Brachymeles samarensis likely represents a complex of morphologically similar species. Over the last several years, an effort to understand the diversity of this genus has resulted in a doubling of the species diversity, with many of the previously recognized species complexes being revised. To date, Brachymeles samarensis remains a widespread species spanning islands of the Luzon and Mindanao Pleistocene Aggregate Island Complexes. It is a small, slender species with highly reduced limbs. Populations vary greatly in digit numbers, scale counts, and numbers of presacral vertebrae. The genus Brachymeles represents a unique group of semi-burrowing (semi-fossorial) lizards in that the group possesses species with a full spectrum of body forms, from limbed species with five fingers and five toes, to fully limbless species. Researchers are interested in the process and patterns behind the evolution of these drastic changes in body form. With the exception of two species from Borneo (B. apus) and Thailand (B. miriamae), all species of Brachymeles are endemic to the Philippines. This means they are found among the more than 7,000 Philippine islands and nowhere else in the world.
We have evaluated this species against the IUCN criteria for classification, and find that it does not qualify for Critically Endangered, Endangered, Vulnerable, or Near Threatened status. Brachymeles samarensis has been documented to have a broad geographic distribution and is quite abundant at all sampled localities. We therefore classify this species as Least Concern, LC (IUCN, 2010).
Brachymeles samarensis can be distinguished from congeners by the following combination of characters: (1) body size small (SVL 57.9–66.1 mm); (2) limbs bidactyl; (3) limb length small; (4) supralabials six; (5) infralabials six; (6) suparciliaries six; (7) supraoculars five; (8) midbody scale rows 19–22; (9) axilla–groin scale rows 66–69; (10) paravertebral scale rows 86–88; (11) pineal eye spot present; (12) prefrontals not contacting on midline; (13) frontoparietals contact; (14) mental/1st infralabial fusion absent; (15) postnasals absent; (16) enlarged chin shields in three pairs; (17) nuchal scales differentiated; (18) fourth and fifth supralabial below eye; (19) auricular opening absent; (20) presacral vertebrae 45; and (21) uniform body color.
Coloration in life closely matches the coloration in preservative with minor differences, including a dark brown body color and dark brown to black streaks of pigmentation. Coloration in preservative.—The ground color of the body is medium brown, with each dorsal scale having a dark, auburn streak on the anterior two thirds to one half of the scale with light brown posterior. Streaks on each individual scale consist of four to seven longitudinal thin lines of auburn pigment with smudges of auburn between streaks. Posterior edge of all body scales transparent. The streaks are present around the entire body and more distinct on the ventrum. Ventral scales have auburn streak at the anterior end with cream color posterior. Caudals and subcaudals coloration matches ventral body coloration. Forelimb and hind limb scales are same color as their surrounding body scales. Precloacal scale coloration matches surrounding ventral scale coloration. Head scales have mottled light and dark brown coloration that match dorsal background coloration. Supraocular scales, rostral, nasal, supranasal, and supralabials are gray-cream color. The mental, infralabial, postmental, and chin shield scales are cream with slight brown mottling with lighter appearance compared to bordering ventral scales.
In contrast to the other populations of the B. samarensis complex, the Samar Island population appears to be found solely in forested habitat. Three species of Brachymeles have been confirmed to occur on Samar Island (B. gracilis hilong, B. orientalis, and B. samarensis). Other sympatric lizard species observed on Samar Island include: (Agamidae) Bronchocela cristatella, Draco bimaculatus, D. ornatus, D. reticulates, Gonocephalus semperi, Hydrosaurus pustulatus; (Gekkonidae) Cyrtodactylus annulatus, C. sumoroi, Gehyra mutilata, Gekko gecko, G. mindorensis, Hemidactylus frenatus, H. platyurus, Hemiphyllodactylus typus, Lepidodactylus aureolineatus, L. planicaudus, Pseudogekko compressicorpus; (Scincidae), Emoia atrocostata, Eutropis multicarinata, E. multifasciata, Lamprolepis smaragdina, Lipinia pulchella, L. quadrivittata, Sphenomorphus acutus, S. cumingi, S. fasciatus, S. jagori, S. cf. mindanensis, S. steerei, S. variagatus, Tropidophorus misaminus; (Varanidae) Varanus cumingi samarensis.
The name was chosen for the island on which the species was first discovered (Samar Island).
Brachymeles samarensis currently is recognized to occur in the Luzon and Mindanao Pleistocene Aggregate Island Complexes.
Brachymeles samarensis occurs in primary- and secondary-growth forest habitats, and has been observed within rotting logs on the forest floor.
SVL 57.9–66.1 mm
Brown's short-legged skink (Brachymeles samarensis) is a species of skink endemic to the Philippines.[2]
Brown's short-legged skink (Brachymeles samarensis) is a species of skink endemic to the Philippines.
