Tytthoscincus temasekensis, common name Singapore swamp skink, is a species of skinks belonging to the family Scincidae.[1]
| Tytthoscincus temasekensis | |
|---|---|
_(Singapore_Swamp_Skink.).jpg)
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| Tytthoscincus temasekensis from Singapore | |
Scientific classification 
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| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Scincidae |
| Genus: | Tytthoscincus |
| Species: | T. temasekensis
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| Binomial name | |
| Tytthoscincus temasekensis Grismer, Wood Jr., Lim, & Liang, 2017
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Etymology
editThe species name temasekensis derives from the word Temasek meaning 'Sea Town' in Old Javanese, an ancient name of a settlement in Singapore. As the Latin suffix -ensis means 'from a place', the epithet temasekensis can be translated from Singapore.[2]
Distribution
editThis uncommon species is present in Singapore, and in restricted areas of the Peninsular Malaysia.[3]
Habitat
editSingapore swamp skink occurs in freshwater swamp forest, in peat swamp areas and close to shallow streams.[3]
Description
editTytthoscincus temasekensis can reach a total body length of about 7.6 cm (3.0 in). These small skinks have an elongate and dorso-ventrally flattened body, with smooth scales. Limbs and feet are tiny, short and slender. Its dorsal basic colour is dark brown, with a pale line from the head to the end of the tail. The abdomen is pale brownish. Young skinks are pale brown and slightly pinkish.[2][3][4]
Behavior
editThese skinks are skilled swimmers and very elusive. Usually they hide amongst or beneath leaf litter next to streams or swamps.[3]
References
edit
- ^ Biolib
- ^ a b The Reptile Database
- ^ a b c d Ecology Asia
- ^ Grismer, L. L., Wood Jr, P. L., Lim, K. K., & Liang, L. J. (2017). A new species of swamp-dwelling skink (Tytthoscincus) from Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia. Raffles Bulletin of Zoology, 65, 574-584.
External links
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