Mabuya bibronii
Mabuya bibronii, also known as Bibron's mabuya or Bibron's skink, is a species of lizard found in India and Sri Lanka. This fossorial species typically inhabits coastal sand dunes and low vegetation, characterized by its olive-brown coloration with distinct light vertebral and dark dorso-lateral stripes. The transparent disk in its lower eyelid and sharp dorsal and flank scales are notable physical features.
Key Facts
- ›Native to India and Sri Lanka.
- ›Found in coastal sand dunes and low vegetation.
- ›Possesses sharp scales on its dorsum and flanks.
- ›Features a transparent disk in its lower eyelid.
- ›Characterized by olive-brown coloration with distinct stripes.
Bibron's Mabuya, Bibron's Skink, Seashore Skink
India, Sri Lanka
- Head Is Somewhat Flattened.
- Lower Eyelid Has A Transparent Disk.
- Scales On the Dorsum and Flanks Are Sharp.
- Dorsum Is Olive Brown.
- Features A Light Vertebral Stripe Which Is Dark-Edged.
- A Dark Dorso-Lateral Stripe Runs From the Eye To the Base of the Tail.
- Scale Rows At Midbody Number 28–30.
- 14–20 Lamellae Under the Fourth Toe.
Fossorial Species.
About Mabuya bibronii
Mabuya bibronii, commonly known as Bibron's mabuya, Bibron's skink, or the seashore skink, is a species of lizard belonging to the family Scincidae. It is native to the Indian subcontinent, specifically found in India and Sri Lanka.
Physical Characteristics
This skink possesses a somewhat flattened head and a distinctive transparent disk on its lower eyelid. The scales along its dorsum and flanks are notably sharp. Its coloration is typically olive brown, marked by a light vertebral stripe that is bordered by a darker edge. A prominent dark dorso-lateral stripe extends from the eye to the base of the tail. The species has between 28 to 30 scale rows at midbody and 14 to 20 lamellae under its fourth toe.
Habitat and Ecology
Mabuya bibronii is a fossorial species, meaning it spends a significant amount of time burrowing. It is most commonly observed in low vegetation found on sand dunes. Its preferred habitat is coastal lowland areas, generally at elevations below 20 meters (66 feet) above sea level. While predominantly coastal, there are unconfirmed records suggesting its presence further inland at higher altitudes.
Reproduction and Lifespan
Information regarding the specific mode of reproduction for Mabuya bibronii is currently unknown. Similarly, details about its typical lifespan, both in the wild and in captivity, are not documented in available records.
Etymology
The specific name, bibronii, honors the French herpetologist Gabriel Bibron (1806–1848), recognizing his contributions to the field of herpetology.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common names for Mabuya bibronii?
Mabuya bibronii is commonly known as Bibron's mabuya, Bibron's skink, and the seashore skink. These names reflect its association with the French herpetologist Gabriel Bibron and its coastal habitat.
Where is Mabuya bibronii found?
This species is native to India and Sri Lanka. It is typically found in coastal lowland areas, specifically burrowing in low vegetation on sand dunes.
What are the physical characteristics of Mabuya bibronii?
Mabuya bibronii has a somewhat flattened head and a transparent disk in its lower eyelid. Its dorsal and flank scales are sharp, and it displays an olive-brown coloration with a light, dark-edged vertebral stripe and a dark dorso-lateral stripe running from the eye to the tail base.
What is the habitat of Mabuya bibronii?
Mabuya bibronii is a fossorial species that burrows in low vegetation on sand dunes. It is primarily a coastal lowland species, usually found at elevations below 20 meters, though unconfirmed inland records exist.
Related Lizards
Bibron's skink
Bibron's skink (Eutropis bibronii), also known as Bibron's mabuya or the seashore skink, is a species of lizard native to India and Sri Lanka. This fossorial species is characterized by its flattened head, sharp dorsal and flank scales, and distinctive olive-brown coloration with light vertebral and dark dorso-lateral stripes. It primarily inhabits coastal sand dunes and low vegetation.
Blainville's horned lizard
Blainville's horned lizard, also known as the San Diego horned lizard, is a flat-bodied lizard native to Southern California and northern Baja California, Mexico. Characterized by its distinctive spiky horns on its head and body, it typically inhabits sandy areas with low vegetation near ant hills. This species plays a crucial role in its ecosystem, primarily feeding on ants, and exhibits a unique defense mechanism of squirting blood from its eyes.
Brown anole
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