Eutropis multifasciata
Eutropis multifasciata·Scincidae·Not specified
The East Indian brown mabuya, also known as the many-lined sun skink or common sun skink, is a widespread species of skink found across South and Southeast Asia, and parts of southern China. It is characterized by prominent colored dorsal bands, a moderate to obtuse snout, and scaly lower eyelids. This adaptable lizard thrives in various environments, including agricultural areas and open forests, and has become an invasive species in some regions like Taiwan.
Key Facts
- ›Inhabits a vast range from India and southern China to southern Indonesia.
- ›Distinguished by prominent colored dorsal bands and specific scale arrangements.
- ›Found in diverse habitats including agricultural areas, open forests, and human-disturbed areas.
- ›Has a significant impact as an invasive species in Taiwan, outcompeting native lizards.
- ›Its elevation distribution is limited by cold tolerance but may expand with climate change.
- ›Possesses a moderate to obtuse snout and scaly lower eyelid.
East Indian Brown Mabuya, Many-Lined Sun Skink, Many-Striped Skink, Common Sun Skink, Golden Skink
India, Southern China, Southeast Asia, Southern Indonesia, New Guinea, Australia, Usa
- Often Shows Prominent Colored Dorsal Bands.
- Moderate To Obtuse Snout.
- Lower Eyelid Is Scaly.
- Nostril Positioned Behind the Vertical Line of the Suture Between the Rostral and First Labial Scale, With A Postnasal Scale.
- Anterior Loreal Scale No Deeper Than the Second, and In Contact With the First Labial Scale.
- Suprasuccal Scales Largely In Contact Behind the Rostral.
- Frontonasal Scale Broader Than It Is Long.
- Prefrontal Scales Consistently Form A Median Suture.
- Frontal Scale As Long As Or Shorter Than the Frontoparietals and Interparietal Together.
- Frontal Scale Makes Contact With the Second Supraocular.
- Four Supraoculars, the Second Being the Largest.
- Six Supraciliaries, the First Being the Largest.
- Distinct Fronto-Parietal Scales, Larger Than the Interparietal, Completely Separating the Parietals.
- A Pair of Nuchals and Four Labials Anterior To the Subocular, Which Is Large and Not Narrower Below.
- Ear-Opening Is Roundish Or Oval, As Large As A Lateral Scale, Or A Little Smaller.
- Dorsal Scales Are More Or Less Distinctly Tricarinate ; Nuchal and Lateral Scales Usually Very Feebly Keeled Or Smooth.
- 30 To 34 Scales Around the Middle of the Body; Dorsals Are Largest.
- Hind Limb Reaches the Wrist Or the Elbow of the Forelimb.
- Subdigital Lamellae Are Smooth.
- Scales On the Upper Surface of the Tibia Are Mostly Tricarinate.
- Tail Is 1.3 To 1.6 Times the Length of the Head and Body.
- Coloration: Brown Or Olive Above; Some Specimens Uniformly Colored, Others With A Large Whitish/Red Patch On Either Side.
- Backs Have Small Black Spots, Sometimes Merging Into Longitudinal Lines.
- Sides Usually Dark Brown, With Whitish, Black-Edged Ocelli.
- A Well-Defined Light Dorso-Lateral Band Is Very Occasionally Present.
- Lower Surfaces Are Yellowish Or Greenish White.
Prey Items
High Fecundity, Competes With Other Species For Resources, Poor Cold Tolerance
Competition With Invasive Species
About Eutropis multifasciata
Eutropis multifasciata: The Many-lined Sun Skink
The East Indian brown mabuya, scientifically known as Eutropis multifasciata, is a widely distributed skink species recognized for its distinctive colored dorsal bands and specific scale arrangements. Commonly referred to as the many-lined sun skink, many-striped skink, or common sun skink, this reptile is found across an extensive range that includes India, southern China, Southeast Asia, and southern Indonesia, with introductions to Australia and the USA.
Physical Characteristics
Eutropis multifasciata possesses a moderate to obtuse snout and has scaly lower eyelids. Its dorsal scales are typically tricarinate, featuring three ridges, though some may have five. The coloration varies, with individuals being brown or olive above, sometimes displaying uniform shades or having a large whitish or reddish patch on each side. The backs may bear small black spots that can merge into longitudinal lines, while the sides are usually dark brown with whitish, black-edged ocelli. The underside is generally yellowish or greenish white.
Habitat and Distribution
This adaptable species thrives in a variety of habitats, including agricultural areas, open forests, and environments significantly altered by human activity. Its ability to adapt to these diverse settings has contributed to its widespread presence. However, its distribution is influenced by temperature; a poor cold tolerance currently restricts its elevational range, particularly in regions like Taiwan where it has become an established invasive species.
Ecological Impact
In regions such as Taiwan, Eutropis multifasciata has demonstrated a significant ecological impact. Its high reproductive capacity allows it to effectively compete with native lizard species for resources. This competitive advantage has led to declines in the populations of indigenous lizards that share similar habitats, highlighting the challenges posed by invasive species in maintaining local biodiversity.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common names for Eutropis multifasciata?
Eutropis multifasciata is commonly known by several names, including the East Indian brown mabuya, many-lined sun skink, many-striped skink, and common sun skink. It is also sometimes ambiguously referred to as the golden skink.
Where is Eutropis multifasciata found?
This species has an extensive geographic range that spans from India and southern China, through continental Southeast Asia, to southern Indonesia. Scattered records also exist from New Guinea, and it has been introduced to Australia and the USA.
What are the distinctive physical features of this skink?
Eutropis multifasciata often displays prominent colored dorsal bands. Key features include a moderate to obtuse snout, scaly lower eyelids, and specific arrangements of scales around the nostril, loreals, and supraoculars. The dorsal scales are typically tricarinate, meaning they have three ridges.
What types of habitats does Eutropis multifasciata inhabit?
This skink is adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats. It thrives in agricultural areas, open forests, and areas disturbed by humans. Its presence in Taiwan indicates successful adaptation to these varied environments.
How does Eutropis multifasciata impact native species, particularly in Taiwan?
In Taiwan, Eutropis multifasciata has become an invasive species due to its high reproductive ability. This allows it to outcompete indigenous lizard species for resources, leading to declines in native populations that share similar habitats.
What is the potential impact of climate change on this species' distribution?
Eutropis multifasciata has a poor cold tolerance, which currently restricts its elevational distribution. However, with rising global temperatures associated with climate change, it is expected to benefit from increased maximum activity time, potentially expanding its range to higher elevations.
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