Lankascincus taprobanensis

Lankascincus taprobanensis, also known as the Ceylon tree skink, is a species of skink endemic to the island of Sri Lanka.[1][3]

Smooth Lanka skink

Near Threatened  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Scincidae
Genus: Lankascincus
Species:
L. taprobanensis
Binomial name
Lankascincus taprobanensis

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 is stout, and 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 in the 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. Irises are very dark brown colored.

Ecology and diet

Its diet includes insects.[1]

Reproduction

It lays 1 to 2 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).

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References
  1. de Silva, A. & Somaweera, R. (2010). "Lankascincus taprobanensis". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2010: e.T178728A7604317. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-4.RLTS.T178728A7604317.en.
  2. "Lankascincus taprobanensis Kelaart, 1854". Global Biodiversity Information Facility. November 3, 2014. Retrieved April 3, 2015.
  3. "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.
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