Paracontias is usually placed in the
subfamilyScincinae, which seems to be
paraphyletic however. Probably quite close to Amphiglossus and possibly Androngo trivittatus, it belongs to a major
clade which does not seem to include the
type genusScincus. Thus, it will probably be eventually assigned to a new, yet-to-be-named subfamily. (Austin & Arnold 2006)
Species
The following 14
species are recognized as being valid.[2]
Austin JJ,
Arnold EN (2006). "Using ancient and recent DNA to explore relationships of extinct and endangered Leiolopisma skinks (Reptilia: Scincidae) in the Mascarene islands". Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution39 (2): 503–511.
doi:
10.1016/j.ympev.2005.12.011 (HTML abstract)
Mocquard F (1894). "Reptiles nouveaux ou insuffisamment connus de Madagascar ". Compte Rendu Sommaire des Séances de la Société Philomatique de Paris17: 1–8. (Paracontias, new genus, p. 3). (in
French).