Lankascincus gansi


Lankascincus gansi is a species of skink, a lizard in the family Scincidae. The species is endemic to the island of Sri Lanka.

Etymology

The specific name, gansi, is in honor of German-born American herpetologist Carl Gans.

Habitat

L. gansi is found commonly in home gardens and forests from in the wet climatic zones.

Geographic range

Localities in Sri Lanka from which L. gansi has been recorded include Gampola, Deniyaya, Akuressa, Ratnapura, Sinharaja, Kuruwita, and Pallegama.

Description

L. gansi has 23–28 scale rows at midbody. The lamellae under the fourth toe number 12–16. The dorsum is grayish brown, with brownish-black vertebral and flank stripes. The flanks are spotted with yellowish cream. The iris is yellowish brown in color. The venter is unpatterned grayish yellow. The throat of the male is dark.

Behavior

L. gansi hides under logs, stones, leaf litter, becoming active and coming out for foraging in morning and at dusk.

Diet

L. gansi preys on insects.

Reproduction

Sexually mature females of L. gansi lay one egg per clutch in loose soil.