Kingdom Animalia Subphylum Vertebrata Order Squamata Rank Species | Phylum Chordata Class Reptilia Suborder Lacertilia | |
Ctenotus strauchii, commonly known as the eastern barred wedgesnout ctenotus, is a species of skink in the family Scincidae. The species is native to Australia.
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Etymology
C. strauchii is named after Alexander Strauch, a Russian zoologist.
Description
The eastern barred wedgesnout ctenotus grows to 5.5 cm (2.2 inches) in length. Dorsally the body is reddish-brown or often chocolate-brown. The species has a white dorso-lateral stripe that runs from above the eye to the base of the tail. This stripe is bordered above by a line of small black blotches. Below the stripe is a blackish zone which encloses a series of small white and pale brown dots that are aligned transversely. Upper surfaces of the limbs are light brown and are often streaked or mottled with black. The species has short appendages.
Reproduction
C. strauchii is oviparous.
Ecology
C. strauchii is a diurnal, ground dwelling species found among leaf-litter, fallen timber, and ground debris in grassland plant communities, as well as savannah woodland and mallee.
Geographic range
The eastern barred wedgesnout ctenotus is found in semi-arid and arid zones of Australia, sub-humid zones of mid-western Queensland, extending into arid and semi-arid zones of northern New South Wales, South Australia, and southeastern Northern Territory.