536 The Philippine Journal of Science 192s 



The loreal elements in the small Philippine skinks are variable, 

 and in this series of specimens practically no two can be found 

 that are identical. Several have two well-defined loreals fol- 

 lowed by two or three small superimposed preoculars; others 

 have a large anterior loreal followed by two superimposed 

 loreals ; one specimen has a large anterior loreal separated from 

 the upper preocular by the tip of the prefrontal scale. The size 

 of the loreals varies also. Sometimes the anterior is larger, 

 sometimes the posterior. The nasal varies in size. The dorso- 

 lateral black streak is rarely a distinct continuous line, but is 

 usually a series of irregular spots; the light streak above this 

 dark line, on the anterior part of the body, is almost invariably 

 evident. The temporals are all small. There is practically no 

 difference among the specimens in the scalation of the top of 

 the head. 



All female specimens seem to have the dark marking on the 

 throat and chin wanting. Males have the throat deep blue- 

 black. The brown color on the back varies from light yellow- 

 brown to deep blackish brown. 



Sixteen specimens were collected. They were found moving 

 about through the forest. 

 Sphenomorphus steerei Stejneger. 



Sphenomorphus steerei Stejneger, Proc. U. S. Nat. Mus. 34 (1908) 

 201, figs. 3 and 4; Taylor, Lizards of the Philippine Islands 

 (1922) fig. 23. 



I collected more than twenty-five specimens of this diminutive 

 species about the base of Mount Maquiling, Luzon, and a single 

 specimen on Polillo Island. Others were seen in the forest of 

 Polillo, but they escaped capture. The species was obtained in 

 southern Leyte by Lopez. 

 Sphenomorphus biparietalis Taylor. 



Sphenomorphus biparietalis Taylor, Philip. Journ. Sei. § D 13 

 (1918) 249; Lizards of the Philippine Islands (1922) 177. 



Thirty-five specimens of this diminutive species were collected 

 on Jolo Island. All agree with the type in general conformation 

 of the head scales and in coloration. In the type description 

 I mention a specimen from Basilan and call attention to its 

 different markings, broader head, and greater number of scale 

 rows. I am convinced that this specimen represents a varia- 

 tion of Sphenomorphus atrigularis Stejneger. Unfortunately, 

 the specimen is no longer at hand for direct comparison. 



