Lygisaurus zuma

Lygisaurus zuma
Conservation status
	; Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Family:	Scincidae
Genus:	Lygisaurus
Species:	L. zuma
Binomial name
	Lygisaurus zuma; Couper, 1993
Synonyms
	Carlia zuma; (Couper, 1993);

Last updated November 18, 2025

Lygisaurus zuma, also known commonly as the sun-loving litter-skink, is a species of lizard in the subfamily Eugongylinae of the family Scincidae (skinks). The species is endemic to the Australian state of Queensland.^[2]

Etymology

The specific name, zuma, refers to Montezuma II, who was the last Aztec emperor and was also a sun worshipper.^[3]^: 182

Description

Lygisaurus zuma has a large transparent disc in its moveable lower eyelid. The prominent ear-opening is round to almost horizontal, and edged with low flat lobules. There are seven upper labials. Adults have a snout-to-vent length (SVL) of about 3.4 cm (1.3 in).^[4]^{: 406–407}

Geographic distribution

Lygisaurus zuma is found in northeastern Queensland, in the vicinity of Mackay and in the vicinity of Townsville.^[2]

Habitat

The preferred natural habitat of Lygisaurus zuma is forest.^[1]

Behavior

Lygisaurus zuma is terrestrial.^[1]

Reproduction

Lygisaurus zuma is oviparous.^[2] During the breeding season, a sexually mature male will develop a red throat and a red tail.^[4]

References

1 2 3 Shea, G.; Hoskin, C. (2018). "Lygisaurus zuma". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2018 e.T47155248A101752280. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-1.RLTS.T47155248A101752280.en . Retrieved 18 November 2021.
1 2 3 4 Lygisaurus zuma at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 22 September 2019.
↑ Beolens, B.; Watkins, M.; Grayson, M. (2011). The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. pp. xiii + 296. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5.
1 2 Wilson, S.; Swan, G. (2023). A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia, Sixth Edition. Sydney: Reed New Holland Publishers. ISBN 978-1-92554-671-2. 688 pp.

Cogger, H.G. (2014). Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia, Seventh Edition. Clayton, Victoria, Australia: CSIRO Publishing. ISBN 978-0643100350. xxx + 1,033 pp.
Couper, P.J. (1993). "A new species of Lygisaurus de Vis (Reptilia: Scincidae) from mideastern Queensland". Memoirs of the Queensland Museum. 33 (1): 163–166. (Lygisaurus zuma, new species).

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[iucn_status_18_November_2021-1] 1 2 3 Shea, G.; Hoskin, C. (2018). "Lygisaurus zuma". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2018 e.T47155248A101752280. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-1.RLTS.T47155248A101752280.en . Retrieved 18 November 2021.

[RDB-2] 1 2 3 4 Lygisaurus zuma at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 22 September 2019.

[3] Beolens, B.; Watkins, M.; Grayson, M. (2011). The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. pp. xiii + 296. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5.

[W&S2023-4] 1 2 Wilson, S.; Swan, G. (2023). A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia, Sixth Edition. Sydney: Reed New Holland Publishers. ISBN 978-1-92554-671-2. 688 pp.

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