Scincidae

Scincidae View in CoL ( Figs 31F–I View Figure 31 , 32 View Figure 32 , 33 View Figure 33 , 38E View Figure 38 )

A cylindrical processus ascendens is present also in Chalcides and its degree of development recalls the same interspecific differences present in lacertids. The processus of Chalcides ocellatus is stocky, moderately ossified and continues posteriorly with a well-developed supraoccipital crest ( Fig. 32F–I View Figure 32 ), whereas Chalcides chalcides and Chalcides striatus have a short and more slender processus that does not produce a crest posteriorly ( Fig. 32A–D View Figure 32 ). Because of this and of the low development of the semicircular canals, the dorsal surface of the bone is smooth in the latter species. Ablepharus kitaibelii , Ophiomorus punctatissimus and Tr. aurata have a dorsoventrally compressed processus ( Figs 31F–I View Figure 31 , 33A–D View Figure 33 , 38E View Figure 38 ), which is short in Ab. kitaibelii and longer in the two other species. A distinct supraoccipital crest is lacking in these species too. Two small and pointed processes are present at the sides of the processus ascendens in Chalcides chalcides ( Fig. 32A–D View Figure 32 ). These processes are not recognizable in Chalcides ocellatus and Chalcides striatus , but the more expanded processus ascendens of the former could suggest that they are fused with it ( Fig. 32F–I View Figure 32 ). The processus of Tr. aurata is flanked by two well-developed ridges, running along the anterior margin of the supraoccipital ( Fig. 38E View Figure 38 ). Similar but less-developed ridges are visible in Chalcides striatus . Small marginal processes are recognizable by the anterior end of the contact with the prootics in Chalcides and Ophiomorus punctatissimus .