All species in the genus can generally be described as slender, small species of skinks (= lizards), with well-developed but slender limbs. All species possess some degree of longitudinal stripes or bands down their dorsal and dorsolateral surfaces. Previous taxonomic assessments of Philippine species in this genus recognized two distinct species groups, one group containing species with the external ear opening covered by scales, and the other group containing species with exposed tympanum (see Brown and Alcala, 1980). Several of the eight currently recognized species are likely complexes of unique, albeit morphologically similar species, and large scale taxonomic revisions are needed before an appropriate measure of species diversity can be made.
This species has traditionally been considered a member of Group 2 species in the genus Lipinia in the Philippines, with tympanum visible and not covered by scales and the position of the ear noticeable by an external ear opening.
Lipinia semperi can be distinguished from congeners by the following combination of characters: (1) tympanum not covered by scales; (2) position of ear evidences by exteranl ear opening; (3) number of midbody scale rows 26 or less; (4) number of large supraoculars 4; (5) length of hind limb usually less than 90% of axilla-groin distance; (6) prefrontals narrowly separated or in point to narrow medial contact; (7) limbs moderately developed, length of hind limb 60-80% of axilla-groin distance and 32-42% of snout-vent length; (8) snout long, its length 37-40% of head length and 65-68% of head breadth; (9) head breadth 57-71% of head length; (10) 5th upper labial beneath center of eye; and (11) dorsal color golden brown to brownish olive with 2 broad brown bands from supraoculars to fore-limb region (Brown and Alcala, 1980).
This species has been recorded only from the islands of Mindanao and Camiguin Sur in the southern Philippines.
Mindanao Pleistocene Aggregate Island Complex (PAIC; Brown and Diesmos, 2002).
Taylor (1922) reported observing this species on rotting tree stumps as well as hollow trees in the forest.
SVL 43.9-49.9 mm (Brown and Alcala, 1980)
Mindanao Island, Philippines; type probably in the Zoologische Museum, Berlin
Semper's lipinia (Lipinia semperi) is a species of skink found in the Philippines.[2]
Semper's lipinia (Lipinia semperi) is a species of skink found in the Philippines.
