Tytthoscincus temasekensis
Tytthoscincus temasekensis | |
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Tytthoscincus temasekensis from Singapore | |
Scientific classification ![]() | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Reptilia |
Order: | Squamata |
Family: | Scincidae |
Genus: | Tytthoscincus |
Species: | T. temasekensis
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Binomial name | |
Tytthoscincus temasekensis Grismer, Wood Jr., Lim, & Liang, 2017
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Tytthoscincus temasekensis, common name Singapore swamp skink, is a species of skinks belonging to the family Scincidae.[1]
Etymology[]
The species name temasekensis derives from the word Temasek meaning 'Sea Town' in Old Javanese, an ancient name of a settlement in Singapore. As the Latin suffix -ensis means 'from a place', the epithet temasekensis can be translated from Singapore.[2]
Distribution[]
This uncommon species is present in Singapore, and in restricted areas of the Peninsular Malaysia.[3]
Habitat[]
Singapore swamp skink occurs in freshwater swamp forest, in peat swamp areas and close to shallow streams.[3]
Description[]
Tytthoscincus temasekensis can reach a total body length of about 7.6 cm (3.0 in). These small skinks have an elongate and dorso-ventrally flattened body, with smooth scales. Limbs and feet are tiny, short and slender. Its dorsal basic colour is dark brown, with a pale line from the head to the end of the tail. The abdomen is pale brownish. Young skinks are pale brown and slightly pinkish.[2][3][4]
Behavior[]
These skinks are skilled swimmers and very elusive. Usually they hide amongst or beneath leaf litter next to streams or swamps.[3]
References[]
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Tytthoscincus temasekensis. |
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Wikispecies has information related to Tytthoscincus temasekensis. |
- ^ Biolib
- ^ a b The Reptile Database
- ^ a b c d Ecology Asia
- ^ Grismer, L. L., Wood Jr, P. L., Lim, K. K., & Liang, L. J. (2017). A new species of swamp-dwelling skink (Tytthoscincus) from Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia. Raffles Bulletin of Zoology, 65, 574-584.
External links[]
- Lizards of Asia
- Tytthoscincus
- Skink stubs