Ctenotus strauchii

Eastern barred wedgesnout
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]
  • Lygosoma strauchi
    Boulenger, 1887
  • Lygosoma (Sphenomorphus) strauchi
    — M.A. Smith, 1937
  • Ctenotus strauchii
    — Cogger, 1983

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 5.5 cm 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

Records of Ctenotus strauchii (Australian living Atlas of living Australia)

Ctenotus strauchii has been recorded in New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland and Northern Territory[2]

References

  1. ↑ Ctenotus strauchii at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 4 June 2016.
  2. 1 2 "Atlas of Living Australia". Atlas of living Australia.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 Cogger, Harold (2000). Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. New Holland Publishing. ISBN 187633433-9.
  4. 1 2 Wilson & Swan, Steve and Gerry (2003). A complete guide to Reptiles of Australia. New Holland. ISBN 187633472X.
  5. 1 2 "Eastern barred wedgesnout ctenotus (Ctenotus strauchii )". Australian Living Atlas. Retrieved 10 June 2017.
  6. ↑ "Clutch size". AROD.
  7. ↑ "Threats to ctenotus strauchii". Arod.


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