Eastern skink
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| Eastern skink | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Scincidae |
| Genus: | Scincus |
| Species: | S. mitranus
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| Binomial name | |
| Scincus mitranus | |
The eastern skink (Scincus mitranus), also commonly known as the Arabian sand skink and the eastern sand fish, is a species of lizard in the skink family (Scincidae).[1][2]
Etymology
The specific name, mitranus, is in honour of Indian archeologist and anthropologist "Bábu Rájendralála Mitra" (1824–1891).[3]
Description
S. mitranus may grow to a length of 20 cm (7.9 in) and have an orange-brown or sand-coloured back, and a white underside. On the side it has a line or spots in a light colour, and the back and legs have vague dark bands. The snout is shaped like a bill, and the legs and tail are short.[citation needed]
Behaviour
The eastern skink can run quickly, or slide over the sand and dig itself in quickly when it is in danger.[citation needed]
Diet
S. mitranus preys on several kinds of arthropods, especially centipedes and beetles.[citation needed]
Geographic range and habitat
S. mitranus is found in the Arabian Peninsula (Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates), western Iran, and Pakistan.[1][2] Its presence in Pakistan is disputed.[2]
Habitat
S. mitranus is associated with loose sand dune (aeolian) habitats.[1]
Reproduction
The eastern skink is viviparous,[1][2] which gives it an advantage compared to other species in the area, as its eggs cannot desiccate.[citation needed]
References
- ^ a b c d e Els, J.; Eid, E.K.A.; Al Johany, A.M.H.; Amr, Z.S.S.; Egan, D.M.; Sharifi, M.; Papenfuss, T.; Shafiei Bafti, S. (2012). "Scincus mitranus ". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2012: e.T164651A1064287. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2012.RLTS.T164651A1064287.en.
- ^ a b c d e Scincus mitranus at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 4 August 2016.
- ^ Beolens, Bo; Watkins, Michael; Grayson, Michael (2011). The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5. (Scincus mitranus, p. 180).
Further reading
- Anderson J (1871). "Description of a New Species of Scincus ". Proc. Asiatic Soc. Bengal 1871: 115–116. (Scincus mitranus, new species).
- Boulenger GA (1887). Catalogue of the Lizards in the British Museum (Natural History). Second Edition. Volume III. ... Scincidæ ... London: Trustees of the British Museum (Natural History). (Taylor and Francis, printers). xii + 575 pp. + Plates I-XL. (Scincus mitranus, p. 393).
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