In recent study of Philippine forest skinks, Linkem et al. (2011) used molecular data to test the monophyly of previously hypothesized species groups within the genus Sphenomorphus. Results of the study indicated widespread taxonomic instability, and as a result, broad taxonomic changes were made to the genus, resurrecting available names as well as describing new genera. Sphenomorphus traanorum is now recognized to be a member of the genus Insulasaurus.
Sphenomorphus traanorum can be distinguished from congeners by the following combination of characters (1) medium body size (SVL 48.0–53.2 mm); (2) paravertebral scales 62–69; (3) midbody scales 29–33; (4) number of supraoculars contacting frontal 2 or 3; (5) Toe IV lamellae 15–17; (6) prefrontal scales in contact; (7) frontoparietal scales not fused; (8) venter ivory to golden yellow.
Sphenomorphus traanorum is known only from Palawan island in the western Philippines.
Palawan Pleistocene Aggregate Island Complex (PAIC; Brown and Diesmos, 2002).
SVL 48.0–53.2 mm
Philippines, Palawan Island, Palawan Province, Municipality of Rizal, 2.5 km W and 0.7 km S Mt. Mantalingahan peak, 1550 m (8.8126 degrees N, 117.6587 degrees E) (Linkem et al., 2010)
Insulasaurus traanorum is a species of skink. It is endemic to Palawan in the Philippines. It is a medium-sized skink with mature individuals measuring 48–53 mm (1.9–2.1 in) in snout–vent length.[1]
Insulasaurus traanorum is a species of skink. It is endemic to Palawan in the Philippines. It is a medium-sized skink with mature individuals measuring 48–53 mm (1.9–2.1 in) in snout–vent length.
