Kingdom Animalia Class Reptilia Infraorder Scincomorpha Scientific name Ristella travancorica Rank Species | Subphylum Vertebrata Suborder Sauria Family Scincidae Phylum Chordata Order Scaled reptiles | |
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Similar Ristella, Scaled reptiles, Hemidactylus reticulatus, Chalcides pentadactylus, Otocryptis beddomei | ||
Ristella travancorica, commonly known as the Travancore cat skink or the Travancore Ristella, is a species of skink endemic to the Western Ghats in India.
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Description
Ear-opening not or but slightly larger than the nostril; third to sixth upper labials below the eye. Dorsal scales sharply bicarinate; 24, rarely 26, scales round the middle of the body. Otherwise as in R. rurkii. Reddish brown above, each dorsal scale usually with a dark brown dot; usually a rather indistinct darker lateral band; lower surfaces uniform whitish. From snout to vent 1.5 in (3.8 cm).
Geographic range
R. travancorica is found in India, in the Western Ghats, in the Ponmudi Hills (western Tamil Nadu state), and the Tirunelveli Hills (Kerala state).
Reproduction
This species is oviparous. Egg laying coincides with the southwestern monsoons. Adult females lay clutches of 2 eggs under dead leaves and rocks. Each egg measures 11 mm (0.43 in) x 5–6 mm (0.20–0.24 in).