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 rabori 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 moderately long, its length 35-37% of head length; (9) head breadth 60-69% of head length; (10) 5th upper labial beneath center of eye; and (11) dorsal color blackish, with 3 narrow tan to whitish longitudinal stripes extending length of body (Brown and Alcala, 1980).
This species is recognized to occur only on Negros Island in the central Philippines
Visayan (Central) Pleistocene Aggregate Island Complex (PAIC; Brown and Diesmos, 2002).
This species is reported to be quite common in southeastern Negros Island, where it has been reported from dipterocarp and submontane forests as well as in disturbed habitat on the trunks of coconut trees (Brown and Alcala, 1980).
SVL 43.1-54.8 mm (Brown and Alcala, 1980)
Cuernos de Negros Mountain Range, Negros Island, Philippines; type in the California Academy of Sciences; CAS-SU 19150
Rabor's lipinia or black slender tree skink (Lipinia rabori) is a species of skink found in the Philippines.[2]
Rabor's lipinia or black slender tree skink (Lipinia rabori) is a species of skink found in the Philippines.
