Kingdom Animalia Suborder Sauria Family Scincidae Scientific name Menetia greyii Phylum Chordata Order Scaled reptiles | Subphylum Vertebrata Infraorder Scincomorpha Subfamily Eugongylinae Higher classification Menetia Rank Species | |
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Similar Menetia, Morethia, Morethia boulengeri, Ctenotus, Lerista | ||
Menetia greyii, commonly known as the common dwarf skink, is a species of lizard endemic to mainland Australia.
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Etymology
The specific name, greyii, is in honor of explorer George Grey, who became Governor of South Australia and later Governor of New Zealand.
Geographic range
One of Australia's most widespread and abundant lizards, M. greyii occurs in all parts of the mainland except coastal areas in the south-east, and Cape York Peninsula.
Habitat
M. greyii is common in disturbed areas such as urban backyards, and is therefore fairly well known.
Description
M. greyii is a very small skink with smooth scales and prominent limbs. It is grey to brown, usually with a stripe of black flecks along its back. Some populations have bright-yellow bellies, while others are silvery grey.
Reproduction
M. greyii is one of a small number of vertebrate species that are known to reproduce by parthenogenesis.