Three-banded mabuya
Eutropis trivittata·Scincidae
The Three-banded mabuya, scientifically known as Eutropis trivittata, is a species of skink native to India. This lizard is characterized by its keeled dorsal and lateral scales, with adults often displaying seven strong keels. It inhabits central and western parts of India, including regions like Bombay, Madras, and Madhya Pradesh.
Key Facts
- ›Possesses supranasals that are in contact with each other.
- ›Features dorsal and lateral scales with 5 to 7 strong keels.
- ›Has 34 or 36 scales around the middle of its body.
- ›The hind limb extends to the wrist or elbow.
- ›Found in central and western India.
Indian Three-Banded Skink
India
- Supranasals In Contact With One Another.
- Fronto-Nasal Broader Than Long.
- Prefrontals In Contact With One Another.
- Nuchals May Be Present Or Absent.
- No Postnasal.
- Anterior Loreal Higher Than Long, Half As Long As the Posterior.
- Lower Eyelid Is Scaly.
- Ear Opening Is Subcircular, Smaller Than A Lateral Scale, With A Short, Pointed Lobule Anteriorly.
- Dorsal and Lateral Scales Are Subequal, With 5, Sometimes In Adults 7, Strong Keels.
- 34 Or 36 Scales Around the Middle of the Body.
- Digits Are Moderately Long, With Smooth Lamellae.
- 13 Or 14 Lamellae Beneath the Fourth Toe.
- Hind-Limb Reaches To the Wrist Or the Elbow.
- Palm of the Heel and Sole of the Feet Have Enlarged Subconical Tubercles Interspersed With Much Smaller Ones.
About Three-banded mabuya
The Three-banded Mabuya (Eutropis trivittata)
The Three-banded mabuya, scientifically classified as Eutropis trivittata, is a species of skink indigenous to India. This reptile is recognized for its distinctive scaled features, particularly the keeled nature of its dorsal and lateral scales, which typically possess five to seven strong keels in adults. The species is found across central and western regions of India, with documented occurrences in areas such as Bombay, Madras, Hyderabad, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar.
Physical Characteristics
Physically, the Three-banded mabuya presents several defining traits. Its supranasal scales are in contact with each other, and the fronto-nasal scale is broader than it is long. Prefrontal scales also meet, and nuchal scales may either be present or absent. The lower eyelid of this skink is scaly, and its ear opening is subcircular, appearing smaller than a lateral scale and featuring a short, pointed lobule anteriorly. A notable characteristic is the number of scales around the middle of the body, which is typically 34 or 36. The digits are moderately long and equipped with smooth lamellae, with 13 or 14 such lamellae found beneath the fourth toe. The hind limb of the Three-banded mabuya is relatively long, extending to the wrist or elbow. Additionally, the palm of the heel and the sole of the feet are adorned with enlarged, subconical tubercles interspersed with smaller ones.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scientific name for the Three-banded mabuya?
The scientific name for the Three-banded mabuya is Eutropis trivittata. This binomial nomenclature is used to classify it specifically within the scientific community.
Where is the Three-banded mabuya found geographically?
This skink species is distributed across central and western India. Specific regions mentioned include Bombay, Madras, Hyderabad, Madhya Pradesh, and Bihar.
What are the distinctive physical features of the Three-banded mabuya?
The Three-banded mabuya is identified by its keeled scales, typically having 5 to 7 strong keels on its dorsal and lateral sides. It also features a hind limb that reaches the wrist or elbow and has scales with smooth lamellae beneath the fourth toe.
How many scales does the Three-banded mabuya have around its body?
The Three-banded mabuya typically has 34 or 36 scales encircling the middle of its body. This count is a characteristic used in its identification.