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Van denburgh's ground skink
A species of Ground skinks Scientific name : Scincella formosensis Genus : Ground skinks
Van denburgh's ground skink, A species of Ground skinks
Scientific name: Scincella formosensis
Genus: Ground skinks
Content
Description General Info
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Description
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Scincella formosensis, also known as Van Denburgh's ground skink, is a species of skink endemic to Taiwan.
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General Info
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Lifespan
5-8 years
Diet
Van denburgh's ground skink predominantly feeds on small invertebrates, with a particular preference for insects and arachnids. It leverages its semi-fossorial lifestyle to forage in leaf litter and moss layers.
Appearance
Van denburgh's ground skink is a small-sized lizard with a slender, elongated body and smooth, glossy scales. It showcases an earthy brown coloration that often has a metallic sheen, blending in with its natural surroundings. Notably, it doesn't have distinct markings, lending to a uniform look. The species lacks significant external differences in appearance related to age, gender, or subspecies.
Behavior
Van denburgh's ground skink displays a highly solitary lifestyle, primarily nocturnal, with an adept climbing ability. It has a localized diet, chiefly preys on small insects. The species exhibits non-aggressive territory behavior, only showing defensiveness during the breeding season. Its coloration provides effective camouflage within undergrowth, an evolutionary adaptation for avoiding predators.
Population
Stable
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Scientific Classification
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Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Skinks Genus
Ground skinks Species
Van denburgh's ground skink