Molecular and morphological assessment of the Liopholis inornata (Rosén, 1905) species group (Reptilia: Squamata: Scincidae), with descriptions of two new species from northern Western Australia

Researchers have identified two new species of skinks within the Liopholis inornata group, found in northern Western Australia's North-West Cape and Purnululu National Park. Using molecular genetic and morphological assessments, the study confirmed that these populations represent distinct evolutionary lineages, differing from L. inornata and L. s. slateri. The findings highlight significant phylogeographic structure within this taxon, with the new species distinguished by unique nuclear nucleotide sequences and morphometric traits. Additionally, Liopholis s. virgata is suspected to be a distinct, potentially extinct species based on morphological differences. The study underscores the biodiversity richness of biogeographically significant areas in northern Western Australia.

APLIN, K. P., MARYAN, B., ARMSTRONG, K. N., PAVEY, C. R., & DONNELLAN, S. C. (2024). Molecular and morphological assessment of the Liopholis inornata (Rosén, 1905) species group (Reptilia: Squamata: Scincidae), with descriptions of two new species from northern Western Australia. Zootaxa, 5551(2), 299–332. https://doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5551.2.4