Common lanka skink
The common lanka skink (Lankascincus fallax) is a species of lizard found in Sri Lanka and the Western Ghats of India. It is characterized by fused fronto-parietal scales, unlike other Lanka skinks, and males are distinguished by a red throat. Its coloration varies, with a pale to dark brown dorsum featuring longitudinal stripes and a yellowish-brown stripe extending from the eye to the tail.
Key Facts
- ›Found in Sri Lanka and the Western Ghats of India.
- ›Possesses fused fronto-parietal scales, a unique trait among Lanka skinks.
- ›Males are identifiable by a red throat, which can also be blue or cream with white spots depending on reproductive status.
- ›Dorsal coloration is pale to dark brown with longitudinal stripes.
- ›Females have yellow irises, while males have bright red irises.
- ›Reproduces by laying a single egg per clutch.
Common Supple Skink, Peters's Tree Skink
Sri Lanka, Western Ghats
- Fronto-Parietal Is Fused.
- Midbody Scale Rows Range From 24 To 28.
- Lamellae Under the Fourth Toe Are 13 To 18.
- Dorsum Is Pale To Dark Brown, With Each Dorsal Scale Featuring A Pale Stripe That Joins To Form A Longitudinal Line.
- A Yellowish-Brown Stripe Runs From the Posterior Edge of the Eye To Beyond the Middle of the Tail.
- Throat Color Varies From Red, Blue, Or Cream, With White Spots, Potentially Depending On Reproductive Status.
- Venter Is Unpatterned and Creamy.
- Ventral Scales Have A Frosted Pattern, Forming Longitudinal Lines.
- Iris Is Yellow In Females and Bright Red In Males.
About Common lanka skink
The common lanka skink, scientifically known as Lankascincus fallax, is a species of lizard belonging to the family Scincidae. This species is native to the regions of Sri Lanka and the Western Ghats in India. It is recognized by several distinct physical characteristics that differentiate it from its relatives.
Description and Identification
A notable feature of the common lanka skink is its fused fronto-parietal scales, a trait not found in other species within the Lankascincus genus. The number of scale rows around the midbody typically ranges from 24 to 28, and the lamellae under the fourth toe number between 13 and 18. The dorsal coloration varies from pale to dark brown, with individual scales often bearing a pale stripe that collectively forms a longitudinal line along the back. A distinct yellowish-brown stripe extends from the posterior edge of the eye and continues beyond the midpoint of the tail. In males, the throat color can be red, blue, or cream, often adorned with white spots, which may vary with reproductive condition. The venter is typically unpatterned and creamy, with ventral scales exhibiting a frosted pattern that creates longitudinal lines. Significant differences are also observed in the iris coloration: females have yellow irises, while males possess bright red irises.
Reproduction
The reproductive strategy of the common lanka skink involves the laying of a single egg per clutch. These eggs are deposited in loose soil, providing a protected environment for incubation.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the common lanka skink found?
The common lanka skink is naturally found in Sri Lanka and the Western Ghats region of India. These locations provide the suitable habitats for this species to thrive.
What are the distinctive physical features of the common lanka skink?
A key distinguishing feature is its fused fronto-parietal scales, which sets it apart from other Lanka skink species. Males are also identifiable by their red throats, though coloration can vary.
How does the common lanka skink reproduce?
This species reproduces by laying a single egg per clutch. The eggs are deposited in loose soil, providing a protected environment for development.
What is the coloration of the common lanka skink?
The dorsum of the common lanka skink is typically pale to dark brown, with each dorsal scale having a pale stripe that forms a longitudinal line. A yellowish-brown stripe runs from the back of the eye to beyond the middle of the tail.
Are there differences between male and female common lanka skinks?
Yes, males are distinguished by their red throats, which can vary in color and pattern. Additionally, male common lanka skinks have bright red irises, while females have yellow irises.
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