Eastern skink
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| Scincus mitranus Anderson, 1871 |
The Eastern skink (Scincus mitranus) is a lizard from the skink family (Scincidae). These skinks grow to a length of 20 cm, and have an orange-brown or sand-coloured back, and a white underside. On the side they have a line or spots in a light colour, and the back and legs have vague dark bands. The snout is shaped like a bill, and the legs and tail are short. The eastern skink can run quickly, or slide over the sand and dig itself in quickly when it is in danger. Its food consists of several kinds of arthropods, especially centipedes and beetles.
This species lives in Saudi-Arabia and the UAE, in dry and warm open areas, particularly in sand deserts. Its habitat consists of dune-like areas, and hilly landscapes with occasional dense bushes and rocky patches to hide in. The eastern skink is viviparous, which gives it an advantage compared to other species in the area, as its eggs cannot desiccate.
