Keeled Indian mabuya
The Keeled Indian mabuya, scientifically known as Eutropis carinata, is a common skink species found across South Asia. It is characterized by its robust body, brown to olive or bronze coloration, and a distinctive light dorso-lateral line. This diurnal and terrestrial lizard inhabits open areas and feeds on a variety of invertebrates and small vertebrates.
Key Facts
- ›Found in Bangladesh, India (excluding NW), Maldives, Myanmar, and Nepal.
- ›Diurnal and primarily terrestrial, often seen basking in open areas.
- ›Diet includes crickets, caterpillars, beetles, earthworms, and small vertebrates.
- ›Reproduces by laying 2-20 eggs in self-excavated holes or under logs between August and September.
- ›Maximum recorded length is 37 cm, with a common snout-vent length of 9 cm.
Many-Keeled Grass Skink, Golden Skink
Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal
- Robust Body; Snout Moderate, Obtuse.
- Lower Eyelids Scaly; Vertebral Scales Smooth.
- Ear-Opening Roundish, Sub-Triangular.
- Coloration: Brown To Olive Or Bronze Above, Uniform Or With Dark-Brown Or Black Spots, Or Longitudinal Streaks Along the Lateral Margins of the Scales.
- Sides Are Dark-Brown Or Chestnut, With Or Without Light Spots.
- A Light Dorso-Lateral Line Starting From Above the Eye and Continued To the Base of the Tail.
- Lower Parts Whitish Or Yellowish.
- Maximum Length: 37 cm.
- Common Length: 25 cm.
- Snout-Vent Length: 9 cm.
Crickets, Caterpillars, Beetles, Earthworms, Small Vertebrates
- Diurnal
- Terrestrial
- Frequently Seen Basking Or Foraging In Open Areas
About Keeled Indian mabuya
Keeled Indian Mabuya (Eutropis carinata)
The Keeled Indian mabuya, scientifically designated as Eutropis carinata, is a widespread lizard species inhabiting South Asia. Often referred to by common names such as the many-keeled grass skink or, less specifically, the golden skink, this species is a familiar sight in its natural range.
Description and Physical Characteristics
This skink possesses a robust body and a moderately obtuse snout. Its lower eyelids are scaly, and the vertebral scales are smooth. The ear-opening is typically roundish to sub-triangular. Coloration varies, with individuals displaying brown, olive, or bronze hues on their upper surfaces. These can be uniform or marked with dark-brown or black spots, or longitudinal streaks along the scale margins. The sides of the body are usually dark-brown or chestnut, sometimes featuring light spots. A distinctive light dorso-lateral line extends from above the eye to the base of the tail, contrasting with whitish or yellowish lower parts. Adult Keeled Indian mabuya can reach a maximum length of 37 cm, with a common snout-vent length of around 9 cm, contributing to a total length of approximately 25 cm.
Distribution and Habitat
Eutropis carinata is frequently encountered across several South Asian countries, including Bangladesh, India (with the exception of the northwestern regions), the Maldives, Myanmar, and Nepal, with possible presence in Bhutan. They are diurnal and terrestrial, commonly observed basking or foraging in open areas. Their habitat preference leans towards environments that offer open spaces for these activities.
Ecology and Behavior
The diet of the Keeled Indian mabuya is varied, encompassing a range of invertebrates and small vertebrates. Known prey items include crickets, caterpillars, beetles, and earthworms. The species is oviparous, meaning it reproduces by laying eggs. Clutches typically consist of 2 to 20 eggs, which are deposited in self-excavated holes or concealed under fallen logs, usually between August and September. Hatchlings emerge between May and June, measuring approximately 12 to 12.5 mm. Reproductive cycles in males, particularly in southern India, show peaks in testicular size and reproductive activity during October and November, aligning with the dry, post-rainy season that often corresponds with the female reproductive cycle.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Keeled Indian mabuya?
The Keeled Indian mabuya (Eutropis carinata) is a species of skink native to South Asia. It is also known by common names such as the many-keeled grass skink or, ambiguously, the golden skink.
What does the Keeled Indian mabuya look like?
It has a robust body and can range in color from brown to olive or bronze, often with dark spots or longitudinal streaks. A notable feature is a light dorso-lateral line running from above the eye to the tail base. Its lower parts are typically whitish or yellowish.
Where can I find a Keeled Indian mabuya?
These skinks are frequently found in Bangladesh, India (excluding the northwest region), the Maldives, Myanmar, and Nepal. Their habitat is often in open areas where they can bask and forage.
What do Keeled Indian mabuya lizards eat?
Their diet is varied and includes insects such as crickets, caterpillars, and beetles, as well as earthworms. They have also been known to consume small vertebrates.
How does the Keeled Indian mabuya reproduce?
The Keeled Indian mabuya is oviparous, meaning it lays eggs. Females lay clutches of 2 to 20 eggs in self-excavated holes or under fallen logs, typically between August and September.
What is the size of an adult Keeled Indian mabuya?
The maximum recorded length for this species is 37 cm. The common length is around 25 cm, with a snout-vent length of approximately 9 cm.
Related Lizards
Mabuya carinata
The keeled Indian mabuya, scientifically known as Eutropis carinata, is a species of skink native to South Asia. This diurnal and terrestrial lizard is characterized by its robust body, brown to olive coloration, and a maximum length of 37 cm. It inhabits open areas and feeds on a variety of invertebrates and small vertebrates.
Many-keeled grass skink
The Many-keeled grass skink, scientifically known as Eutropis carinata, is a diurnal and terrestrial lizard found across South Asia. It is characterized by a robust body, a moderate snout, and variable coloration ranging from brown to olive or bronze, often with spots or streaks. This skink typically measures up to 37 cm in length and is known to consume a diet of insects, caterpillars, and small vertebrates.
Ablepharus
Ablepharus, commonly known as snake-eyed skinks, are small lizards distinguished by fused eyelids that prevent blinking, similar to snakes. They inhabit dry fields, hills, and rocky areas, often concealed within leaf litter. These skinks possess shiny, bronze scales and a characteristic dark stripe along their sides, feeding primarily on small insects and mollusks.