Taxonomic status and sexual dimorphism of the brown forest skink, Scincella cherriei stuarti (Smith 1941) (Squamata: Scincidae)

We analyzed the molecular and morphological variation of the scincid lizard Scincella cherriei stuarti in order to reassess its taxonomic status. Our phylogenetic analyses recovered Scincella cherriei stuarti as a strongly supported monophyletic group. Furthermore, in our morphological analysis we found sexual dimorphism in color pattern and limb size in the S. cherrei stuarti, a combination that was previously undocumented for the entire genus. Owing to a suite of diagnosable external characters and strongly supported monophyly, we suggest elevating S. cherriei stuarti to species level. We offer a redescription of the taxon to accommodate its noted sexual dimorphism, and we also update its geographic distribution.