The two-toed earless skink (Hemiergis quadrilineatus) is a common species of skink found in coastal south-western, Western Australia.[2] It is characterized by its long tail, an absence of ear-holes, shiny skin, yellow underside, and short weak limbs, each of which with only two toes. It can grow to be over 10 cm in length, however the average size is approximately 7.5 cm.[3] It also exhibits a snake-like movement, and due to the small size and non-functionality of limbs in locomotion, it is often referred to as a legless lizard.
| Two-toed earless skink | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Scincidae |
| Genus: | Hemiergis |
| Species: | H. quadrilineatus
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| Binomial name | |
| Hemiergis quadrilineatus | |
| Synonyms | |
|
Chelomeles quadrilineatus Duméril and Bibron, 1839 | |
It typically inhabits bushland and scrub, however it is commonly found in Perth suburban backyards amongst leaves or under rocks.
References
edit- ^ Maryan, B.; Shea, G.M. (2010). "Hemiergis quadrilineatum". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2010: e.T178616A7581794. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-4.RLTS.T178616A7581794.en.
- ^ A listing of Australian Skinks www.kingsnake.com 10 January 2001 (accessed 15 January 2007
- ^ Ehmann, Harald (1992). Encyclopedia of Australian animals: Reptiles. Angus and Robertson. 495 pp