Class Reptilia Infraorder Scincomorpha Rank Species | Subphylum Vertebrata Suborder Sauria Family Scincidae Phylum Chordata Order Scaled reptiles | |
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Similar Sphenomorphus, Sphenomorphus maculatus, Scaled reptiles, Rough‑bellied day gecko, Kaestlea travancorica | ||
Skink red tailed sphenomorphus dussumieri
Sphenomorphus dussumieri, commonly known as Dussumier's forest skink, is a species of skink found in the Western Ghats of India. It might also occur in Sri Lanka, but this is nowadays considered doubtful.
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Etymology
The specific name, dussumieri, is in honor of Jean-Jacques Dussumier, a French voyager who collected zoological specimens in South Asia in the early 19th century. It is locally known as "അരണ (arana)".
Description
The head is distinct from the neck, and the snout is short. The tympanum is situated on the surface, not sunk as in other skinks. The body is slender. The dorsal scales are smooth, with fine striations. The limbs are relatively short. The dorsum is bronze brown, with dark spots. There is a light dorso-lateral stripe running from the eye to the side of the body, its inner edge with a dark brown, white spotted streak. There is also a broad stripe on the sides that is edged with white below. The venter is creamy.
Ecology
This diurnal skink inhabits evergreen, moist deciduous and plantation forests, such as rubber plantations, in closed as well as open forests.