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.
Key Facts
- ›Found in Bangladesh, India (excluding the Northwest), Maldives, Myanmar, and Nepal.
- ›Diurnal and terrestrial, often seen basking or foraging in open spaces.
- ›Diet includes crickets, caterpillars, beetles, earthworms, and small vertebrates.
- ›Reproduces by laying 2-20 eggs in self-excavated holes or under logs.
- ›Can reach a maximum length of 37 cm, with a common snout-vent length of 9 cm.
Keeled Indian Mabuya, Many-Keeled Grass Skink, Golden Skink
Bangladesh, India, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal
- Robust Body With A Moderate, Obtuse Snout.
- Scaly Lower Eyelids and Smooth Vertebral Scales.
- Roundish, Sub-Triangular Ear-Opening.
- Coloration Ranges From Brown To Olive Or Bronze Above, Sometimes With Dark-Brown Or Black Spots Or Longitudinal Streaks Along Scale Margins.
- Sides Are Dark-Brown Or Chestnut, Potentially With Light Spots.
- A Light Dorso-Lateral Line Extends From Above the Eye To the Base of the Tail.
- Lower Parts Are Whitish Or Yellowish.
- Maximum Length: 37 cm; Common Length: 25 cm .
Crickets, Caterpillars, Beetles, Earthworms, Small Vertebrates
- Diurnal
- Terrestrial
- Frequently Seen Basking Or Foraging In Open Areas.
About Mabuya carinata
Eutropis carinata: The Keeled Indian Mabuya
The keeled Indian mabuya, scientifically classified as Eutropis carinata, is a common species of skink found across South Asia. This lizard is also recognized by common names such as the many-keeled grass skink and, ambiguously, the 'golden skink'.
Description and Habitat
Eutropis carinata is distinguished by its robust body and a moderate, obtuse snout. Its coloration varies, typically appearing brown, olive, or bronze on its dorsal side, often marked with dark spots or streaks. The sides of the body are dark brown or chestnut, sometimes featuring light spots, and a pale dorso-lateral line runs from above the eye to the tail base. The underparts are usually whitish or yellowish. These lizards are terrestrial and diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. They are frequently observed basking in the sun or foraging in open, terrestrial environments.
Distribution and Diet
This skink has a wide distribution, being frequently found in Bangladesh, India (with the exception of the northwestern regions), Maldives, Myanmar, and Nepal. There is also a possibility of its presence in Bhutan. The diet of the keeled Indian mabuya is varied, consisting of insects like crickets, caterpillars, and beetles, as well as earthworms. They are also known to prey on small vertebrates.
Reproduction
Eutropis carinata is an oviparous species, reproducing by laying eggs. Between August and September, females deposit clutches of 2 to 20 eggs. These eggs are typically laid in self-excavated holes or concealed under fallen logs. The eggs measure approximately 11 by 17 mm. Hatchlings emerge between May and June, measuring about 12 to 12.5 mm in length. Research in southern India has indicated that the male reproductive cycle, characterized by peak testicular size and activity, occurs in October and November, coinciding with the female reproductive cycle generally during the dry, post-rainy season.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is another name for Eutropis carinata?
Eutropis carinata is commonly known as the keeled Indian mabuya. It is also sometimes referred to as the many-keeled grass skink or ambiguously as the 'golden skink'.
Where can the keeled Indian mabuya be found?
This species is frequently found in Bangladesh, India (though not in the North-West), Maldives, Myanmar, and Nepal. It may also be present in Bhutan.
What kind of habitat does the keeled Indian mabuya prefer?
The keeled Indian mabuya is a terrestrial lizard that prefers open areas. It is often observed basking in the sun or foraging in these environments.
What does the keeled Indian mabuya eat?
Its diet consists of a variety of food items, including crickets, caterpillars, beetles, and earthworms. It has also been known to consume small vertebrates.
How does the keeled Indian mabuya reproduce?
This species is oviparous, meaning it lays eggs. Females lay clutches of 2 to 20 eggs in self-excavated holes or under fallen logs between August and September.
What is the typical size of the keeled Indian mabuya?
The maximum recorded length for Eutropis carinata is 37 cm. The common length is typically around 25 cm, with a snout-vent length of about 9 cm.
Related Lizards
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.
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.