Greer's Lanka skink
Greer's Lanka skink, also known as Deignan's tree skink, is a robust lizard species endemic to Sri Lanka. It inhabits the midhill, submontane, and montane forests, typically found in moist leaf litter, under stones, and logs. This species is characterized by its olive-brown coloration with distinct dark and yellowish stripes along its sides and a cream-white venter.
Key Facts
- ›Found in midhill, submontane, and montane forests of Sri Lanka.
- ›Diet consists primarily of insects.
- ›Reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous), typically two per clutch.
- ›Characterized by a thick dark lateral stripe bordered by lighter stripes.
- ›Midbody scale rows are 28, with 19-20 lamellae under the fourth toe.
Deignan's Tree Skink, Deignan Tree Skink
Sri Lanka
Forest, Midhill Forest, Submontane Forest, Montane Forest
- Large and Robust Build.
- Olive Brown Dorsum.
- Thick Dark Lateral Stripe.
- Brownish-Yellow Stripe Above the Dark Lateral Stripe.
- 3-4 Gray Stripes Below the Dark Lateral Stripe, Extending From Orbit To Tail-Tip.
- Cream White Or Pale Pink Venter.
- Black Spots On the Upper Jaw.
- Midbody Scale Rows: 28.
- Lamellae Under the Fourth Toe: 19-20.
Insects
- Found In Moist Leaf Litter, Under Stones and Logs.
About Greer's Lanka skink
Greer's Lanka skink, scientifically known as Lankascincus deignani and also referred to as Deignan's tree skink, is a species of lizard belonging to the family Scincidae. This species is native to the island of Sri Lanka and is found in the island's midhill, submontane, and montane forest ecosystems.
Habitat and Distribution
The natural habitat of Greer's Lanka skink is restricted to the forests found in the midhills, submontane, and montane regions of Sri Lanka. These lizards are typically observed at elevations ranging from 600 to 1,700 meters (approximately 2,000 to 5,600 feet). They are commonly found in moist leaf litter, beneath stones, and under fallen logs within these forested environments.
Physical Description
Greer's Lanka skink is described as a rather large and robust member of the Lankascincus genus. Its dorsal side is colored olive brown, distinguished by a prominent, thick dark lateral stripe. This dark stripe is bordered above by a brownish-yellow stripe and below by three to four gray stripes that extend from the edge of the orbit to the tip of the tail. The underside, or venter, of the lizard is cream white or pale pink. Additional distinguishing features include black spots present on the upper jaw. The species has 28 midbody scale rows and 19 to 20 lamellae on the fourth toe.
Ecology and Diet
The diet of Greer's Lanka skink primarily consists of insects. Its preferred microhabitats, such as moist leaf litter and the undersides of logs, provide ample opportunities for foraging on small invertebrates.
Reproduction
Greer's Lanka skink is oviparous, meaning it reproduces by laying eggs. Typically, a clutch consists of two eggs.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is another name for Greer's Lanka skink?
Greer's Lanka skink is also commonly known as Deignan's tree skink or the Deignan tree skink. These common names refer to its habitat and features.
Where does Greer's Lanka skink live?
This lizard is found in Sri Lanka, specifically within the midhill, submontane, and montane forests. It prefers elevations between 600 to 1,700 meters.
What does Greer's Lanka skink eat?
The diet of Greer's Lanka skink primarily comprises insects. They are found in environments where insects are abundant.
How does Greer's Lanka skink reproduce?
Greer's Lanka skink is oviparous, meaning it reproduces by laying eggs. Typically, two eggs are laid in a single clutch.
What are the physical characteristics of Greer's Lanka skink?
It is a large and robust skink with an olive-brown dorsum. It features a thick dark lateral stripe, a brownish-yellow stripe above it, and several gray stripes below, extending to the tail. The venter is cream white or pale pink, and the upper jaw has black spots.
Related Lizards
Adolfus jacksoni
Adolfus jacksoni, also known as Jackson's forest lizard, is a species of lizard belonging to the Lacertidae family, native to East Africa. It prefers forest habitats at significant altitudes and exhibits diurnal and semi-arboreal behaviors. This oviparous species lays clutches of three to five eggs, and communal nesting sites have been observed.
Rhino horned lizard
The rhino-horned lizard (Ceratophora stoddartii), also known as Stoddart's unicorn lizard, is a reptile endemic to the montane forests of central Sri Lanka. Its most distinctive feature is a prominent, horn-like rostral appendage on the snout of males, which is reduced or absent in females. This arboreal lizard is well-camouflaged against tree bark and mosses, and it displays a unique defense mechanism of opening its mouth wide to reveal a bright orange lining when threatened.
Toeless snake skink
The toeless snake skink (Nessia monodactyla), also referred to as the one-toed nessia, is a species of skink found exclusively on the island of Sri Lanka. This slender, legless reptile inhabits montane forests, typically found under rubble, decaying logs, or within soil. Its diet consists primarily of insects.