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Mabuya trivittata

Eutropis trivittata·Scincidae

The Indian three-banded skink, scientifically known as Eutropis trivittata, is a species of skink native to India. This lizard is characterized by its keeled dorsal and lateral scales and a body that typically features three distinct bands. It inhabits various regions within central and western India.

Key Facts

  • Found in central and western India, including Bombay, Madras, Hyderabad, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar.
  • Distinguished by dorsal and lateral scales with 5, or sometimes 7 in adults, strong keels.
  • Features smooth lamellae under the digits, with 13 or 14 beneath the fourth toe.
  • The hind limb of the skink reaches to the wrist or elbow.
  • Scales around the middle of the body number 34 or 36.
Mabuya trivittata
Common Names

Indian Three-Banded Skink

Geographic Distribution

India

Physical Description
  • Supranasals In Contact With One Another.
  • Fronto-Nasal Broader Than Long.
  • Prefrontantal In Contact With One Another.
  • Nuchal Scales Present Or Absent.
  • No Postnasal, Anterior Loreal Higher Than Long.
  • Lower Eyelid Scaly.
  • Ear Opening Subcircular, Smaller Than A Lateral Scale With A Short, Pointed Lobulous Anteriorly.
  • Dorsal and Lateral Scales Subequal, With 5, Sometimes In Adults 7, Strong Keels.
  • 34 Or 36 Scales Round the Middle of the Body.
  • Digits Moderately Long, With Smooth Lamellae, 13 Or 14 Beneath the Fourth Toe.
  • Hind-Limb Reaches To the Wrist Or the Elbow.
  • Palm of the Heel and Sole of the Feet With Enlarged Sub Conical Tubercles Intermixed With Much Smaller Ones.

About Mabuya trivittata

The Indian Three-Banded Skink (Eutropis trivittata)

The Indian three-banded skink, scientifically classified as Eutropis trivittata, is a species of skink indigenous to India. This reptile is recognized by its distinctive physical attributes, including keeled scales and a characteristic banding pattern along its body.

Description and Distribution

Eutropis trivittata exhibits specific morphological features. Its scales are characterized by 5, and sometimes 7 in adult specimens, strong keels on both the dorsal and lateral surfaces. The digits are of moderate length and possess smooth lamellae, with 13 to 14 lamellae found beneath the fourth toe. A notable characteristic is the relatively long hind limb, which extends to the wrist or elbow. The palm of the heel and the sole of the feet are adorned with enlarged sub-conical tubercles interspersed with smaller ones. The species is found in central and western India, with recorded occurrences in regions such as Bombay, Madras, Hyderabad, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar.

Source: Wikipedia ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the scientific name for the Indian three-banded skink?

The scientific name for the Indian three-banded skink is Eutropis trivittata. This binomial nomenclature is used to classify the species within the scientific community.

Where is the Indian three-banded skink found?

This skink species is distributed across central and western India. Specific regions include Bombay, Madras, Hyderabad, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar.

What are the key physical characteristics of this skink?

Eutropis trivittata possesses dorsal and lateral scales that are subequal and feature 5 to 7 strong keels. The digits have smooth lamellae, and its hind limb is relatively long, reaching the wrist or elbow.

How many scales are typically found around the body of this skink?

There are usually 34 or 36 scales counted around the middle of the body in Eutropis trivittata. This count is a diagnostic feature for the species.