Arabian sand skink, Eastern sand fish
The eastern skink (Scincus mitranus ), also commonly known as the Arabian sand skink and the eastern sand fish, is a species of lizard in the skink family (Scincidae).
The specific name, mitranus, is in honour of Indian archeologist and anthropologist "Bábu Rájendralála Mitra" (1824–1891).
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TerrestrialTerrestrial animals are animals that live predominantly or entirely on land (e.g., cats, ants, snails), as compared with aquatic animals, which liv...
Oviparous animals are female animals that lay their eggs, with little or no other embryonic development within the mother. This is the reproductive...
Precocial species are those in which the young are relatively mature and mobile from the moment of birth or hatching. Precocial species are normall...
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starts withS. mitranus may grow to a length of 20 cm (7.9 in) and have an orange-brown or sand-coloured back, and a white underside. On the side it has a line or spots in a light colour, and the back and legs have vague dark bands. The snout is shaped like a bill, and the legs and tail are short.
S. mitranus is found in the Arabian Peninsula (Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates), western Iran, and Pakistan. Its presence in Pakistan is disputed.
S. mitranus is associated with loose sand dune (aeolian) habitats.
The eastern skink can run quickly, or slide over the sand and dig itself in quickly when it is in danger.
S. mitranus preys on several kinds of arthropods, especially centipedes and beetles.
The eastern skink is viviparous, which gives it an advantage compared to other species in the area, as its eggs cannot desiccate.
