Nessia hickanala

Shark-headed Snake Skink
Scientific classification
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Chordata
Class:Reptilia
Order:Squamata
Family:Scincidae
Genus:Nessia
Species: N. hickanala
Binomial name
Nessia hickanala
Deraniyagala, 1940

Shark-headed Snake Skink, Nessia hickanala, also known as Hickanala nessia, is a species of skink endemic to island of Sri Lanka.

Description

Midbody scales rows 2-21. Body is elongated and limbless. Head flattened, wedge-shaped. Eyes greatly reduced. Lower eyelid comprising three transparent scales. Ears are small. Dorsal scales enlarged. Dorsum and venter are pinkish brown. Scales dark brown.

Distribution and habitat

A fossorial skink, known only from the dry North West. One specimen was found from a depth of 6 cm under a heap of coconut branches at Pomparippu, Snout 8 km from the coast. Species is also known from Wilpattu National Park.

Ecology and diet

Inhabits lowlands, under 50m.

Reproduction

2 eggs are laid in loose soil.

References

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