I am often asked to provide a list of the new names that we proposed back in 1984 and 1985 along with their etymologies so here they are should anyone be so inclined...

Best Regards,

Richard Wells


New taxa proposed by Richard W. Wells and Ross C. Wellington in the “Synopsis” and “Classification” Papers of 1984 and 1985 (a) (b) and the etymologies of those new names. New Combinations are not included.


Christinus Wells and Wellington, 1984 (Reptilia, Gekkonidae) – named after the senior author’s girlfriend, Christine Biggs – a relative of the Great Train Robber Ronnie Biggs.

Gowidon Wells and Wellington, 1984 (Reptilia, Agamidae) – named after the Australian herpetologist Graeme Gow.

Licentia Wells and Wellington, 1984 (Reptilia, Agamidae) – meaning “freedom to do as one pleases”

Mantichorasaurus Wells and Wellington, 1984 (Reptilia, Agamidae) – a group of small lizards named for the Mantichor – a fabulous beast with a human’s face, lion’s body and scorpion’s tail.

Phthanodon Wells and Wellington, 1984 (Reptilia, Agamidae) – meaning to anticipate or do first.

Rankinia Wells and Wellington, 1984 (Reptilia, Agamidae) – a group of lizards named after the author’s colleague who died after falling from a tree at night while collecting lizards in New Caledonia.

Worrellisaurus Wells and Wellington, 1984 (Reptilia, Varanidae) – named for the Australian herpetologist Eric Worrell.

Anepischetosia Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – meaning ‘unrestrained, alluding to the ideal intellectual state’

Anepischetosia sharmani (Wells and Wellington, 1984) (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for mammalian geneticist Professor Geoffrey Bruce Sharman.

Bellatorias Wells and Wellington, 1984 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – meaning “war-like”.

Carlia covacevichi Wells and Wellington, 1984 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Australian museum curator Jeanette Covacevich (note the use of masculine gender for the specific epithet).

Coeranoscincus Wells and Wellington, 1984 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – for a group of diminutive burrowing lizards, meaning master or ruler of lizards.

Concinnia Wells and Wellington, 1984 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – means skillfully put together.

Contundo Wells and Wellington, 1984 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – means “to crush”

Cyclodomorphus michaeli Wells and Wellington, 1984 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for the senior author’s brother Michael Warwick Wells who funded the field trip at the time the holotype was collected.

Egernia mcpheei Wells and Wellington, 1984 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Australian herpetologist and book collector David R. McPhee.

Eroticoscincus Wells and Wellington, 1984 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – meaning “amorous skink” for a group of diminutive burrowing lizards.

Eulamprus heatwolei Wells and Wellington, 1984 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for American herpetologist Dr Harold Heatwole.

Eulamprus leuraensis Wells and Wellington, 1984 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Leura, NSW (the type locality).

Flamoscincus Wells and Wellington, 1984 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – meaning “fiery-red skink”, for a group of reddish coloured lizards.

Gavisus Wells and Wellington, 1984 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – means “to give delight”.

Glaphyromorphus Wells and Wellington, 1984 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – a group of shiny, smooth-bodied skinks – the name alludes to the highly polished appearance of these lizards.

Gnypetoscncus Wells and Wellington, 1984 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – means “weak skink, and alludes to their thermal fragility”.

Kommosogogus Wells and Wellington, 1984 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – means “that which stimulates a striking or beating of the breast in lamentation” in reference to the taxonomic difficulty of the group.

Lampropholis lunneyi Wells and Wellington, 1984 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Australian ecologist Daniel Lunney who spent millions of dollars in research grants studying its ecology.

Liburnascincus Wells and Wellington, 1984 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for the “God of lustful enjoyment”.

Magnuscincus Wells and Wellington, 1984 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Australian herpetologist, Magnus Peterson.

Minervascincus Wells and Wellington, 1984 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for the “Goddess of Wisdom”.

Minervascincus josephineaeWells and Wellington, 1984 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for the junior author’s then wife, Josephine Wellington who hated herpetologists.

Minervascincus sutherlandi Wells and Wellington, 1984 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for the Australian venom expert Dr Straun Sutherland.

Nodorha cassandrae Wells and Wellington, 1984 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Cassandra Wellington, the daughter of the junior author.

Nodorha garrymartini Wells and Wellington, 1984 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for a detective in the NSW Police Force, Garry Martin who later became a drink salesman..

Patheticoscincus Wells and Wellington, 1984 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – meaning “sensuous skink”, in allusion to their body form.

Protervascincus Wells and Wellington, 1984 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – meaning “bold skink”, in reference to their behaviour when chased.

Saproscincus Wells and Wellington, 1984 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – meaning “rotten skink” in reference to their use of decaying leaf-litter as a microhabitat.

Solvonemesis Wells and Wellington, 1984 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – meaning “to set free the Goddess of Retributive Justice”.

Tantaloscincus Wells and Wellington, 1984 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – Tantalos was a mythological character symbolic of eternal torment, the name alluding to the taxonomic complexity of the group.

Tantaloscincus biggsi Wells and Wellington, 1984 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for the senior author’s girlfriend, Christine Biggs.

Telchinoscincus Wells and Wellington, 1984 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – means “mischievous skink”, in reference to their secretive behaviour.

Vaderscincus Wells and Wellington, 1984 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Darth Vader, as a warning that the darker side of science must not be tolerated.

Libertadictus Wells and Wellington, 1984 (Reptilia, Typhlopidae) – meaning “devoted to freedom”, for a group of secretive burrowing snakes.

Antaresia Wells and Wellington, 1984 (Reptilia, Pythonidae) – a group of snakes named for the star Antares, the red giant in the Constellation of Scorpius. The senior author also named his daughter Antares as well, because it was the brightest star the night she was born.

Australiasis Wells and Wellington, 1984 (Reptilia, Pythonidae) – a group of snakes from Australasia. The name Australiasis embodies the previous use of Liasis for this group with austral (southern).

Morelia cheynei Wells and Wellington, 1984 (Reptilia, Pythonidae) – named for the junior author’s son Cheyne Wellington.

Morelia mcdowelli Wells and Wellington, 1984 (Reptilia, Pythonidae) – named for the American herpetologist Samuel B. McDowell.

Cannia Wells and Wellington, 1984 (Reptilia, Elapidae) – named for Australian herpetologists John and George Cann.

Furina somarei Wells and Wellington, 1984 (Reptilia, Elapidae) – named for the then
Prime Minister of Papua New Guinea, Michael Somare

Coplandia Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Amphibia, Myobatrachidae) – named for
Australian herpetologist Stephen J. Copland.

Gradwellia Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Amphibia, Myobatrachidae) – named for Australian herpetologist Norman Gradwell.

Hesperocrinia Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Amphibia, Myobatrachidae) – alludes to the western distribution pattern of this assemblage of species.

Hosmeria Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Amphibia, Myobatrachidae) – named for Australian herpetologist William (Bill) Hosmer.

Littlejohnophryne Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Amphibia, Myobatrachidae) – named for Australian herpetologist Murray J. Littlejohn.

Neoruinosis Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Amphibia, Myobatrachidae) – meaning “new disaster”, in reference to past errors in the taxonomy of the group.

Opisthodon lambi Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Amphibia, Myobatrachidae) – named for the Australian zoologist J. Lamb.

Prohartia Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Amphibia, Myobatrachidae) – named for
Australian artist Pro Hart.

Pseudophryne pengilleyi Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Amphibia, Myobatrachidae) – named for Australian ecologist Ross K. Pengilley.

Tylerdella Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Amphibia, Myobatrachidae) – named for Michael J. Tyler, noted authority on Australian frogs.

Brendanura Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Amphibia, Pelodryadidae) – named for natural history photographer Brenda Coulson.

Coggerdonia Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Amphibia, Pelodryadidae) – named for
Australian herpetologist Harold G. Cogger.

Colleeneremia Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Amphibia, Pelodryadidae) – named for Miss Colleen Montgomery, a friend of the senior author.

Llewellynura Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Amphibia, Pelodryadidae) – named for noted wildlife scientist Dr Leighton Llewellyn.

Mahonabatrachus Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Amphibia, Pelodryadidae) – named for Australian herpetologist Michael Mahony.

Mosleyia Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Amphibia, Pelodryadidae) – named for Australian wildlife conservationist Geoff Mosley.

Neophractops Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Amphibia, Pelodryadidae) – meaning “new phractops”, a reference to a past taxonomy.

Pengilleyia Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Amphibia, Pelodryadidae) – named for
Australian naturalist David Pengilley.

Rawlinsonia Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Amphibia, Pelodryadidae) – named for
Australian herpetologist Peter Rawlinson, who was killed while collecting on the island of Krakatoa.

Rawlinsonia corbeni Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Amphibia, Pelodryadidae) – named for Australian herpetologist Chris Corben.

Saganura Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Amphibia, Pelodryadidae) – named for American astronomer, “Carl Sagan”.

Sandyrana Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Amphibia, Pelodryadidae) – named for Miss Sandy Ingleby the senior author’s friend, and noted mammalogist of the Australian Museum.

Crocodylus pethericki Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Crocodylidae) – named for Australian ex-crocodile hunter, Ray Petherick.

Philas webbi Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Crocodylidae) – named for Australian crocodile consultant and novelist, Dr Graham Webb.

Chelodina rankini Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Chelidae) – named for the author’s friend and fellow herpetologist, Peter Rankin.

Chelymys cooki Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Chelidae) – named for Australian herpetologist Robert Cook.

Chelymys johncanni Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Chelidae) – named for Australian turtle expert John Cann.

Chelymys windorah Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Chelidae) – named for the Windorah district of Queensland.

Elseya purvisi Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Chelidae) – named for Australian herpetologist Malcomb Purvis.

Elseya stirlingi Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Chelidae) – named for Australian naturalist Stan Stirling.

Hesperochelodina Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Chelidae) – alludes to the western distribution of this group of turtles.

Macrochelodina Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Chelidae) – alludes to the larger size of this group of turtles.

Tropicochelymys Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Chelidae) – alludes to the
tropical distribution of this group of turtles.

Tropicochelymys goodei Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Chelidae) – named for Australian herpetologist and author John Goode.

Tropicochelymys insularis Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Chelidae) – meaning “island” and alluding to the distribution of the species.

Tropicochelymys leichhardti Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Chelidae) – named for 19th century explorer Ludwig Leichhardt.

Tropicochelymys worrelli Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Chelidae) – named for Australian herpetologist Eric Worrell.

Amalosia phillipsi Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Gekkonidae) – named for Australian herpetologist and Koala expert Dr Stephen Phillips.

Christinus biggsae Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Gekkonidae) – named for the senior author’s girlfriend Miss Christine Biggs.

Cyrtodactylus sadleiri Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Gekkonidae) – named for Australian mammalian physiologist Dr R. Sadleir.

Dactyloperus annetteae Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Gekkonidae) – named for the senior author’s girlfriend Miss Annette Martin.

Dactyloperus kingi Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Gekkonidae) – named for Australian ecologist Dr Dennis King.

Dactyloperus lazelli Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Gekkonidae) – named for Australian herpetologist Brian Lazell.

Diplodactylus dorrotheae Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Gekkonidae) – named for the senior author’s girlfriend Dorothy Curnow.

Diplodactylus jonathoni Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Gekkonidae) – named for John Charles Wells, a brother of the senior author.

Eremiastrophrurus Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Gekkonidae) – in allusion to the desert distribution of this group of lizards.

Eremiastrophrurus mahoodi Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Gekkonidae) – named for Australian ecologist Ian Mahood, who was accidentally killed in a helicopter crash while surveying rock wallaby populations.

Heteronotia horneri Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Gekkonidae) – named for Australian herpetologist Paul Horner.

Heteronotia wadei Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Gekkonidae) – named for American zoologist Robert Wade.

Oedura attenboroughi Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Gekkonidae) – named for British author and naturalist David Attenborough.

Oedura derelicta Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Gekkonidae) – meaning abandoned or ownerless, in allusion to the neglected state of the taxonomy of the group.

Oedura greeri Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Gekkonidae) – named for noted herpetologist Dr Allen E. Greer.

Phyllurus swaini Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Gekkonidae) – named for Australian naturalist Malcom Swain.

Phyriadoria Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Gekkonidae) – from the Latin adorare, meaning “worship”, in allusion to the sacrosanct state of the taxonomy of this group.

Quantasia Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Gekkonidae) – named for the Australian airline company QANTAS.

Rhynchoedura ormsbyi Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Gekkonidae) – named for the Australian herpetologist and prominent divorce lawyer Anthony (Tony) Ormsby.

Ridegekko Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Gekkonidae) – named for the President of the International Commission of Zoological Nomenclature Dr W.D.L. Ride.

Delma wollemi Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Pygopodidae) – named for the Wollemi area near the Type Locality.

Pygopus klugei Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Pygopodidae) – named for American herpetologist Dr Arnold Kluge.

Pygopus territorianus Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Pygopodidae) – named for the Northern Territory.

Ctenophorus dudleyi Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Agamidae) – named for Australian herpetologist Alexander P. Dudley.

Ctenophorus raffertyi Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Agamidae) – named for Australian actor Chips Rafferty.

Houstoniasaurus Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Agamidae) – named for Australian herpetologist Terry Houston.

Intellagama Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Agamidae) – in reference to the intelligence of this group of lizards.

Lophognathus burnsi Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Agamidae) – named for Australian herpetologist Neville Burns.

Phthanodon hawkeswoodi Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Agamidae) – named for Australian entomologist and botanist Trevor John Hawkeswood.

Pogona henrylawsoni Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Agamidae) – named for Australian poet Henry Lawson.

Pogona loriae Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Agamidae) – named for Miss Lori Hicks, a colleague of the authors.

Rotundacryptus Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Agamidae) – in reference to the rotund body form of these cryptic species.

Tachyon Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Agamidae) – for the Tachyon – a hypothetical sub-atomic particle that moves faster than light, in reference to this fast-moving group of lizards.

Tympanocryptis karumba Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Agamidae) – named for the Type Locality of Karumba, Qld.

Tympanocryptis telecom Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Agamidae) – named for Telecom Australia who built a communication tower on top of the Type Locality.

Uxoriousauria Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Agamidae) – from the Latin uxoriux, meaning “excessively fond of another’s wife”.

Wittenagama Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Agamidae) – named for Australian herpetologist Geoff Witten.

Wittenagama parnabyi Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Agamidae) – named for Australian bat expert Harry Parnaby.

Aspetosaurus Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Varanidae) – aspetos means “unspeakably great”, saurus “lizard”.

Odatria keithhornei Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Varanidae) – named for Australian herpetologist Keith Horne.

Odatria kuranda Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Varanidae) – named for the Type Locality of Kuranda, Qld.

Odatria pengilleyi Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Varanidae) – named for Australian ecologist Ross K. Pengilley.

Pantherosaurus barryjonesi Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Varanidae) – named for Australian Minister for Science, and scholar Barry Jones.

Pantherosaurus kuringai Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Varanidae) – named for the Type Locality, Ku-ring-Gai Chase National Park, Sydney.

Titanzius Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Varanidae) – from Titon, son of Uranus and Gaea, symbolic of brute force and large size.

Acritoscincus Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – from akritos meaning “mixed”, and scincus, meaning skink – in reference to its previous placement in an African genus with numerous other highly differentiated species.

Acritoscincus buddeni Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Australian herpetologist Kevin Budden who was killed by a Taipan in north Queensland.

Acritoscincus donnellani Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Australian geneticist Stephen Donnellan.

Anomalopus bellamii Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for British naturalist and conservationist David Bellamy.

Arenicolascincus Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – means in effect “skink of the sand”, in reference to its burrowing behaviour.

Arenicolascincus lami Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Australian earth-moving contractor and destroyer of reptile habitats Ronald Lam.

Carinascincus Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Australian herpetologist Carina Clark.

Carlia arafurae Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for the Arafura region of northern Australia.

Carlia boltoni Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Australian biologist William (Bill) Bolton.

Carlia boustedi Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Australian naturalist Billy Bousted.

Carlia instantanea Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – in reference to the speed of this lizard in leaf-litter.

Carlia monsolgaensis Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Mt Olga, Northern Territory.

Carlia mysteria Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – meaning puzzle or mystery - a reference to its previous inclusion with another species by taxonomists.

Carlia springelli Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Australian conservationist and expert in local history Peter Springell.

Claireascincus Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Australian physiologist and herpetologist, Hazel Claire Weekes.

Claireascincus jenkinsi Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Australian herpetologist Rob Jenkins.

Claireascincus schumacki Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Australian venom expert David Schumack.

Claireascincus triumviratus Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for the triumvirate, in reference to the co-existence of three sympatric closely related species.

Claireascincus wardi Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Australian naturalist Melbourne Ward.

Concinnia martini Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Australian herpetologist Keith Martin.

Contundo roomi Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Australian botanist and collector Peter Room.

Costinisauria Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Australian ecologist Alec B. Costin.

Costinisauria worrelli Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Australian herpetologist, Eric Worrell.

Cryptoblepharus hawkeswoodi Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Australian entomologist and botanist Trevor John Hawkeswood.

Cryptoblepharus horneri Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Australian herpetologist Paul Gough Horner.

Cryptoblepharus suburbia Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – in reference to this species adaptability to urbanized habitats.

Cryptoblepharus swansoni Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Australian herpetologist Stephen Swanson.

Ctenotus miowera Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for the Type Locality of Miowera, Qld.

Deloidiogenes Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – from delos meaning “clearly”and idiogenes, meaning “distinctive”.

Egernia barnetti Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Australian herpetologist Brian Barnett.

Egernia jossae Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Australian physiologist Jean Joss.

Egernia kennersoni Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Australian herpetologist Kim John Kennerson.

Eulamprus herseyi Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Australian conservationist Frederick K. Hersey.

Flamoscincus webberi Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Australian herpetologist Paul Webber.

Glaphyromorphus harwoodi Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for British naturalist Stephen Harwood.

Harrisoniascincus Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Australian biologist Launcelot Harrison.

Hemiergis namatjira Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Australian artist Albert Namatjira.

Hortonia Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Australian herpetologist David Horton.

Hortonia oakesi Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Australian herpetologist and medical researcher Nicholas Oakes.

Hortonia obiri Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for the Type Locality of Obiri Rock in Arnhem Land.

Hortonia shinei Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Australian herpetologist Richard Shine.

Kommosagogus hickmani Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Australian biologist John Hickman.

Lampropholis longleyi Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Australian herpetologist George Longley.

Lampropholis swani Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Australian herpetologist Michael Swan.

Lerista monstrous Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – a reference to the presumption that this species was synonymous with another.

Lerista zietzi Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Australian herpetologist A. Zietz.

Liopholis bradshawi Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Australian physiologist Stephen D. Bradshaw.

Liopholis coplandi Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Australian herpetologist Stephen J. Copland.

Liopholis messeli Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Dr Harry Messel in recognition of his research on crocodiles and Magpie Geese.

Liopholis robertsoni Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Australian herpetologist Peter Robertson.

Lissolepis aquarius Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – in reference to its marshy habitat.

Litotescincus Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – from the Greek litotes, meaning “affirmation of an idea by denying the contrary”.

Litotescincus bartelli Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Australian herpetologist Roger Bartell.

Mawsoniascincus Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Australian zoologist Patricia Mawson.

Menetia microscincus Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – in reference to the diminutive size of this skink.

Minervascincus borroloola Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for the Borroloola area of the Northern Territory.

Minervascincus harringtonensis Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Harrington, NSW.

Minervascincus janetae Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Miss Janet Cohn, a friend of the senior author.

Minervascincus monaro Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for the Monaro region of NSW.

Morethia petros Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – petros, meaning of the rocks, in reference to its habitat preferences.

Notoscincus watersi Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Australian herpetologist Peter Waters.

Opacitascincus Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – from the Latin opacitas, meaning “shade”, and in reference to the shady, damp microhabitat preferences of the species in this genus.

Proablepharus barklyensis Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for the Barkly Tableland, Northern Territory.

Proablepharus stephensoni Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Australian herpetologist Gary Stephenson.

Protervascincus kuranda Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for the Kuranda area, Qld.

Rhodona rolloi Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Australian naturalist, Glenn Richard Rollo.

Saiphos samueli Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Sam Wellington, a son of the junior author.

Saproscincus galli Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Australian biologist Bruce Gall.

Saproscincus ritchiei Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for paleontologist Alex Ritchie.

Saproscincus rosei Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Australian naturalist Anthony (Tony) Barclay Rose.

Sivascincus Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Siva, supreme deity of destruction and restoration.

Sivascincus wrani Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Neville K. Wran, past Premier of New South Wales,

Solvonemesis eyremaeus Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – in reference to the eyrean or desertic distribution pattern of the species.

Storrisaurus Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Australian herpetologist, Glenn Milton Storr.

Storrisaurus husbandi Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Australian herpetologist Grant Husband.

Tasmascincus Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for the Tasman region.

Techmarscincus Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – derived from techna, meaning a subtlety, or artform, in reference to the morphology of this skink.

Tiliqua macroscincoides Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – in reference to its large maximum size attained.

Tiliqua milleri Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Australian herpetologist Brian Miller.

Tropidolopisma paynei Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Australian marine naturalist Phillip Leonard Payne.

Vaderscincus coynei Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Australian conservationist Peter Coyne.

Ramphotyphlops grovesi Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Typhlopidae) – named for Australian herpetologist Donald Groves.

Sivadictus Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Typhlopidae) – named for Siva, supreme deity of destruction and restoration.

Antaresia saxacola Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Pythonidae) – in reference to the saxicoline behaviour of the species.

Morelia metcalfei Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Pythonidae) – named for Australian herpetologist Dean Carlyle Metcalfe.

Nyctophilopython Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Pythonidae) –

Cerberus montgomeryi Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Homalopsidae) – named for Australian herpetologist John Montgomery.

Pseudoferania harritosi Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Homalopsidae) – named for ex-crocodile hunter George Harritos.

Acanthophis armstrongi Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Elapidae) – named for Neil Armstrong, first man on the Moon.

Acanthophis hawkei Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Elapidae) – named for a past Prime Minister of Australia, Robert Lee Hawke.

Acanthophis lancasteri Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Elapidae) – named for Burt Lancaster, actor and philosopher.

Acanthophis schistos Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Elapidae) – from the Greek skhistos , meaning split, a reference both to this species’ rock-dwelling habits and that it was split from another species.

Antaioserpens Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Elapidae) – from the Greek Antaios of mythology, a giant wrestler whose strength was renewed when he touched the earth.

Austrelaps paulinus Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Elapidae) – named for Miss Pauline Crawford, a girlfriend of the senior author’s.

Brachyurophis murrayi Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Elapidae) – named for
Australian ornithologist Murray D. Bruce.

Cacophis churchilli Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Elapidae) – named for Australian herpetologist Greg Churchill.

Cannia centralis Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Elapidae) – in reference to the centralian distribution pattern of the species.

Demansia flagellatio Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Elapidae) – in reference to its extremely elongate, whip-like body form.

Elapognathus orri Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Elapidae) – named for controversial Australian philosopher Sydney Sparks Orr.

Elapognathus resolutus Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Elapidae) – in reference to a potential resolution to taxonomic problems within this group.

Notechis edwardsi Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Elapidae) – named for Australian herpetologist John Edwards.

Notechis longmorei Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Elapidae) – named for Australian herpetologist Richard Longmore.

Notechis schwaneri Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Elapidae) – named for American herpetologist Terry D. Schwaner.

Panacedechis Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Elapidae) – from the Greek rural deity Pan, the spirit of nature, and acedia, “despair”, in reference to the difficult taxonomy of this group of snakes.

Panacedechis worrelli Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Elapidae) – named for Australian herpetologist Eric Worrell.

Parasuta harveyi Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Elapidae) – named for Australian herpetologist Stephen Harvey.

Parasuta robertsoni Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Elapidae) – named for Australian computer expert Matthew Robertson.

Pseudonaja imperitor Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Elapidae) – from the Latin emperitor, meaning Commander-in-Chief.

Pseudonaja jukesi Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Elapidae) – named for Australian herpetologist Brian Jukes.

Pseudonaja kellyi Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Elapidae) – named for Australian bushranger, Ned Kelly – noted for standing his ground against insurmountable odds.

Pseudonaja mengdeni Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Elapidae) – named for American herpetologist Gregory Mengden.

Pseudonaja ohnoi Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Elapidae) – named for geneticist Dr Susumu Ohno of California.

Pseudonaja vanderstraateni Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Elapidae) – named for Australian herpetologist Mike Van der Straaten.

Unechis incredibilis Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Elapidae) – in reference to the incredible totally pinkish-red colouration of the species.

Leioaspetos Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Amphibia, Leiopelmatidae) – rough or uneven to the touch, a reference to its morphological appearance.

Girardiscincus Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for the 19th century naturalist C. Girard.

Oligosoma newmani Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for New Zealand herpetologist, Donald G. Newman.

Oligosoma robinsoni Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for Australian/New Zealand biologist Prof Edward (Ted) S. Robinson.

Robbisaurus Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for New Zealand herpetologist Joan Robb.

Hardyscincus Wells and Wellington, 1985 (Reptilia, Scincidae) – named for New Zealand herpetologist Graham S. Hardy.

References

Wells, R.W, and Wellington, R.C. (1984): A Synopsis of the Class Reptilia in Australia. Australian Journal of Herpetology, 1 (3-4): 73-129

Wells, R.W, and Wellington, R.C. (1984): A Classification of the Amphibia and Reptilia of Australia. Australian Journal of Herpetology, Supplementary Series No 1: 1-61

Wells, R.W, and Wellington, R.C. (1984): A Synopsis of the Amphibia and Reptilia of New Zealand. Australian Journal of Herpetology, Supplementary Series No 1: 62-64

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