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Moderator: Scott Waters
Carl Brune wrote:1- fasciatus
2- fasciatus
3- fasciatus
4- fasciatus
5- fasciatus
6- fasciatus
7- fasciatus
8- laticeps
9- fasciatus
10- fasciatus
Without giving too much away for the game, it's a matter of one different scale on their face.Carl, could you talk about what field marks you're using? I only know fasciatus, and wouldn't have any idea how to identify laticeps, so it'd be helpful
Yes and I have had broadheads with 4 labials on one side (no pictures unfortunately though). But lets review the 10 skinks:Carl Brune wrote: Upper labials (between rostral and first upper labial that reaches the eye, exclusive):
4 -> fasciatus
5 -> laticeps
This is far from 100%. In Ohio, it seems like ~15% of fasciatus have 5 on one side. I've never seen one with 5 on both sides, but I'm sure if I play this game long enough it will happen. You definitely want to photograph both sides.
I used to think post labials were a better character than labials, but now I am starting to notice some variation making it less clear. Again lets review:Carl Brune wrote:Post Labials - scales in front of the ear opening, behind the upper labials. Disregard tiny scales.
2 larger, roughly equal-sized scales -> fasciatus
none, or 1 larger scale -> laticeps
This is where we differ.Carl Brune wrote:I'm calling #7 a 4/5 upper-labial fasciatus.
#8 clearly shows 7 stripes, therefore laticeps. You can see 3 lateral stripes in the photo. 3 lateral stripes + 3 lateral stripes on the other side of the body + 1 mid-dorsal stripe = 7.Carl Brune wrote:I've read that young laticeps may show 7 lines, not sure where. I have no first-hand experience with that. I can see that on #8 and (perhaps) on #7.
I concur on this one.Carl Brune wrote:I agree that #7 is ambiguous. I don't see the extra stripes, but it looks pretty big to have a blue tail...
I thought so too.Carl Brune wrote:but it looks pretty big to have a blue tail...
That is my inclination as well. We have already documented both laticeps and fasciatus from this site. All the broadhead juveniles I have found so far have the additional stripes, but I am not sure that is always the case. I should have counted the mid-dorsal scale rows on this one.Carl Brune wrote:Well, I see 5 upper labials on each side, but 2 large post labials on each side and it lacks the 6/7th lines on the sides. I would lean towards fasciatus, but can't be 100% sure. Go catch some more from that litter...