Scelotes fitzsimonsi

Scelotes fitzsimonsi
Conservation status
	; Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Scinciformata
Infraorder:	Scincomorpha
Family:	Scincidae
Genus:	Scelotes
Species:	S. fitzsimonsi
Binomial name
	Scelotes fitzsimonsi; Broadley, 1994

Last updated October 06, 2025

Scelotes fitzsimonsi, commonly known as Fitzsimons' dwarf burrowing skink, is a species of lizard in the family Scincidae. The species is indigenous to southern Africa.

Etymology

The specific name, fitzsimonsi, is in honor of South African herpetologist (Mr.) Vivian Frederick Maynard FitzSimons.^[2]

Description

S. fitzsimonsi has neither front legs nor back legs. Dorsally, it is light bronze on the body and bluish gray on the tail. Ventrally, it is greyish white. Adults have a snout-to-vent length (SVL) of 4.5–6.5 cm (1.8–2.6 in). The tail length is equal to or slightly greater than SVL.^[3]

Distribution and habitat

S. fitzsimonsi is found in Mozambique and South Africa.^[4]

The preferred natural habitat of S. fitzsimonsi is coastal dune forest, up to an altitude of 100 m (330 ft).^[1]

Reproduction

S. fitzsimonsi is ovoviviparous.^[4]

References

1 2 Bauer, A.M.; Conradie, W.; Marais, J. (2018). "Scelotes fitzsimonsi ". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2018 e.T44979110A115670758. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T44979110A115670758.en . Retrieved 18 November 2021.
↑ Beolens, Bo; Watkins, Michael; Grayson, Michael (2011). The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5. (Scelotes fitzsimonsi, p. 91).
↑ Branch, Bill (2004). Field Guide to Snakes and other Reptiles of Southern Africa. Third Revised edition, Second impression. Sanibel Island, Florida: Ralph Curtis Books. 399 pp. ISBN 0-88359-042-5. (Scelotes fitzsimonsi, p. 144).
1 2 Scelotes fitzsimonsi at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database . Accessed 20 October 2020.

Bates MF, Branch WR, Bauer AM, Burger M, Marais J, Alexander GJ, de Villiers MS (2014). Atlas and Red List of the Reptiles of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Suricata 1. Pretoria: South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). xvii + 485 pp. ISBN 978-1-919976-84-6. (Scelotes fitzsimonsi, p. 274).
Broadley DG (1994). "The genus Scelotes Fitzinger (Reptilia: Scincidae) in Mozambique, Swaziland and Natal, South Africa". Annals of the Natal Museum35: 237–259. (Scelotes fitzsimonsi, new species).

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[iucn_status_18_November_2021-1] 1 2 Bauer, A.M.; Conradie, W.; Marais, J. (2018). "Scelotes fitzsimonsi ". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2018 e.T44979110A115670758. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T44979110A115670758.en . Retrieved 18 November 2021.

[2] Beolens, Bo; Watkins, Michael; Grayson, Michael (2011). The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5. (Scelotes fitzsimonsi, p. 91).

[3] Branch, Bill (2004). Field Guide to Snakes and other Reptiles of Southern Africa. Third Revised edition, Second impression. Sanibel Island, Florida: Ralph Curtis Books. 399 pp. ISBN 0-88359-042-5. (Scelotes fitzsimonsi, p. 144).

[RDB-4] 1 2 Scelotes fitzsimonsi at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database . Accessed 20 October 2020.

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