Reference material for Subspecies classification for Rugosa?

[jasjmm27]

I am interested in taking a look at the sub-species classifications of the Shinglebacks....

My main interest is the difference between R. Rugosa and R. Palarra...it seems it is mainly a geographical distinction, though the R. Rugosa seems to be more colorful in general...

At any rate, I would to know if anyone can direct me to any interesting or useful material on Shingle classification, etc. I haven't been able to find anything all that good thus far...just enought to get me confused, interested, and wanting more info!




Thanks!

[Bird_Brain]

I am not sure, but I would imagine that your questions could be answered with the bluey bible? That would be just about the only place that I can think of that would be able to answer your questions. That or getting in touch with some Aussies.

[SailleSkinklover]

Agree with Brad, start with the Bluey Bible, it does have lots of good scientific info! ( I have one, let me know if you have any specific questions I can look up for you!)

Also, maybe PM Geoff or Deadeye or any of the Aussie folks who keep 'em/rehab 'em!

[jasjmm27]

Yes, I have "ordered" the bible already, going to mail the check today.

My main question is the distinction between R. Rugosa and R. Palarra...do they share any common ground in the wild? Why are they a separate sub-species? It seems that many sites have them as "questionably different" per se. From the map on this site, it shows a distinct break in stoming grounds for the two...is that really the case in the wild?

[Tattoo]

Try this link:

http://www.trachydosaurus.de/index.html

[jasjmm27]

Try this link:

http://www.trachydosaurus.de/index.html

Thanks! I love that site, that's actually the one that got me so interested in the differences...well, other then this one!

[jkj1909]

T.r.palara:
- normaly the tail tapers into a point.
- smaller scales, compared to T.r.rugosa.
- very rarely colored, compared to T.r.rugosa
- the most calm subspecies of shingleback regarding behaviour in terrarias.
- the wild sites of T.r.palarra is north of Murchison river, T.r.rugosa south of this river, and the populations will not cross this barrier by their own free will.

You can read the scientific reasons for 2 subspecies regarding T.r.rugosa and T.r.palarra here,
in Volume 1, chapter 8, and is cited in the 'Bible'.

[jasjmm27]

T.r.palara:
- normaly the tail tapers into a point.
- smaller scales, compared to T.r.rugosa.
- very rarely colored, compared to T.r.rugosa
- the most calm subspecies of shingleback regarding behaviour in terrarias.
- the wild sites of T.r.palarra is north of Murchison river, T.r.rugosa south of this river, and the populations will not cross this barrier by their own free will.

You can read the scientific reasons for 2 subspecies regarding T.r.rugosa and T.r.palarra here,
in Volume 1, chapter 8, and is cited in the 'Bible'.

EXCELLENT! That is exactly the type of information I was searching for! Thank you Jan! Yes, I am sure a river could stop a Stumpy anyday! They would just be relaxing on the banks enjoying the snails and other delights, not trying to cross it! However...I guess a storm or other anomaly might manage to get one or two across at some point, but that is a very slim chance.

[jasjmm27]

Is there anyone that can provide any "insider" or researched information to add to the descriptors on this page other then what has already been posted on this thread?

Below is the description of the subs as taken from this site:

There are four Shingleback subspecies

* The Common Shingleback(T. rugosa rugosa • Gray, 1845)

• This species has a somewhat slender body, as well as a relatively long, thin tail. It is also the most colorful of the subspecies. Specimens seen with the bright orange/red coloration are the T. rugosa rugosa.
* The Eastern Shingleback (T. rugosa aspera • Gray, 1845)

• The largest in length, as well as body mass. The asperas have enormous armored scales that almost resemble a large pinecone (hence the nickname pinecone lizard). This species also has the broadest head, as well as a very wide, fat tail. Most species are solid black.
* The Sharkbay Shingleback (T. rugosa palarra • Shea, 2000)

• Long thin tails that in some cases, seem to end in a point. The validity of this scientific species is of some dispute. This animal's body structure (and other attributes) are nearly identical to the Common Shingleback.
* The (Rottnest) Island Shingleback (T. rugosa konowi • Mertens, 1958)

• The rarest in captivity, and originating from a tiny island (called Rottnest) off the western coast of Australia, the Konowi is the smallest of all the subspecies, comprises of smaller scales, and is also known to have a blue-green tinge. See an amazing juxtaposed shot comparing the size difference of the Aspera and the Konowi.

• Visit the island

[Blotch]

I have an article if you'd call it that on all the skinks on Australia. It's 389 pages long, in PDF form too. If you'd like a copy, PM me your email addy and I'll shoot you one off. It has some cool info on Stumpys, and even if it's not what you're lookign for, I'm sure it'll come in handy.

Luke

[jasjmm27]

I have an article if you'd call it that on all the skinks on Australia. It's 389 pages long, in PDF form too. If you'd like a copy, PM me your email addy and I'll shoot you one off. It has some cool info on Stumpys, and even if it's not what you're lookign for, I'm sure it'll come in handy.

Luke

Great! Sent you a PM with my email addy, send one my way when you get a chance.

[Blotch]

Done!

[Tattoo]

Hey Blotch ... I would like a copy of that article too. I am going to pm you my e-mail so you can send me one if you would be so kind.

[Blotch]

done!