Heteropus variegatus Macleay 1877

Heteropus variegatus Macleay, 1877

Fig. 11c, d; Tables 3 & 4

Lectotype: AMS R 31868. Darnley Island, northeastern Torres Strait (9°35’S, 143°46’E).

Paralectotypes: AMS R31869-70: as for lectotype.

Description: SVL (mm) 45.92 – 47.86, n = 3. Proportions as %SVL (mean ± standard deviation): TL not available; AG 46.74-48.41 (47.63 ± 0.84, n = 3); L1 33.99-35.04 (34.47 ± 0.53, n = 3); L2 47.36-50.61 (48.87 ± 1.63, n = 3); HL 21.94-22.89 (22.47 ± 0.48, n = 3); Eye – ear 7.75-8.14 (7.98 ± 0.22, n = 3); Snout 9.45-9.88 (9.65± 0.22, n = 3). Body robust. Head barely distinct from neck. HW 58.05-63.52% HL (61.19 ± 2.82, n = 3). Limbs moderate. L1 69.24-71.76% L2 (70.56 ± 1.27, n = 3).

Raw measurements and scale counts of lectotype: AMS R31868. SVL 46.66 mm; AG 22.59 mm; L1 15.86 mm; L2 22.10 mm; HL 10.68 mm; HW 6.62 mm; Eye – ear 3.75; Snout 4.49: midbody scale rows 32; paravertebral scale rows 46; supraciliaries 7; supralabials 7; fifth supralabial below eye; infralabials 6; subdigital lamellae beneath 3 rd finger 19; subdigital lamellae beneath 4 th toe 27; enlarged nuchals 2; preoculars 2; presuboculars 1; postsupralabial divided; temporals – 1 primary, 2 secondary; ear vertical with sharp lobules at front and top – those along dorsal margin small and deeply recessed (Fig. 11d); palpebral disc subequal to ear opening. The scales of the dorsal and lateral surfaces are faintly tricarinate.

Pattern: AMS R31868 is badly faded but a slight darkening of the upper lateral zone is evident between the ear aperture and the forelimb. This is bordered above by a pale, fine dorsolateral stripe and below by a moderate, wavy midlateral stripe that extends along the anterior third of the flanks.

Comments: Ingram and Covacevich (1989) designated AMS R 31869 as the lectotype of Heteropus variegatus, however, this is preceded by the prior designation of AMS R 31868 by Wells and Wellington (1985).