Phylogeny of Philippine slender skinks (Scincidae: Brachymeles) reveals underestimated species diversity, complex biogeographical relationships, and cryptic patterns of lineage diversification

► The genus Brachymeles possesses both fully limbed and limbless species. ► Morphologically similar body plans have made it difficult to assess diversity. ► We provide the first estimate of phylogenetic relationships within the genus. ► The results reveal widespread taxonomic instability and cryptic diversity. ► We reject the monophyly of nearly all polytypic and widespread species.