Systematics of West African skinks in the Chalcides thierryi group: Composition, distribution, and redescription of types

Abstract

The taxonomic status of the West African skink taxa Chalcides pulchellus and C. thierryi have fluctuated in the literature since their original descriptions a century ago. Until recently, C. pulchellus was known only from the holotype, but recent collecting has increased the number of specimens to nine, which allows more robust comparisons with C. thierryi. A Principal Components Analysis of fourteen measurements indicated distinct and non‐overlapping clusters for each taxon. Chalcides pulchellus has an additional phalanx in Toe IV compared to C. thierryi, and significant differences in numbers of dorsal scales around midbody, ventrals, subdigital lamellae of Toe IV, and presacral vertebrae exist between the taxa. The types of both valid species are redescribed in detail and natural history information is summarized.