Scincella lateralis
American Zwergskink
The American Zwergskink ( Scincella lateralis) with a body length of 8-13 cm, a smaller representative of the family of skinks.
Appearance
As a special feature, the animals have a transparent lower eyelid to in order to keep the environment in mind also when digging holes can. The color is a shiny metallic brown. The limbs are slender, elongated and black. The underbelly is white or yellowish, on both sides of the body he has long thick dark stripes. As a special feature, the animals have a long black stripe on the side of the body.
Way of life
This species lives at the bottom of humid forests and grasslands, where he goes on the hunt for spiders and other insects. These animals are most active, especially in damp weather. They dig holes or lay himself under piles of leaves to hide from enemies.
Reproduction
During the breeding season between April to August the female lays every 4 to 5 weeks 1-7 eggs. The embryos are already well developed in the tray. The parents provide no parental care.
Dissemination
The American Zwergskink occurs on the east coast of the United States of America from New Jersey to Florida and west to Texas and Nebraska in the humid forests and the loosely -covered grasslands.
Threats and conservation measures
The IUCN classifies this type due to their widespread use and that it occurs in protected areas as Near Threatened (Least Concern ) a.