Ctenotus strauchii
Eastern Barred Wedgesnout | |
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Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Reptilia |
Order: | Squamata |
Family: | Scincidae |
Genus: | Ctenotus |
Species: | C. strauchii |
Binomial name | |
Ctenotus strauchii (Boulenger, 1887) | |
Synonyms[1] | |
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Ctenotus strauchii, also known commonly as the Eastern Barred Wedgesnout Ctenotus, a small lizard that is found throughout semi arid and arid regions in most of Australia's mainland states except for Western Australia, although one record does occur in WA in 1975[2].
Description
The eastern barred wedgesnout ctenotus is a small skink, that averages 5.5cm and varies in colour from chocolate brown to reddish-brown[3]. A series of pale spots are enclosed by a black laterdorsal stripe, which is edged by a white dorsolateral stripe[4] This stripe is bordered above by a line of small black blotches.[3]The upper flanks are black with a series of between 1 and 3 pale mostly vertical dots[3] A narrow white stripe may run from below the eye right through the mid body, where it passes through the groin and continues as a lower lateral stripe where it breaks up into spots of flecks of white along the side of the tail.[3]
Reproduction and Conservation Status
Ctenotus strauchii is oviparous, which means they lay eggs.[5] This compared to other skink species which are live bearers (Viviparous). Egg clutch size is unknown[6]. Ctenotus strauchii's conservation status is listed as Least Concern (IUCN 3.1)[5] risk. Does not qualify for a more at-risk category. Widespread and abundant taxa are included in this category.
Threats
Although listed as common Ctenotus strauchii is not immune to environmental threats such as:
- Climate change
- Habitat destruction
- Habitat degradation
- Feral predators such as foxes, dogs and cats
- Disease
- Cane toads[7]
Habitat and Ecology
Ctenotus strauchii inhabits areas with hard stony soils with minimal vegetation cover in woodland and scrubland areas, within the semi arid and dry regions of Eastern Australia.[4] Found amongst debris such as fallen timber, leaf litter and other debris within mallee, savannah woodland and grassland areas[3] Ctenotus strauchii was given its name by George Albert Boulenger a Belgian-British zoologist who described and gave scientific names to over 2,000 new animal species, chiefly fish, reptiles, and amphibians. The Ctenotus skink family are often called comb-eared skinks, a reference to the scales aligned near the ear, they are active, diurnal lizards found in a variety of habitats.
Geographic range
Ctenotus strauchii has been recorded in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland and Northern Territory [2]
References
- ↑ Ctenotus strauchii at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 4 June 2016.
- 1 2 "Atlas of Living Australia". Atlas of living Australia.
- 1 2 3 4 5 Cogger, Harold (2000). Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. New Holland Publishing. ISBN 187633433-9.
- 1 2 Wilson & Swan, Steve and Gerry (2003). A complete guide to Reptiles of Australia. New Holland. ISBN 187633472X.
- 1 2 "Eastern barred wedgesnout ctenotus (Ctenotus strauchii )". Australian Living Atlas. Retrieved 10 June 2017.
- ↑ "Clutch size". AROD.
- ↑ "Threats to ctenotus strauchii". Arod.