Lankascincus taprobanensis

Smooth Lanka skink
Conservation status
Near Threatened (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Family:	Scincidae
Genus:	Lankascincus
Species:	L. taprobanensis
Binomial name
Lankascincus taprobanensis Kelaart, 1854[2]

Lankascincus taprobanensis, also known as the Ceylon tree skink, is a species of skink endemic to the island of Sri Lanka.^[1][3]

Habitat and distribution[]

The smooth Lanka skink is found from 1,000 to 2,300 metres (3,300 to 7,500 ft) above sea level, and is the only skink found at the 2,300-metre (7,500 ft) elevation in Sri Lanka. It is common in the Horton Plains, Hakgala, Namunukula, and Nuwara Eliya.^[4]

Description[]

The body is stout, and the tail is 1.3 to 1.5 times that of the body. The fronto-parietals are distinct. The parietals are in narrow contact. There are 24 to 27 rows of scales in the midbody. There are 9 to 17 lamellae under the fourth toe. The dorsum is gray, reddish brown, brownish yellow, or olive colored. Each scale has a median dark spot. There is a brownish black lateral stripe with yellowish cream flecks running from the eye to the base of the tail. The venter is lemon yellow. The throat is pale blue with a few scattered dark spots. Irises are very dark brown colored.^{[citation needed]}

Ecology and diet[]

Its diet includes insects.^[1]

Reproduction[]

It lays 1 to 2 eggs, each measuring 7 by 12.5 millimetres (0.28 by 0.49 in), per clutch in loose soil. Hatchlings measure 19 millimetres (0.75 in).^{[citation needed]}

References[]

External links[]

• Photos of the smooth Lanka skink