Munindradasa's Lanka skink
Munindradasa's Lanka skink, also known as the Ceylon tree skink or smooth Lanka skink, is a stout-bodied lizard endemic to Sri Lanka. It is characterized by its distinctive scale patterns, a brownish-black lateral stripe, and a lemon-yellow venter. This species inhabits montane regions, being the only skink found at the highest elevations in Sri Lanka.
Key Facts
- ›Endemic to the island of Sri Lanka.
- ›Found at elevations from 1,000 to 2,300 meters above sea level.
- ›Possesses a stout body with a tail 1.3 to 1.5 times the body length.
- ›Dorsal coloration ranges from gray to olive, with each scale featuring a median dark spot.
- ›A prominent brownish-black lateral stripe with yellowish cream flecks runs from the eye to the tail base.
- ›Feeds on insects.
Ceylon Tree Skink, Smooth Lanka Skink
Sri Lanka
Montane, High-Elevation Forest
- Stout Body.
- Tail Length Is 1.3 To 1.5 Times the Body Length.
- Distinct Fronto-Parietals.
- Parietals Are In Narrow Contact.
- 24 To 27 Rows of Scales At Midbody.
- 9 To 17 Lamellae Under the Fourth Toe.
- Dorsum Is Gray, Reddish Brown, Brownish Yellow, Or Olive-Colored.
- Each Scale Has A Median Dark Spot.
- Brownish Black Lateral Stripe With Yellowish Cream Flecks Running From the Eye To the Base of the Tail.
- Venter Is Lemon Yellow.
- Throat Is Pale Blue With A Few Scattered Dark Spots.
- Iris Is Very Dark Brown.
Insects
Not Specified
About Munindradasa's Lanka skink
Munindradasa's Lanka skink, scientifically known as Lankascincus taprobanensis, is a species of lizard belonging to the family Scincidae. It is also commonly referred to as the Ceylon tree skink or the smooth Lanka skink. This species is endemic to the island of Sri Lanka, meaning it is found naturally nowhere else in the world.
Habitat and Distribution
The smooth Lanka skink is a denizen of Sri Lanka's montane regions. It is typically found at elevations ranging from 1,000 to 2,300 meters (approximately 3,300 to 7,500 feet) above sea level. Notably, it holds the distinction of being the only skink species documented at the highest elevation of 2,300 meters in Sri Lanka. Its presence is particularly common in areas such as the Horton Plains, Hakgala, Namunukula, and Nuwara Eliya.
Physical Characteristics
This skink possesses a stout body, complemented by a tail that measures between 1.3 and 1.5 times the length of its body. Anatomically, the fronto-parietal scales are distinct, and the parietals meet in a narrow contact. At midbody, there are typically 24 to 27 rows of scales, and the fourth toe features between 9 and 17 lamellae. The dorsal coloration varies, appearing in shades of gray, reddish brown, brownish yellow, or olive. Each scale is adorned with a median dark spot. A striking feature is the presence of a brownish-black lateral stripe, marked with yellowish cream flecks, which extends from the eye to the base of the tail. The underside, or venter, is a bright lemon yellow, while the throat is pale blue with scattered dark spots. The iris of the eye is a very dark brown.
Ecology and Diet
The diet of the Ceylon tree skink primarily consists of insects. This dietary preference places it as an insectivore within its ecosystem.
Reproduction
Reproduction in Lankascincus taprobanensis involves the female laying one to two eggs per clutch. These eggs are deposited in loose soil. Each egg measures approximately 7 by 12.5 millimeters. Hatchlings emerge from the eggs measuring around 19 millimeters in length.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common names for Lankascincus taprobanensis?
Lankascincus taprobanensis is commonly known as the Ceylon tree skink and the smooth Lanka skink. These names reflect its geographic origin and its smooth appearance.
Where is Munindradasa's Lanka skink found?
Munindradasa's Lanka skink is endemic to Sri Lanka. It is particularly common in highland areas such as the Horton Plains, Hakgala, Namunukula, and Nuwara Eliya.
What is the habitat of the smooth Lanka skink?
The smooth Lanka skink inhabits montane environments, typically found between 1,000 and 2,300 meters above sea level. It is notable for being the only skink species observed at the highest elevation of 2,300 meters in Sri Lanka.
What does Munindradasa's Lanka skink look like?
This skink has a stout body and a tail that is 1.3 to 1.5 times its body length. Its dorsal side can be gray, reddish brown, brownish yellow, or olive, with each scale having a dark median spot. A distinctive feature is a brownish-black lateral stripe with yellowish cream flecks.
What is the diet of the Ceylon tree skink?
The Ceylon tree skink's diet primarily consists of insects. This carnivorous tendency is common among many skink species.
How do Ceylon tree skinks reproduce?
Adult female Ceylon tree skinks lay one to two eggs per clutch in loose soil. Each egg measures approximately 7 by 12.5 millimeters. Hatchlings emerge measuring about 19 millimeters.
Related Lizards
Black-lipped forest lizard (Calotes nigrilabris)
The Black-lipped forest lizard (Calotes nigrilabris), also known as the black-cheek lizard, is an agamid species found only in Sri Lanka. It is easily distinguished from similar species by a black bar on its mouth, unlike the white or orange bars seen in others. This largely arboreal lizard inhabits tree trunks, hedges, and shrubs in submontane and montane regions, where it actively hunts insects and worms during the day.
Lankascincus taprobanensis
Lankascincus taprobanensis, commonly known as the Ceylon tree skink or smooth Lanka skink, is a species endemic to Sri Lanka. This stout-bodied lizard is distinguished by its coloration, which ranges from gray to reddish brown or olive, with each scale featuring a dark median spot and a lateral stripe. It inhabits montane regions, being the only skink found at higher elevations.
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.