Re.38 SPHENOMORPHUS DUSSUMIERI(Dussumier’s Forest Skink)

 Phylum: Chordata

Class   : Reptilia

Order  : Squamata

Family : Scincidae

Genus : Sphenomorphus

Species: dussumieri

DESCRIPTION

Sphenomorphus dussumieri, commonly known as Dussumier's forest skink and Dussumier's litter skink, is a species of skink, a lizard in the family, Scincidae. The species is endemic to southern India S. dussumieri is found in the Western Ghats of India, in the Indian states of Kerala and Tamil Nadu. The head of S. dussumieri 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.

IUCN Status: Least concern