Lygisaurus zuma
| Lygisaurus zuma | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Scincidae |
| Genus: | Lygisaurus |
| Species: | L. zuma
|
| Binomial name | |
| Lygisaurus zuma Couper, 1993
| |
| Synonyms[2] | |
| |
Lygisaurus zuma, also known commonly as the sun-loving litter-skink, is a species of lizard in the subfamily Eugongylinae of the family Scincidae (skinks). The species is endemic to the Australian state of Queensland.[2]
Etymology
The specific name, zuma, refers to Montezuma II, who was the last Aztec emperor and was also a sun worshipper.[3]: 182
Description
Lygisaurus zuma has a large transparent disc in its moveable lower eyelid. The prominent ear-opening is round to almost horizontal, and edged with low flat lobules. There are seven upper labials. Adults have a snout-to-vent length (SVL) of about 3.4 cm (1.3 in).[4]: 406–407
Geographic distribution
Lygisaurus zuma is found in northeastern Queensland, in the vicinity of Mackay and in the vicinity of Townsville.[2]
Habitat
The preferred natural habitat of Lygisaurus zuma is forest.[1]
Behavior
Lygisaurus zuma is terrestrial.[1]
Reproduction
Lygisaurus zuma is oviparous.[2] During the breeding season, a sexually mature male will develop a red throat and a red tail.[4]
References
- ^ a b c Shea, G.; Hoskin, C. (2018). "Lygisaurus zuma". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018 e.T47155248A101752280. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-1.RLTS.T47155248A101752280.en. Retrieved 18 November 2021.
- ^ a b c d Lygisaurus zuma at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 22 September 2019.
- ^ Beolens, B.; Watkins, M.; Grayson, M. (2011). The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. pp. xiii + 296. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5.
- ^ a b Wilson, S.; Swan, G. (2023). A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia, Sixth Edition. Sydney: Reed New Holland Publishers. ISBN 978-1-92554-671-2. 688 pp.
Further reading
- Cogger, H.G. (2014). Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia, Seventh Edition. Clayton, Victoria, Australia: CSIRO Publishing. ISBN 978-0643100350. xxx + 1,033 pp.
- Couper, P.J. (1993). "A new species of Lygisaurus de Vis (Reptilia: Scincidae) from mideastern Queensland". Memoirs of the Queensland Museum. 33 (1): 163–166. (Lygisaurus zuma, new species).