The genus Saiphos is a monotypic genus from Australia. There has been some confusion over its exact taxonomic status and relationships to other skinks, and it has variously been classified as a member of the Hemiergis or Anotis genera.
| Scientific Name | Common Name | Distribution | Size | Notes |
| Saiphos | ||||
| S. equalis | ? | Australia (New South Wales, Queensland) | 3-4" | N. butleri is found mainly in stony spinifex areas within their very restricted range. Dorsally (including the limbs) this skink is pale brown, with seven blackish longitudinal stripes: 1 vertebrally running to the tail, after which it breaks into spots, 1 dorsolateral from above the eye to the tail, and 1 upper and 1 lower lateral. There is also a pale midlateral stripe running forward over the lips. Ventrally the body is whitish. Scalation details: nasals separated. Prefrontals in contact. 3 supraoculars. 2-4 ear lobules. Dorsal smooth scales in 28-32 rows at midbody. Click here for a picture. |
Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia, Harold Cogger, 6th edition.
The Tasmanian Wildlife and Parks Service has a very useful and informative page on these little-known skinks.
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