Kingdom Animalia Suborder Sauria Genus Sphenomorphus Phylum Chordata Order Scaled reptiles | Class Reptilia Family Scincidae Scientific name Sphenomorphus maculatus Rank Species | |
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Subspecies S. m. maculatus (Blyth, 1853)
S. m. mitanensis (Annandale, 1905) Similar Sphenomorphus, Sphenomorphus indicus, Scaled reptiles, Sphenomorphus incognitus, Eutropis macularia | ||
Spotted forest skink, Maculated forest skink or Stream-side skink (Bengali-তিলা অঞ্জন, তিলা আরজিনা) (Sphenomorphus maculatus) is a species of skink found in China, South Asia and Southeast Asia.
Contents
Description/identification
Physical Structure: Head tapered and flat. Tail tapered and as long as two times of snout-vent length. Trunk and eyelid covered with scales. Scales on the back towards the tail larger. [1] Color: Upper side of the head, body and tail is brown, with smooth scales, and faint darker markings. The throat and belly are pale and immaculate. On the flanks, beneath the dark stripe, a mottled zone comprising yellowish and brown spots. Length: Maximum: 19 cm., Common: 17 cm.(SVL. 6 cm.). Maximum published weight: ? g.
Distribution
Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, China (S Yunnan, SE Xizang = Tibet), India (Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Darjeeling), Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Singapore, Sunda region (Brunei, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Timor-Leste), Thailand (Northern) and Vietnam.
Habitat
Terrestrial; nocturnal; inhabits the vicinity of streams and small rivers in lowland and hilly areas. Found foraging among rocks and vegetation right at the waters edge.
Diet
Feeds on small insects and invertebrates.
Reproduction
Oviparous. Courtship and mating behavior is strictly ritualized and starts in April-June. Hatchlings emerge at the end of August-September [2].
Uses
No known practical uses. Play rolls in echo-system by eating various types of insects and otherwise.
Threat to humans
Non-venomous and harmless to humans.
IUCN threat status
Not Evaluated (NE).
Note
Case of death-feigning: In captivity all of these, when handled, dropped on their back and remained immobile for around 35–45 seconds. During this period the animal becomes stiff, stretching out its fore and hind limbs. Just before the animal regained mobility, a rapid heartbeat was observed and then the animal was seen to roll over very quickly on its feet and attempt a quick escape.