Lankascincus taprobanensis

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Lankascincus taprobanensis
Scientific classification Red Pencil Icon.png
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Scincidae
Genus: Lankascincus
Species:
L. taprobanensis
Binomial name
Lankascincus taprobanensis
(Kelaart, 1854) [2]
Lankascincus taprobanensis distribution.png
Synonyms [3]
  • Eumeces taprobanensis
    Kelaart, 1854
  • Lygosoma taprobanense
    Boulenger, 1887
  • Sphenomorphus taprobanense
    Taylor, 1953
  • Lankascincus taprobanensis
    Greer, 1991

Lankascincus taprobanensis, also known commonly as the Ceylon tree skink and the smooth Lanka skink, is a species of lizard in the family Scincidae. The species is endemic to the island of Sri Lanka. [1] [3]

Contents

Habitat and distribution

The smooth Lanka skink is found from 1,000 to 2,300 metres (3,300 to 7,500 ft) above sea level, and is the only skink found at the 2,300-metre (7,500 ft) elevation in Sri Lanka. It is common in the Horton Plains, Hakgala, Namunukula, and Nuwara Eliya. [4]

Description

The body of L. taprobanensis is stout, and the length of the tail is 1.3 to 1.5 times that of the body. The fronto-parietals are distinct. The parietals are in narrow contact. There are 24 to 27 rows of scales at midbody. There are 9 to 17 lamellae under the fourth toe. The dorsum is gray, reddish brown, brownish yellow, or olive-colored. Each scale has a median dark spot. There is a brownish black lateral stripe with yellowish cream flecks running from the eye to the base of the tail. The venter is lemon yellow. The throat is pale blue with a few scattered dark spots. The Iris is very dark brown-colored.[ citation needed ]

Ecology and diet

The diet of the Ceylon tree skink includes insects. [1]

Reproduction

An adult female of L. taprobanensis may lay one to two eggs, each measuring 7 by 12.5 millimetres (0.28 by 0.49 in), per clutch in loose soil. Hatchlings measure 19 millimetres (0.75 in).[ citation needed ]

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References

  1. 1 2 3 Ukuwela, K.; Kannishka [sic], S.; Karunarathna, S. (2021). "Lankascincus taprobanensis ". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2021: e.T157795984A123308872. Retrieved 20 November 2021.
  2. "Lankascincus taprobanensis Kelaart, 1854". Global Biodiversity Information Facility . November 3, 2014. Retrieved April 3, 2015.
  3. 1 2 "Lankascincus taprobanensis ". The Reptile Database. Retrieved April 3, 2015.
  4. "Endemic Scincid Lizards of Sri Lanka". Endemic Animals of Sri Lanka. 2011. Retrieved April 3, 2015.

Further reading