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Scelotes fitzsimonsi

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Scelotes fitzsimonsi
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Scincidae
Genus: Scelotes
Species:
S. fitzsimonsi
Binomial name
Scelotes fitzsimonsi
Broadley, 1994

Scelotes fitzsimonsi, commonly known as Fitzsimons' dwarf burrowing skink, is a species of lizard in the family Scincidae. The species is indigenous to southern Africa.

Etymology

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The specific name, fitzsimonsi, is in honor of South African herpetologist (Mr.) Vivian Frederick Maynard FitzSimons.[2]

Description

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S. fitzsimonsi has neither front legs nor back legs. Dorsally, it is light bronze on the body and bluish gray on the tail. Ventrally, it is greyish white. Adults have a snout-to-vent length (SVL) of 4.5–6.5 cm (1.8–2.6 in). The tail length is equal to or slightly greater than SVL.[3]

Distribution and habitat

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S. fitzsimonsi is found in Mozambique and South Africa.[4]

The preferred natural habitat of S. fitzsimonsi is coastal dune forest, up to an altitude of 100 m (330 ft).[1]

Reproduction

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S. fitzsimonsi is ovoviviparous.[4]

References

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  1. ^ a b Bauer, A.M.; Conradie, W.; Marais, J. (2018). "Scelotes fitzsimonsi ". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2018: e.T44979110A115670758. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2018-2.RLTS.T44979110A115670758.en. Retrieved 18 November 2021.
  2. ^ Beolens, Bo; Watkins, Michael; Grayson, Michael (2011). The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5. (Scelotes fitzsimonsi, p. 91).
  3. ^ Branch, Bill (2004). Field Guide to Snakes and other Reptiles of Southern Africa. Third Revised edition, Second impression. Sanibel Island, Florida: Ralph Curtis Books. 399 pp. ISBN 0-88359-042-5. (Scelotes fitzsimonsi, p. 144).
  4. ^ a b Scelotes fitzsimonsi at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 20 October 2020.

Further reading

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