Brachymeles lukbani
| Brachymeles lukbani | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Scinciformata |
| Infraorder: | Scincomorpha |
| Family: | Scincidae |
| Genus: | Brachymeles |
| Species: | B. lukbani
|
| Binomial name | |
| Brachymeles lukbani | |
Brachymeles lukbani, also known commonly as Lukban's loam-swimming skink, is a species of lizard in the subfamily Scincinae of the family Scincidae. The species is endemic to the island of Luzon in the Philippines.[2]
Etymology
The specific name, lukbani, is in honor of Vicente Lukbán, who was a Filipino general and governor.[3]: 162
Description
Brachymeles lukbani is slender, and has no external legs. It has 21–23 scale rows around the body at midbody, and 100–106 scales in the paravertebral row. It has six upper labials and three pairs of chin shields, the first pair in contact with each other, the third pair enlarged.[2]
Limb reduction
The skink species Brachymeles lukbani has a unique pattern of limb reduction; as an adult, it seems to be limbless on the outside but has a concealed limb rudiment, which is called cryptomelia. This phenomenon sheds light on the evolutionary processes responsible for the recurring reduction and loss of limbs in this species, suggesting the existence of temporary growing limbs during embryonic stages.[4]
Habitat
The preferred natural habitat of Brachymeles lukbani is forest, at altitudes of 200–1,115 m (656–3,658 ft), but it has also been found in plantations.[1]
Behavior
Brachymeles lukbani is terrestrial[1] and semifossorial.[2]
Reproduction
The mode of reproduction of Brachymeles lukbani has been described as being ovoviviparous[1] and as being viviparous.[2]
References
- ^ a b c d Binaday J, Siler C (2022). "Brachymeles lukbani ". The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2022: https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2022-2.RLTS.T199783A2612053.en. Accessed on 25 March 2025.
- ^ a b c d Brachymeles lukbani at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 13 October 2020.
- ^ Beolens, B.; Watkins, M.; Grayson, M. (2011). The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. pp. xiii + 296. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5.
- ^ Smith-Paredes, Daniel; Griffith, Oliver; Fabbri, Matteo; Yohe, Laurel; Blackburn, Daniel G.; Siler, Cameron D.; Bhullar, Bhart-Anjan S.; Wagner, Günter P. (2021). "Hidden limbs in the “limbless skink” Brachymeles lukbani: Developmental observations". Journal of Anatomy 239 (3): 693–703. https://doi.org/10.1111/joa.13447
Further reading
- Bergmann, Philip J.; Mann, Sara D.W.; Morinaga, Gen; Freitas, Elyse S.; Siler, Cameron D. (2020). "Convergent Evolution of Elongate Forms in Craniates and of Locomotion in Elongate Squamate Reptiles". Integrative and Comparative Biology. 60 (1): 190–201.
- Siler, C.D.; Balete, D.S.; Diesmos, A.C.; Brown, R.M. (2010). "A New Legless Loam-swimming Lizard (Reptilia: Squamata: Scincidae: Genus Brachymeles) from the Bicol Peninsula, Luzon Island, Philippines". Copeia. 2010 (1): 114–122. (Brachymeles lukbani, new species).
- Siler, C.D.; Diesmos, A.C.; Alcala, A.C.; Brown, R.M. (2011). "Phylogeny of Philippine slender skinks (Scincidae: Brachymeles) reveals underestimated species diversity, complex biogeographical relationships, and cryptic patterns of lineage diversification". Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. 59 (1): 53–65.