Ctenotus strauchii

Ctenotus strauchii, commonly known as the Eastern Barred Wedgesnout Ctenotus, is a species of skink in the genus Ctenotus native to Australia.^[1][2] It is named after Alexander Strauch, a Russian zoologist.^[2] The Eastern Barred Wedgesnout Ctenotus grows to 5.5 cm in length.^[1] The Diurnal species is reddish-brown or often chocolate-brown body.^[3] The species has a white dorso-lateral strip that runs from above the eye to the base of the tail.^[3] This stripe is bordered above by a line of small black blotches.^[3] Below the stripe is a blackish zone which encloses a series of small white and pale brown dots that are aligned transversely.^[3] Upper surface of the limbs are light brown and are often streaked or mottled with black.^[3] Plantar scales are.^[4] The species has short appendages.^[4] The species is oviparous.^[1]

Ecology

Ground dwelling species found among leaf-litter, fallen timber and ground debris in grassland plant communities, as well as savannah woodland and mallee.^[3]

Distribution

The Eastern Barred Wedgesnout Ctenotus is found in semi-arid and arid zones of Australia.^[5] Sub-humid zones of mid-western Queensland, extending into arid and semi-arid zones of northern New South Wales, South Australia and South East Northern Territory.^[3]

References