Sun-loving Litter Skink

About the Sun-loving Litter Skink

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. The specific name, zuma, refers to Montezuma II, who was the last Aztec emperor and was also a sun worshipper.

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).

Lygisaurus zuma is found in northeastern Queensland, in the vicinity of Mackay and in the vicinity of Townsville. The preferred natural habitat of Lygisaurus zuma is forest. Lygisaurus zuma is terrestrial. Lygisaurus zuma is oviparous. During the breeding season, a sexually mature male will develop a red throat and a red tail.

Cogger, H.G. (2014). Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia, Seventh Edition. Clayton, Victoria, Australia: CSIRO Publishing. ISBN... Wikipedia →