Previous taxonomic assessments of species in this genus recognized six groups of species that shared similar morphologies (see Brown and Alcala, 1980). Subsequent analyses of morphology and phylogenetic studies have not supported the monophyly of these species groups, and large taxonomic revisions are needed in this diverse group of ground skinks to sort out the true species diversity and appropriate generic assignments of its members. This species has traditionally been considered a member of Group 2 species in the genus Sphenomorphus. Group 2 species were diagnosed on the basis of being relatively small species with short limbs and low lamellae and body-scale counts (Brown and Alcala, 1980).
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 lawtoni is now recognized to be a member of the genus Parvoscincus.
Parvoscincus lawtoni can be distinguished from congeners by the following combination of characters (1) small body size (SVL 33.1–47.0 mm); (2) paravertebral scales 58–64; (3) midbody scales 28–29; (4) number of supraoculars contacting frontal 2; (5) Toe IV lamellae 12–15; (6) prefrontal scales in contact; (7) frontoparietal scales fused; (8) venter ivory.
Parvoscincus lawtoni is known only from northern Luzon Island in the Philippines.
Luzon Pleistocene Aggregate Island Complex (PAIC; Brown and Diesmos, 2002).
SVL 33.1–47.0 mm
Balbalan area, Kalinga Province, northern Luzon Island, Philippines; type in the California Academy of Sciences; CAS 61503
Parvoscincus lawtoni is a species of skink found in the Philippines.[2]
Parvoscincus lawtoni is a species of skink found in the Philippines.
