Lined supple skink
Riopa lineata·Scincidae
The lined supple skink, also known as the lined writhing skink, is a small reptile found in parts of India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. This species is characterized by its golden body color, with each scale bearing a black dot that creates distinct longitudinal stripes. It typically inhabits areas under rocks, loose soil, and near termite or ant mounds.
Key Facts
- ›Found in the northern Western Ghats of India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar.
- ›Adults reach approximately 6 cm in length.
- ›Features a golden body with black-dotted scales forming stripes.
- ›Inhabits areas under rocks and loose soil, often near termite and ant mounds.
- ›It is a crepuscular species, meaning it is most active during twilight hours.
- ›Diet includes termites, mosquitoes, house flies, and ant eggs.
Lined Writhing Skink, Lined Supple Skink
India, Bangladesh, Myanmar
- Grows To About 6 cm In Length.
- Body Color Is Golden.
- Each Scale Has A Black Dot, Forming Longitudinal Stripes On the Body.
Termites, Mosquitoes, House Flies, Ant Eggs
Crepuscular Activity Pattern ., Often Found Under Rocks and In Loose Soil.
About Lined supple skink
The Lined Supple Skink
The lined supple skink, scientifically known as Riopa lineata, is a small reptile recognized for its distinctive appearance and specific habitat preferences. Also referred to as the lined writhing skink, this species is found across a range that includes parts of India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. Its presence has been noted in the northern Western Ghats region of India, extending from Gujarat to the north of Karnataka, with specific observations in areas like Mumbai's Sanjay Gandhi National Park and Aarey milk colony.
Physical Characteristics and Habitat
Adult lined supple skinks typically reach a length of about 6 centimeters. Their most striking feature is their coloration: a golden body adorned with black dots on each scale, which combine to form clear longitudinal stripes running down their bodies. These skinks are commonly found in terrestrial environments, preferring to shelter under rocks or in loose soil, particularly in areas associated with termite mounds and ant hills. This suggests a close relationship with insect activity in their chosen locales.
Behavior and Diet
The lined supple skink exhibits a crepuscular activity pattern, meaning it is most active during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk. This behavior is typical for many small reptiles seeking to avoid the extreme temperatures of midday and the full darkness of night. Dietary observations from captive individuals indicate a diet primarily consisting of insects, including termites, mosquitoes, house flies, and ant eggs. This insectivorous diet is consistent with its habitat choice near ant and termite colonies.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scientific name of the lined supple skink?
The scientific name for the lined supple skink is Riopa lineata. It was previously referred to as Lygosoma lineata.
What does the lined supple skink look like?
This skink is about 6 cm long and has a golden body. Each scale is marked with a black dot, which collectively forms prominent longitudinal stripes along its body.
Where can the lined supple skink be found?
The lined supple skink is known to inhabit northern India, specifically the northern Western Ghats region from Gujarat to north of Karnataka. It has also been recorded in Bangladesh and Myanmar.
What kind of habitat does the lined supple skink prefer?
It is typically found in areas with loose soil, often associated with termite mounds and ant hills. They are also known to shelter under rocks.
What does the lined supple skink eat?
Observations indicate that the lined supple skink is an insectivore. A captive individual accepted termites, mosquitoes, house flies, and ant eggs.
When is the lined supple skink most active?
The lined supple skink is a crepuscular species. This means it is most active during the twilight hours of dawn and dusk.
Related Lizards
Lygosoma lineata
The Lygosoma lineata, also known as the lined writhing skink or lined supple skink, is a small lizard species found in India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar. It is characterized by its golden body color with black dots on each scale, forming distinct longitudinal stripes. This skink is typically found under rocks and in loose soil, often near termite mounds and ant hills, and is active during twilight hours.
Hemitheconyx caudicinctus
The African fat-tailed gecko, scientifically known as Hemitheconyx caudicinctus, is a ground-dwelling reptile native to West Africa and Cameroon. This species is characterized by its ability to store fat in its tail, which also aids in defense by detaching to help it escape predators. They are nocturnal and inhabit dry or savannah environments.
Northern prairie skink
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