Sphenomorphus darlingtoni
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| Sphenomorphus darlingtoni | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Scincidae |
| Genus: | Sphenomorphus |
| Species: | S. darlingtoni |
| Binomial name | |
| Sphenomorphus darlingtoni (Loveridge, 1945) | |
| Synonyms[2] | |
Sphenomorphus darlingtoni is a species of skink, a lizard in the family Scincidae. The species is endemic to Papua New Guinea.[2]
The specific name, darlingtoni, is in honor of American entomologist Philip Jackson Darlington Jr.[3]
Common name
S. darlingtoni is known as mamng in the Kalam language of Papua New Guinea. This common name is also applied to plants of the genus Begonia.[4]
Behavior and habitat
The Kalam people of Papua New Guinea describe S. darlingtoni as a slow-moving lizard that does not escape when caught, and also does not bask in the sun. It prefers damp habitats and is often found in areas of Ischaemum polystachyum grass.[4] S. darlingtoni is fossorial, and has been found in montane rainforest, at altitudes of 1,524–1,829 m (5,000–6,001 ft).[1]