Shiny-palmed Shining-skink

About the Shiny-palmed Shining-skink

Cryptoblepharus australis, commonly called the inland snake-eyed skink, is a species of skink in the genus Cryptoblepharus. Pronunciation: KRIP-toe-BLEFF-ah-russ / oss-TRAH-liss Cryptoblepharus: 'hidden eyelid', referring to the fused eyelids.

Australis: 'southern', or more generally referring to Australia A major and much-needed revision of the genus was undertaken in 2007 by Paul Horner of the Northern Territory Museum, previously splitting this species into a bunch of species each of which occupies quite a distinct range occurring over Australia.

Paul Horner (2008), says Cryptoblepharus are unique species to the Territory. A study recently has found the top end is a hot spot for snake eyed skinks with one new discovery that was very exciting for herpetologist Paul Horner (2008).

C. australis usually has quite distinct features: 6 supraciliary scales, 24 mid-body scale rows; smooth sub digital lamellae; immaculate, acute plantar scales. They are greyish in colour and have a longitudinal aligned body pattern. Cryptoblepharus snaked-eyed skink species live on vertical surfaces of rocks, trees and buildings which are challenging... Wikipedia →