Apatani skink
Oviparous (inferred from being a skink)
The Apatani skink, scientifically known as Protoblepharus apatani, is a species of skink endemic to the East Himalayan Mountains. Discovered during research in India's Arunachal Pradesh, this lizard is characterized by its glossy, smooth or striated body scales and a golden-brown coloration with a distinctive dark stripe. Its generic name reflects primitive eyelids, while its specific epithet honors the Apatani tribe who aided in its discovery.
Key Facts
- ›Endemic to the East Himalayan Mountains.
- ›Discovered during a herpetological investigation in Arunachal Pradesh, India.
- ›Has a small to medium-sized body, reaching up to 63mm.
- ›Body scales are glossy, smooth, or striated.
- ›The holotype was golden brown with a broad dark stripe.
- ›Named in honor of the Apatani tribe.
Apatani Skink
India, East Himalayan Mountains
- Small To Medium-Sized Body, Up To 63mm.
- Body Scales Are Glossy, Smooth, Or Striated.
- Holotype Was Golden Brown With A Broad Dark Stripe Gradually Diffusing With the Background Colour At the Mid-Body.
About Apatani skink
Apatani Skink (Protoblepharus apatani)
The Apatani skink, scientifically classified as Protoblepharus apatani, is a species of lizard belonging to the skink family. This species is native to and endemic to the East Himalayan Mountains, with its discovery documented during a herpetological survey conducted in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh. The common name "Apatani skink" directly honors the Apatani tribe of Ziro Valley, whose assistance was instrumental during the fieldwork that led to the identification of this lizard.
Physical Characteristics and Naming
Protoblepharus apatani exhibits a small to medium-sized body, with documented specimens reaching up to 63 millimeters in length. Its scales are described as glossy and can be either smooth or striated. The coloration of the holotype specimen was golden brown, distinguished by a prominent dark stripe that gradually softened and blended with the background color along the mid-body. The generic name, Protoblepharus, is a combination of Greek words: 'proto' meaning 'primitive' and 'blepharo' meaning 'eyelid,' referencing a characteristic of ablepharine skinks, while the specific epithet 'apatani' serves as a tribute to the local Apatani people.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scientific name of the Apatani skink?
The scientific name of the Apatani skink is Protoblepharus apatani. This binomial nomenclature is used to classify the species within the scientific community.
Where is the Apatani skink found?
The Apatani skink is endemic to the East Himalayan Mountains. It was discovered and is found in the Indian state of Arunachal Pradesh.
What does the Apatani skink look like?
The Apatani skink has a small to medium-sized body, reaching up to 63mm in length. Its body scales are glossy, smooth, or striated. The holotype specimen was described as golden brown with a broad dark stripe that gradually diffused into the background color along its mid-body.
Why is it called the Apatani skink?
The specific epithet 'apatani' is an honorific, named to recognize the Apatani tribe of Ziro Valley in Arunachal Pradesh. This tribe provided assistance during the fieldwork that led to the species' discovery.
What does the generic name 'Protoblepharus' mean?
The generic name Protoblepharus is derived from Greek words. 'Proto' means 'primitive,' and 'blepharo' means 'eyelid,' referring to the ablepharine characteristic of these skinks.
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