Eastern skink

Eastern skink
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Subphylum:	Vertebrata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Sauria
Infraorder:	Scincomorpha
Family:	Scincidae
Subfamily:	Scincinae
Genus:	Scincus
Species:	S. mitranus
Binomial name
Scincus mitranus Anderson, 1871[1]

The Eastern skink (Scincus mitranus), also commonly known as the Arabian sand skink and the sand fish, is a species of lizard in the skink family (Scincidae).^[1]

Etymology

The specific name, mitranus, is in honour of Indian archeologist and anthropologist Babu Rajendralala Mitra (1824-1891).^[2]

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.

Behaviour

The eastern skink can run quickly, or slide over the sand and dig itself in quickly when it is in danger.

Diet

S. mitranus preys on several kinds of arthropods, especially centipedes and beetles.

Geographic range and habitat

S. mitranus is found in Iran, Kuwait, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.^[1]

Habitat

S. mitranus is found in dry and warm open areas, particularly in sand deserts. Its habitat consists of dune-like areas, and hilly landscapes with occasional dense bushes and rocky patches to hide in.

Reproduction

The eastern skink is viviparous, which gives it an advantage compared to other species in the area, as its eggs cannot desiccate.

References

1. "Scincus mitranus". The Reptile Database. www.reptile-database.org.
2. Beolens B, Watkins M, Grayson M. 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-XXVII. (Scincus mitranus, p. 393).