Eutropis dissimilis
Eutropis dissimilis·Scincidae
Eutropis dissimilis, commonly known as the Indian three-banded skink, is a species of skink native to central and western India. This lizard is characterized by its keeled dorsal and lateral scales and a body with 34 to 36 scales around the middle. It inhabits various regions within India, including Bombay, Madras, Hyderabad, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar.
Key Facts
- ›Supranasals touch each other, and prefrontals are in contact.
- ›Dorsal and lateral scales are subequal and possess 5 to 7 strong keels.
- ›34 or 36 scales encircle the middle of the body.
- ›The hind limb extends to the wrist or elbow.
- ›The palm of the heel and the sole of the feet feature enlarged sub-conical tubercles.
- ›Found in central and western India.
Indian Three-Banded Skink
India
- Supranasals In Contact With One Another.
- Fronto-Nasal Broader Than Long.
- Prefrontantal In Contact With One Another.
- Nuchal Scales Present Or Absent.
- No Postnasal.
- Anterior Loreal Higher Than Long.
- Lower Eyelid Scaly.
- Ear Opening Subcircular, Smaller Than A Lateral Scale.
- Dorsal and Lateral Scales Subequal, With 5, Sometimes In Adults 7, Strong Keels.
- 34 Or 36 Scales Round the Middle of the Body.
- Digits Moderately Long, With Smooth Lamellae, 13 Or 14 Beneath the Fourth Toe.
- Hind-Limb Reaches To the Wrist Or the Elbow.
- Palm of the Heel and Sole of the Feet With Enlarged Sub Conical Tubercles Intermixed With Much Smaller Ones.
About Eutropis dissimilis
Eutropis dissimilis, also known by its common name the Indian three-banded skink, is a species of skink found in India. This reptile is characterized by several distinct physical features, including the arrangement and nature of its scales.
Description and Anatomy
The supranasal scales of Eutropis dissimilis are in contact with one another, and similarly, the prefrontal scales also touch. The fronto-nasal scale is broader than it is long. While nuchal scales may be present or absent, there are no postnasal scales. The anterior loreal scale is higher than it is long, and the lower eyelid is scaly. The ear opening is subcircular and smaller than a lateral scale, with a short, pointed lobule anteriorly.
The dorsal and lateral scales of Eutropis dissimilis are subequal and possess 5 to 7 strong keels. Typically, 34 or 36 scales encircle the middle of the body. The digits are moderately long, featuring smooth lamellae, with 13 or 14 lamellae found beneath the fourth toe. A notable characteristic is the length of the hind limb, which extends to the wrist or the elbow. The palm of the heel and the sole of the feet are covered with enlarged, sub-conical tubercles interspersed with much smaller ones.
Distribution
The natural geographic range of Eutropis dissimilis includes central and western India. Specific areas where it has been recorded are Bombay, Madras, Hyderabad, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the defining physical characteristics of Eutropis dissimilis?
Eutropis dissimilis has supranasals that contact each other and prefrontals that are also in contact. Its dorsal and lateral scales are subequal, featuring 5 to 7 strong keels. The species typically has 34 or 36 scales around the middle of its body.
Where is Eutropis dissimilis found geographically?
This skink species is distributed across central and western India. Specific regions mentioned include Bombay, Madras, Hyderabad, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar.
What is notable about the limbs and feet of Eutropis dissimilis?
The hind limb of Eutropis dissimilis is moderately long, reaching either the wrist or the elbow. Both the palm of the heel and the sole of the feet are adorned with enlarged, sub-conical tubercles interspersed with smaller ones.
How many scales are found around the middle of Eutropis dissimilis's body?
Eutropis dissimilis typically has 34 or 36 scales encircling the middle of its body. This count is a characteristic feature used in its identification.