bar-lipped Skink (Figs 1, 2, 3A, 4A, 5A) Material examined: Holotype: QMJ 93341, Melville Range (14��16'33" S, 144��29'32" E, elevation 460 m a.s.l.), Cape Melville, north-east Queensland, C. J. Hoskin & H. B. Hines, 13 December 2013. Paratypes: QMJ 93339, QMJ 93340, collection details as for holotype; QMJ 92570, QMJ 92571, Melville Range (14��16'33" S, 144��29'32" E, elevation 460 m a.s.l), C. J. Hoskin, 20 March 2013; QMJ 92553, QMJ 92554, Melville Range (14��18'55" S, 144��29'50" E, 110 m a.s.l.), C. J. Hoskin & K. Aland, 9 February 2013. Diagnosis. Glaphyromorphus othelarrni sp. nov. is diagnosed from all congeners in having: adpressed limbs in contact; more than 27 midbody scale rows; the prefontal separated from the preocular; large body size (max SVL ~ 93mm); usually eight supralabials (with 6 th below centre of eye); more than 13 subdigital lamellae beneath 4 th finger; more than 21 lamellae beneath 4 th toe. Etymology. Othelarrni means ���He Listens��� and this was a name given to Bob Flinders, who was born in the Cape Melville area and who passed on much of the knowledge and responsibility for that country to the current generation of its Traditional Owners. The species was named by the bubu gudjin of Cape Melville, the Traditional Owners who have the responsibility to speak for the land where the species live. Measurements and scale counts of holotype QMJ93341 (Figs 1, 2, 3A, 4A). SVL = 75.4 mm, AG = 37.3 mm, TL = 140 mm, L1 = 19.9 mm, L2 = 29.6 mm, HL = 14.5 mm, HW = 11.4 mm, NL = 13.5 mm, midbody scale rows = 28, paravertebrals = 58, lamellae 4 th toe = 25, lamellae 4 th finger = 15, supralabials = 8, supralabial below centre of eye = 6 th infralabials = 7, supraciliaries = 7. Description of type series. Data presented as range followed by mean in brackets (n = 7, unless stated otherwise). Adult measurements (mm): SVL = 75.4���92.9 (85.3), AG = 37.3���49.6 (43.9), Tail = 140.0���144.0 (142.0), L1 = 18.3���20.7 (19.7), L2 = 29.6���32.9 (30.8), HL = 14.5���17.0 (16.0), HW = 11.4���13.1 (12.1), NL = 12.5���15.5 (13.9) (Table 1). Adult proportions (as % SVL): AG = 49���53 (51), Tail = 147���186 (173), L1 = 22���26 (24), L2 = 33���41 (38), HL = 18���20 (19), HW = 13���15 (14), NL = 14���18 (16) (Table 1). Body: elongate. Neck broad and not well differentiated from back of head. Snout rounded in profile. Limbs moderate, pentadactyl, and overlapping when adpressed. Scalation: Scales smooth, with rounded posterior margins; 28���30 (mean = 28.3) rows at midbody; paravertebral scales only slightly enlarged (except enlarged nuchals) and numbering 55���61(mean = 58.9) in a line between the parietals and the posterior margin of the hindlimb. Nasals moderate, well-spaced with a relatively large external naris; rostral and frontonasal in moderate contact; prefrontals large, moderately to narrowly separated and not contacting 1 st preocular; frontal contacting frontonasal, prefrontals, first two supraoculars, frontoparietals and narrowly separated or in point contact with 1 st supraciliary; supraoculars 4, second the largest; supraciliaries 7���8 (mean = 7.3), first the largest; frontoparietals paired and distinct from interparietal; parietals in contact behind interparietal; 7���9 (mean = 7.9) nuchal scales; primary temporals 1; secondary temporals 2, upper largest and overlapping lower; loreals 2; preoculars 2; presuboculars 2; an enlarged subocular scale penetrating the suture between the 5 th and 6 th supralabials; supralabials 8, 6 th below centre of eye (except QMJ93339, which has 9 on the left side, with 7 th below centre of eye); infralabials 6���7 (mean = 6.7); postmental contacting 2 infralabials on each side; lower eyelid scaly; ear opening round or vertically oval, without lobules and with tympanum moderately recessed; lamellae under 4 th finger 14���15 (mean = 14.3); lamellae under 4 th toe 22���25 (mean = 23.3). Colour pattern in preservative (Figs 3A, 4A): Dorsal ground colour light to dark brown, immaculate (QMJ92570) or with black spots (QMJ93339) or transverse bars anteriorly (QMJ93341). Lateral surfaces with longitudinally aligned flecks or vertical wavy bars, which are most prominent on the neck but extend to forebody before breaking up into a series of black flecks that extend to the groin and base of tail. The upper labials are predominantly light with dark vertical bars along sutures. Venter immaculate cream except for a grey tinge on the belly and chest of some individuals. Dark grey flecking present along edge of jaw and lower neck. Colour pattern in life (Figs 1, 2, 5A). As for preserved specimens but colours richer and appearance generally more glossy. The dorsum is distinctly copper-coloured on lighter individuals. Comparison with similar species. Glaphyromorphus othelarrni sp. nov. can only be confused with G. fuscicaudis, G. nigricaudis and G. nyanchupinta sp. nov. It is readily distinguished from all three species by its supralabial count (typically 8 with 6 th below centre of eye vs typically 7 with 5 th below centre of eye) (Fig. 4A), the number of subdigital lamellae beneath the 4 th finger (14���15 vs vs means of 18���21), and its relatively longer limbs (L1/SVL: 0.22���0.26 vs ��� 0.22; L2/SVL: 0.33���0.41 vs ��� 0.34) (Table 1). It is further distinguished from G. fuscicaudis in having a proportionately larger head (HW/SVL: 0.13���0.15 vs 0.12���0.13; HL/ SVL: 0.18���20 vs 0.16���0.17); shorter interlimb length (AG/SVL 0.49���0.53 vs 0.52���0.58); and generally fewer paravertebral scales (mean 59 vs 64) (Table 1). It also lacks the series of yellow dorsolateral blotches that are prominent in G. fuscicaudis (Figs 5A, 5C). Glaphyromorphus othelarrni sp. nov. is further distinguished from G. nigricaudis in having a proportionately shorter interlimb length (AG/SVL 0.49���0.53 vs 0.52���0.60); a more robust form (WT/SVL 0.17���0.22 vs 0.09���0.17); more midbody scale rows (28���0.30 vs 24���28); and more paravertebral scales (55���61 vs 51���56) (Table 1). It is further distinguished from G. nyanchupinta sp. nov. in being larger in all measures (e.g., SVL 74.5���92.9 vs 49.2���53.6); in having a proportionately longer tail (TL/SVL 1.47���1.86 vs 1.00); a more robust form (WT/SVL 0.17���0.22 vs 0.04���0.06); more midbody scale rows (28���30 vs 25���27) (Table 1); and a less patterned dorsum (dorsal pattern breaks up beyond midbody vs pattern present to hindlimbs) (Figs 5A, 5B), and less patterned upper labials (upper labials predominantly pale with dark sutures vs upper labials predominantly dark with a central pale dot) (Fig. 4A, 4B). Distribution. Known only from the Melville Range, Cape Melville, north-eastern Australia (Fig. 6). Glaphyromorphus othelarrni sp. nov. has been recorded in three areas: in the vicinity of the type locality in the western uplands (14��16'33" S, 144��29'32" E, 450���520 m a.s.l.), around the highest peak in the Melville Ra.(14��16'59" S, 144��29'59" E, 600 m a.s.l.), and in the lowlands at the south of the range (14��18'55" S, 144��29'50" E, 110 m a.s.l.). Habitat and habits. Found in rocky areas in rainforest (Fig. 7). All individuals were found where thick leaflitter had accumulated at the base of boulders or amongst boulders (e.g., Fig. 7B). Skinks were observed active in the leaf-litter, on adjacent rock surfaces, and amongst crevices between the boulders. When pursued the skinks retreated deep into the leaf-litter or into rock crevices. Activity was greatest in the couple of hours before dusk, and during this period the skink was commonly encountered wherever there were boulders in the rainforest. Most individuals were missing at least one digit (e.g., the 5 th toe on the right hindfoot in Figure 2), and some individuals were missing all fingers or toes on a foot. The reason for this was not resolved. The other skinks found in sympatry at G. othelarrni sp. nov. sites were Eulamprus brachysoma (L��nnberg & Andersson, 1915), Bellatorias frerei (G��nther, 1897), Saproscincus saltus Hoskin, 2013, an undescribed species of Carlia (Hoskin, in press), and a species of Lygisaurus (Hoskin & Hines, under investigation)., Published as part of Hoskin, Conrad J. & Couper, Patrick J., 2014, Two new skinks (Scincidae: Glaphyromorphus) from rainforest habitats in north-eastern Australia, pp. 1-16 in Zootaxa 3869 (1) on pages 3-8, DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.3869.1.1, http://zenodo.org/record/4930777, {"references":["Lonnberg, E. & Andersson, G. L. (1915) Results of Dr E. Mjoberg's Swedish Scientific Expeditions to Australia 1910 - 1913. VII. Reptiles collected in northern Queensland. Kungliga Svenska Vetenskapsakademiens handlingar, 52, 1 - 9.","Gunther, A. (1897) Descriptions of new species of lizards and of a tree-frog from north-eastern Queensland. Novitates Zoologicae, 4, 403 - 406."]}

Hoskin, Conrad J., Couper, Patrick J. (2014): Two new skinks (Scincidae: Glaphyromorphus) from rainforest habitats in north-eastern Australia. Zootaxa 3869 (1): 1-16, DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.3869.1.1

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."]}

Oedura robusta QM QMJ 8078 Brisbane, Strathpine (27 �� 19 ���S, 153 ��00���E); J 6289 Brisbane, Aspley (27 �� 22 ���S, 153 ��01���E); J 11105 Brisbane, Bardon (27 �� 28 ���S, 152 �� 59 ���E); J 13533 Brookfield (27 �� 30 ���S, 152 �� 55 ���E); QMJ 8182 Brisbane, Tarragindi (27 �� 30 ���S, 153 ��04���E); J 939, J 940 Milton, nr Goombungee (27 �� 32 ���S, 151 �� 17 ���E); J 10953 Brisbane, Acacia Ridge (27 �� 35 ���S, 153 ��01���E); J 12142 Tamborine Mt, Eagle Hts (27 �� 55 ���S, 153 �� 12 ���E); J 1238, J 1242, J 1246, J 1248 Qld?; J 1283, J 1390?; J 1339 Rockhampton?; J 23830 Old Warro Homestead, 8km SW (24 �� 40 ���S, 151 �� 36 ���E)., Published as part of Couper, Patrick J., Keim, Lauren D. & Hoskin, Conrad J., 2007, A new velvet Gecko (Gekkonidae: Oedura) from south-east Queensland, Australia, pp. 27-41 in Zootaxa 1587 on page 41, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.178483

Oedura lesueurii QM (all localities southeast Queensland unless otherwise stated) QMJ 30424 Girraween, E of (28 �� 21 ���S, 151 �� 52 ���E); J 30680, J 30682, J 36124 Jolly���s Falls, 24km N Stanthorpe (28 �� 33 ���S, 151 �� 57 ���E); J 22519, J 36122 Amiens, nr Stanthorpe (28 �� 35 ���S, 151 �� 48 ���E); J 34811 ��� 14 Tom Plant���s Hut, via Amiens (28 �� 35 ���S, 151 �� 48 ���E); J 28531, J 29780 Stanthorpe (28 �� 41 ���S, 151 �� 56 ���E); J 29937 Wyberba, 8km NE (28 �� 48 ���S, 151 �� 51 ���E); J 50440, J 50442 ��� 45, J 50447 ��� 48 Girraween NP (28 �� 49 ���S, 151 �� 56 ���E); J 50437 Girraween NP, extreme western portion (28 �� 50 ���S, 151 �� 51 ���E); J 22702 Girraween NP, via Stanthorpe (28 �� 50 ���S, 151 �� 55 ���E); J 24362 Girraween, nr (28 �� 50 ���S, 151 �� 55 ���E); J 31835 Aztec Temples, nr Stanthorpe (28 �� 51 ���S, 152 ��01���E); J 23903 Girraween NP, private property adjoining NP (28 �� 51 ���S, 151 �� 54 ���E); J 50433 ��� 35, J 50438 Girraween NP (28 �� 51 ���S, 151 �� 55 ���E); J 13042, J 23169 Wyberba, via Stanthorpe (28 �� 52 ���S, 151 �� 52 ���E); J 8900 Pyramid Ck, E of Wyberba (28 �� 52 ���S, 151 �� 52 ���E); J 12139 ��� 40, J 13039 ��� 41, J 13043 ��� 45, J 13047 Wyberba, via Stanthorpe (28 �� 52 ���S, 151 �� 52 ���E); J 30421 Wyberba, nr (28 �� 52 ���S, 151 �� 52 ���E); J 36134 Sydney (33 �� 53 ���S, 151 �� 13 ���E) NSW. AM (all localities in NSW) AMR 157184 Mt McKenzie, Tenterfield (29 ��05.2���S, 151 �� 58.3 ���E); R 157233 ��� 40 Girraween NP, Mt Norman day use area (28 �� 52 ��� 39 ���S, 151 �� 58 ���07���E); R 157248 19.2 km W Tenterfield on Bruxner Highway (29 ��01��� 54 ���S, 151 �� 51 ��� 33 ���E); R 157188 ��� 92 small Bald Rock viewing area, Kildare Rd, Tenterfield (29 ��03��� 51 ���S, 151 �� 55 ���03���); R 157223 Tenterfield, Gunyah Road (2) (29 ��06��� 56 ���S, 151 �� 53 ��� 13 ���E); R 157101, R 157256 ��� 60 Tenterfield, Gunyah Road (1) (29 ��08��� 35 ���S, 151 �� 54 ��� 39 ���E);R 157154 ��� 56 Torrington state recreation area, vic. Blatherarm Falls (29 �� 15 ��� 19 ���S, 151 �� 42 ��� 29 ���E); R 157139 ��� 44 Emmaville, Gulf Rd vic. of "the gulf" (29 �� 16 ��� 56 ���S, 151 �� 29 ���09���E); R 157195 ��� 96 Torrington State recreation area, Butler Rd (29 �� 17 ��� 40 ���S, 151 �� 40 ��� 38 ���E); R 159874, R 159862 ��� 65, R 159867 ��� 73, R 159875 ��� 80 Torrington state recreation area, Torrington (29 �� 19 ��� 12 ���S, 151 �� 41 ��� 20 ���E); R 159774 ��� 77 Bolivia Hill, vicinity of tip (29 �� 19 ��� 17 ���S, 151 �� 55 ���05���E); R 157230 ��� 31 Bolivia Hill, truck parking area on E side of NE Highway (29 �� 19 ��� 35 ���S, 151 �� 57 ��� 47 ���E); R 157206 ���07 Bolivia, ~ 1 km s of truck parking area at Bolivia, S side of NE Highway (29 �� 20 ��� 14 ���S, 151 �� 53 ��� 40 ���E); R 157250 ��� 55 Emmaville, Gulf Rd (29 �� 20 ��� 16 ���S, 151 �� 36 ��� 14 ���E); R 159688 ��� 95 Old Mill Village (29 �� 54 ��� 18 ���S, 151 �� 12 ��� 16 ���E); R 159715 ��� 18, R 159731 Mount Topper SF, about 1km from forest gate, near old mill (29 �� 55 ��� 19 ���S, 151 �� 12 ��� 39 ���E); R 157036 ��� 39, Bundarra to Inverell rd (30 ��04��� 29 ���S, 151 ��05��� 48 ���E); R 157212 Uralla to Watsons Creek road (30 �� 37 ��� 50 ���S, 151 �� 10 ���05���E); R 159546 ��� 49 Moonbi Lookout, Moonbi Ra. (30 �� 59 ��� 33 ���S, 151 ��05���00���E); R 159519 ��� 20 Moonbi, "The Tor", Moonbi Gap Rd (31 ��00��� 25 ���S, 151 ��01��� 31 ���E); R 152230 ��� 32 Marramarra NP (33 �� 32 ��� 20 ���S, 151 ��06���04���E); R 146149 Holsworthy Training Area, near Engineers Bridge on Punchbowl Ck (34 ��04��� 37 ���S, 150 �� 53 ��� 48 ���E); R 146142 Holsworthy Training Area, Mackel Landing Strip (34 ��06��� 20 ���S, 150 �� 52 ��� 45 ���E); R 157353 ��� 66 Nattai NP, 13 km WNW Picton (34 ��09��� 30 ���S, 150 �� 28 ��� 45 ���E); R 157367 ��� 78 Morton NP, 16 km ENE Sassafras (35 ��03���00���S, 150 �� 24 ��� 30 ���E)., Published as part of Couper, Patrick J., Keim, Lauren D. & Hoskin, Conrad J., 2007, A new velvet Gecko (Gekkonidae: Oedura) from south-east Queensland, Australia, pp. 27-41 in Zootaxa 1587 on page 41, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.178483

Oedura jacovae sp. nov. Figs. 1 C, 2 B, 3 A and 4 Clouded Gecko Material examined (all localities in SEQ): Holotype: QMJ 77269 Mt Coot���tha, Brisbane (27 �� 29 ���S, 152 �� 57 ���E), L. D. Keim, March 2002. Paratypes: QMJ 42169 Kroombit Tops (24 �� 22 ���S, 150 �� 59 ���E); QMJ 66689 Kroombit Tops National Park (24 �� 22 ���S, 151 ��01���E); QMJ 50303 -04 Kroombit Tops, Forestry Camp (24 �� 26 ���S, 150 �� 43 ���E); QM J 63726 Kroombit Tops State Forest (24 �� 28 ���S, 150 �� 56 ���E); QMJ 62063 Fraser Island, Lake McKenzie (25 �� 27 ���S, 153 ��04���E); QMJ 35873 Kauri Creek, via Bauple (25 �� 49 ���S, 152 �� 57 ���E); QM J 50352 - 53, QMJ 50357 - 59 Toolara State Forest, eastern edge (25 �� 57 ���S, 152 �� 53 ���E); QMJ 50450 Jimna State Forest, Marumbah Creek, Kundy���s Hut (26 �� 42 ���S, 152 �� 26 ���E); QMJ 50354 Hell Hole Logging area, near Monsildale Mt (26 �� 43 ���S, 152 �� 20 ���E); QMJ 30850 Cooyar (26 �� 59 ���S, 151 �� 50 ���E); QMJ 62054 Mt Glorious, approx 200m down from PEI inct on Mt Nebo Rd. (27 �� 22 ���S, 152 �� 47 ���E); QMJ 77430 Timbin Rd, Point Lookout, North Stradbroke Is (27 �� 26 ���S, 153 �� 32 ���E); QMJ 22571, QMJ 34591, QMJ 36144 - 45, QMJ 76304 Point Lookout, North Stradbroke Is (27 �� 26 ���S, 153 �� 32 ���E); QMJ 5703 Brisbane (27 �� 28 ���S, 153 ��01���E); QMJ 22784, QMJ 36147 Brisbane, Mt Coot���tha (27 �� 29 ���S, 152 �� 57 ���E); QMJ 36143? Mt Coot���tha; QMJ 24211 North Stradbroke Is., Dunwich (27 �� 30 ���S, 153 �� 24 ���E); QMJ 2859 Redbank Plains (27 �� 39 ���S, 152 �� 50 ���E); QMJ 77272 2.2km east of Southbrook township (27 �� 41 ���S, 151 �� 45 ���E). Additional material ��� not types: QM J 50305 Mimosa Creek Camp, 2km north, Blackdown Tableland (23 �� 48 ���S, 149 ��08���E); QMJ 36146 Robinson Gorge, via Taroom (25 �� 17 ���S, 149 ��09���E); QM J 36135 - 37 Leslie Dam, via Warwick (28 �� 13 ���S, 151 �� 55 ���E); QMJ 31858 Inglewood, 33km west (28 �� 34 ���S, 150 �� 45 ���E); QMJ 30733 Texas Caves, via Texas (28 �� 53 ���S, 151 �� 26 ���E). Diagnosis: Oedura jacovae sp. nov. is a slender, medium-sized (max SVL = 62mm), well-patterned velvet gecko that occurs in SEQ and is most closely allied to O. lesueurii (Fig. 1 A) and O. rhombifer (Fig. 1 B). It is distinguished from its Queensland congeners by the following characters: 1 st supralabial narrower than, or subequal to, the 2 nd supralabial (Fig. 3 A); 1 st and 2 nd supralabials equal in height or 2 nd supralabial taller than 1 st (Fig. 3 A); generally with well-developed basal webbing between 3 rd and 4 th toe on hindlimb (Fig. 2 B); a dark, zigzag dorsolateral pattern (not strongly contrasting with base colour) encloses a broad, pale vertebral zone which is broken by 1���5 transverse lines between the fore and hindlimbs (Figs 1 C & 4); flanks, limbs and head without pale spots. Etymology: jacovae; for Jeanette Adelaide Covacevich, a former senior curator at the Queensland Museum, for her many contributions to Australian herpetology. The authors also recognise Jeanette as a prominent figure in Queensland conservation, particularly her efforts to preserve the unique character of North Stradbroke Island where O. jacovae sp. nov. occurs in open forest communities. Description: SVL (mm): 26.6���61.6 (n = 30, mean = 48.8). Proportions as % SVL: T = 92.2���110.8 (n = 10, mean = 101.0); HL = 21.3���24.9 (n = 25, mean = 22.8); HW = 15.0��� 19.9 (n = 24, mean = 16.9); S = 9.1��� 10.5 (n = 25, mean = 9.9); EE = 5.9���8.1 (n = 24, mean = 7.0); NL = 15.7���23.4 (n = 24, mean = 20.3); AG = 43.1���54.3 (n = 25, mean = 48.2); L 1 = 26.9���33.8 (n = 25, mean = 29.9); L 2 = 32.9���43.1 (n = 25, mean = 37.5). See Table 1 for summary of body proportions and scalation characters. Head. Narrow, elongate, distinct from neck; head width 66.6���81.6 % head length (n = 29, mean = 74.1); head depth 40.0%���63.0% head width (n = 29, mean = 50.0); covered in small granules with slightly larger granules on the dorsal and lateral surfaces of the snout; 7���10 interorbital scales (n = 29, mode = 9); rostral approximately twice as wide as deep, undivided (3 % of sample) partially divided (94 %) or fully divided (3 %) vertically by a medial groove; rostral shield contacting nostril, bordered by 2���4 scales along its dorsal edge (n = 30, mode = 3) and the 1 st supralabial on each side; 5���6 scales bordering nasal opening (n = 30, mode = 6); supralabials 10���12 (n = 30, mode = 11), 1 st supralabial narrower than 2 nd supralabial (97 % of sample, Fig. 3 A), 1 st and 2 nd supralabials subequal in height (69 % of sample, Fig. 3 A) or 2 nd supralabial taller than 1 st (31 % of sample); infralabials 9���12 (n= 30, mode = 10) 4���7 rows of noticeably enlarged granules extending back from mental. Body. Slender, slightly depressed, covered in small granules; granules on ventral surface noticeably larger than those on dorsum; a row of 3���5 enlarged post-cloacal tubercules (n = 29, mode = 4) behind the lower posterior margin of the thigh in both sexes (better defined in males). Preanal pores present in mature males, extending to underside of thigh. Limbs. Moderate; digits dorsoventrally compressed and expanded distally each with an enlarged pair of apical lamellae followed by a transverse series, divided distally, single proximally; hindlimb with 5���8 enlarged lamellae (including apical pair) on 1 st toe (n = 30, mode = 7), 5���9 on 2 nd toe (n = 30, mode = 6), 6���8 on 3 rd toe (n = 30, mode = 7), 5���8 on 4 th toe (n = 30, mode = 7) and 5���7 on 5 th toe (n = 30, mode = 6); basal webbing evident between digits of hindlimb, small���moderate between digits 2 and 3, a pronounced basal flange between digits 3 and 4. Original tail. Long and tapered (Fig. 4 A), slightly bulbous and carrot shaped in most specimens; scales arranged in concentric rings, slightly larger on ventral surface. Pattern (in spirit) (Fig. 1 C): Colour pattern variable. Back and sides suffused with grey or chocolate brown. A dark-edged, zigzag stripe extends along dorsolateral zone from behind eyes to tip of tail; usually fragmented by dark transverse lines (1���5 between fore and hindlimbs, n = 23, mode = 4, mean = 3.3, SD = 0.97) that may produce a ladder-like pattern on back. Tail pattern similar to back, but tends to be more contrasting and more frequently broken by contact between the inner points of the zigzag edges. Head relatively plain or with dark marbling on top. A dark blotch often present on anterior neck that may form a short nuchal streak. Flanks usually with some indication of a dark mid-lateral stripe that is continuous with the facial stripe; beginning on snout, running through eye and above ear. Ventral surface pale; plain or marbled with brown along outer edge. FIGURE 3. Arrangement of the first two supralabial scales in SEQ Oedura spp. Condition (A) O. jacovae sp. nov. (holotype, QMJ 77269). The 1 st supralabial is typically narrower (but may be subequal to) than the 2 nd supralabial ��� a condition shared with O. robusta and O. lesueurii. In O. jacovae sp. nov. and O. robusta the first two supralabials are equally tall or the 2 nd supralabial is slightly taller than the 1 st. Condition (B) O. rhombifer QMJ 64337. The 1 st supralabial is usually wider (sometimes subequal to) than the 2 nd supralabial. In O. rhombifer the 1 st supralabial is taller than the 2 nd supralabial. This is generally also the case for O. lesueurii, although in this species the 1 st supralabial is only slightly taller than the 2 nd. Measurements and scale counts of holotype: QMJ 77269 (female) SVL = 52.4 mm; T = (partially regenerated); HL = 11.9 mm; HW = 9.4 mm; HD = 4.2 mm; S = 5.2 mm; EE = 3.8 mm; NL = 12.2 mm; L 1 = 14.1 mm; L 2 = 19.3 mm; AG = 25.9 mm; Lamellae 1 st toe 5, 2nd toe 6, 3rd toe 7, 4th toe 8, 5th toe 7; supralabials 12; infralabials 10; scales contacting dorsal edge of rostral 3; interorbitals 9; rows of enlarged postmental scales 6; scales bordering nostril 6; sales bordering posterior edge of mental 4; post-cloacal tubercules 4 / 3; rostral groove 0.5 of rostral depth. Comparison with other taxa: In appearance O. jacovae sp. nov. can only be confused with three other species of Oedura in SEQ (O. robusta, O. lesueurii, and O. rhombifer Figs. 1 D, A and B respectively), all of which have a pale vertebral zone enclosed by a dark, wavy-edged dorsolateral zone/line running down either side of the back. In O. jacovae sp. nov. the dorsolateral zone tends to be less clearly defined and less regular than in the other three species (Fig. 1 C). A comparison of the vertebral pattern between O. jacovae sp. nov. and these species follows: ��� compared to O. robusta; pattern not boldly contrasting and vertebral zone broken by several narrow cross bands (Fig. 1 C) vs. pattern boldly contrasting and vertebral zone broken by broad cross bands resulting in a series of pale blotches enclosed in a ladder-shaped longitudinal marking in O. robusta (Fig. 1 D). ��� compared to O. lesueurii; sides, limbs and snout without conspicuous spots (Fig. 1 C) vs. sides, limbs and snout usually with small spots and blotches in O. lesueurii (Fig. 1 A). ��� compared to O. rhombifer; vertebral zone broken by several narrow cross bands (Fig. 1 C) vs. vertebral zone usually clean in O. rhombifer (Fig. 1 B). Differences in the relative widths and heights of the first two supralabials are also useful for diagnosing these four species: ��� In O. jacovae sp. nov. the 1 st supralabial is typically narrower than, but may be subequal in width to, the 2 nd supralabial (Fig. 3 A). This condition is shared with O. robusta, O. lesueurii and some populations of O. rhombifer from coastal Queensland (Townsville���Hinchinbrook Island, Mackay area) and CYP, whereas in O. rhombifer (other than the aforementioned populations) the 1 st supralabial is usually wider (sometimes subequal to) than the 2 nd supralabial (Fig. 3 B). ��� In O. jacovae sp. nov. and O. robusta the first two supralabials are equally tall (Fig. 3 A) or the 2 nd supralabial is slightly taller than the 1 st. This condition is shared with Townsville ��� Hinchinbrook Is., Mackay and CYP O. rhombifer populations. In O. rhombifer (other than the aforementioned populations) the 1 st supralabial is taller than the 2 nd supralabial (Fig. 3 B). This is generally also the case for O. lesueurii, although in this species the 1 st supralabial is only slightly taller than the 2 nd. Oedura jacovae sp. nov. usually has pronounced basal webbing between the 3 rd and 4 th toes (Fig. 2 B), as does O. robusta, but this is much less developed in O. lesueurii and largely absent in O. rhombifer (Fig. 2 A). Oedura jacovae sp. nov. is of similar size to O. lesueurii, larger than O. rhombifer (max SVL 62mm vs. 52mm or 56mm if Alice Springs specimens included), and considerably smaller than O. robusta (maximum SVL = 62mm vs. 85mm). Oedura jacovae sp. nov. is further separated from O. rhombifer by the mean number of post cloacal tubercules (mean = 3.7, mode = 4, SD = 0.54, range 3���5, N = 29 vs. mean = 2.6, mode = 3, SD = 0.77, range 1���5, N = 227). Genetics: A genetic analysis based on 400 base pairs of mitochondrial ND 4 mtDNA gene supports recognition of O. jacovae sp. nov. as a new species (Hoskin & Moritz, unpublished data). Sequences of O. jacovae sp. nov. from Mt Coot-tha (N = 2) and Kroombit Tops (N = 1) form a monophyletic group that is highly divergent (16���20 %) from all other SEQ congeners: O. rhombifer; O. lesueurii; O. tryoni De Vis, 1884; O. monilis De Vis, 1888; and O. robusta. There is 3 % divergence between the two Mt. Coot-tha (D���Aguilar Range) sequences (QMJ 77269 and a tail tip from an uncollected individual) and the Kroombit Tops sequence (QMJ 63726) of O. jacovae sp. nov. This level of divergence is relatively low compared to O. tryoni which displays approximately 11.5 % divergence between the populations in the D���Aguilar Range and Kroombit Tops (Hoskin & Moritz, unpublished data). Distribution: Oedura jacovae sp. nov. occurs in SEQ, with its core distribution between latitudes 24 ����� 28 �� 30 ��� (Kroombit Tops���Warwick area, Fig. 5). In addition to the localities listed in the species account, there are also sight records from the following areas: Beerwah district (Wilson and Knowles 1988, p. 240), and Moggill State Forest, Mt Crosby and Lockyer State Forest (CJH, pers. obs.). The greatest concentration of records lies within the greater Brisbane region, but this is more likely an artefact of high human population density in this area than a reflection of the local abundance of the species. = geographically proximate populations of O. rhombifer = geographically proximate populations O. lesueurii ? = specimens listed in`additional material��� (morphologically these conform most closely to O. jacovae sp. nov.) 1 = genetically sampled O. jacovae sp. nov. populations 2 = genetically sampled O. rhombifer populations 3 = genetically sampled O. lesueurii populations = town ��� ��� ��� = Queensland/ NSW state border We believe that the specimens listed in ���additional material��� are also O. jacovae sp. nov., but have excluded them from the type series because of subtle differences in colour/pattern and the degree of webbing between the 3 rd and 4 th toes. These specimens come from the northern (Blackdown Tableland), western (Robinson Gorge) and south-western (Leslie Dam via Warwick, Inglewood area and Texas Caves) edges of the core distribution and individuals from these areas have not been sequenced. Habitat and habits: Oedura jacovae sp. nov. has been observed in dry open Eucalyptus forest, coastal woodlands and heaths, rocky outcrops, and urban areas bordering bushland. Figure 6 shows a site where the species has been recorded, consisting of open Eucalyptus forest dominated by ironbarks (Eucalyptus crebra). The species appears to be predominately arboreal, being most commonly found at night foraging on vertical structures (e.g. tree trunks, rock faces, walls) and on the ground amongst leaf-litter or ground debris. In natural habitats O. jacovae sp. nov. shelters during the day beneath loose bark, in tree hollows, in rock cracks, or under ground debris. The species has been observed to co-occur in these habitats with the following gecko species: O. tryoni, O. robusta, Gehyra dubia (Macleay 1877), and the introduced Asian House Gecko Hemidactylus frenatus Dum��ril & Bibron, 1836. The occurrence of O. jacovae sp. nov. on human dwellings bordering native bushland communities is of interest. Surveys were conducted by one of us (LDK, 19 / 2���18 / 3 / 2002) at Mt. Coot���tha Reserve (27 �� 29 ���S, 152 �� 57 ���E) as part of a study assessing the spatial distribution of the Asian House Gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus) across suburban/forest edges (Keim 2002). During the course of these surveys, all sightings of O. jacovae sp. nov. were recorded and details of size and habitat use were taken. Twenty one observations of the species were made, although it is possible that some individuals were encountered more than once. Specimens ranged in size from 26���60mm SVL (N= 12, mean = 54.6). Nineteen of the observations were made in association with houses, all of which backed directly onto the reserve. Here the geckos were observed at night on internal and external surfaces, clinging to wooden, concrete and brick walls, metal guttering, fly screens and window glass. They were recorded between 0.5 and 7 m above ground and from 1 cm to 2 m from sheltering sites. Only two specimens were observed in natural habitat during the course of these surveys, one beneath a fallen log during the day and the other on the trunk of a Spotted Gum (Corymbia maculata) at night. In this study, O. jacovae sp. nov. were not observed on houses that did not back directly onto bushland. Outside the survey period, O. jacovae sp. nov. was regularly seen in Mt Coot���tha Reserve on the trunks of C. maculata and E. crebra. Conservation: Oedura jacovae sp. nov. is infrequently encountered, but appears widespread in SEQ. While common in some Brisbane streets adjoining Mt Coot���tha Reserve, O. jacovae sp. nov. does not appear to penetrate these suburban settings beyond the urban/bushland interface. Open eucalypt forests remain the core habitat for this species and these are rapidly being cleared in SEQ due to urban and industrial development. Such large-scale habitat removal will be greatly reducing and fragmenting populations of O. jacovae sp. nov., particularly in the Brisbane region. The explosive expansion of the Asian House Gecko Hemidactylus frenatus through SEQ is also of concern. Originally native to Asia and the Indo-Pacific, this species was inadvertently introduced across much of the Pacific as well as parts of Africa and the Americas (Case et al. 1994). Hemidactylus frenatus was first recorded in SEQ in 1983 (QMJ 41978) and in less than twenty years has spread from Brisbane���s shipping wharves, through the greater metropolitan area, through the region���s urban centres, to homesteads and farm sheds in many rural communities. Hemidactylus frenatus is a highly successful competitor of other gecko species and has been implicated in declines of native geckos in Hawaii and Guam (Petren et al. 1993; McCoid 1996) and is said to have displaced Gehyra australis Gray, 1845 and O. rhombifer from the house gecko niche in some areas of northern Australia (Greer 1989, p. 66). Although Hemidactylus frenatus is abundant in urban environments in SEQ, it is currently rare in neighbouring bushland. However, Keim (2002) has shown that in the Darwin region of northern Australia, where H. frenatus has been present for a considerably longer period (arrived at Port Essington between 1838 and 1845, Greer 2006; first recorded in Darwin in 1964, Covacevich et al. 2001), it has successfully invaded native bushland communities. In this region, populations of H. frenatus were found in forest up to 250 m from the suburban edge (Keim 2002). The impact of the species on n, Published as part of Couper, Patrick J., Keim, Lauren D. & Hoskin, Conrad J., 2007, A new velvet Gecko (Gekkonidae: Oedura) from south-east Queensland, Australia, pp. 27-41 in Zootaxa 1587 on pages 30-37, DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.178483, {"references":["Wilson, S. K. & Knowles, D. G. (1988) Australia's Reptiles, a photographic reference to the terrestrial reptiles of Australia. Collins Publishers Australia: Sydney, 447 pp.","Macleay, W. (1877) The lizards of the Chevert Expedition. Second paper. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales, 2, 97 - 104.","Dumeril, A. M. C. & Bibron, G. (1836) Erpetologie Generale ou Histoire Naturelle Complete des Reptiles. Paris: Roret 3, iv, 517 pp.","Keim, L. D. (2002) The spatial distribution of the introduced Asian House Gecko (Hemidactylus frenatus) across suburban / forest edges. Unpublished Honours thesis, Department of Zoology and Entomology, The University of Queensland: Brisbane, 65 pp.","Case, T. J., Bolger, D. T. & Petren, K. (1994) Invasions and competitive displacement among house geckos in the tropical pacific. Ecology, 75 (2), 464 - 477.","Petren, K., Bolger, B. T. & Case, T. J. (1993) Mechanisms in the competitive success of an invading sexual gecko over an asexual native. Science, 259 (5093), 354 - 358.","McCoid, M. J. (1996) Putative interactions of geckos in the southern Mariana Islands. Micronesica, 28 (2), 193 - 202.","Gray, J. E. (1845) Catalogue of the Specimens of Lizards in the Collection of the British Museum. London: British Museum, xxviii, 289 pp.","Greer, A. E. (1989) The biology and evolution of Australian lizards. Surrey Beatty and Sons Pty Ltd: Chipping Norton, NSW, 264 pp.","Greer, A. E. (2006) Encyclopedia of Australian Reptiles. Available from http: // austmus. gov. au / herpetology / research / pdf / gekkonidae. pdf (accessed 9 August 2007)","Covacevich, J. A., Buffett, A. F., Couper, P. J. & Amey, A. P. (2001) Herpetological`foreigners' on Norfolk Island, an external territory of Australia. Memoirs of the Queensland Museum, 46 (2), 408."]}