Scelotes fitzsimonsi
{{short description|Species of reptile}}
{{speciesbox
| image = Scelotes fitzsimonsi.jpg
| status = LC
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| genus = Scelotes
| species = fitzsimonsi
| authority = Broadley, 1994
}}
Scelotes fitzsimonsi, commonly known as Fitzsimons' dwarf burrowing skink, is a species of lizard in the family Scincidae. The species is indigenous to southern Africa.
Etymology
The specific name, fitzsimonsi, is in honor of South African herpetologist (Mr.) Vivian Frederick Maynard FitzSimons.Beolens, Bo; Watkins, Michael; Grayson, Michael (2011). The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. {{ISBN|978-1-4214-0135-5}}. (Scelotes fitzsimonsi, p. 91).
Description
S. fitzsimonsi has neither front legs nor back legs. Dorsally, it is light bronze on the body and bluish gray on the tail. Ventrally, it is greyish white. Adults have a snout-to-vent length (SVL) of {{cvt|4.5|–|6.5|cm|in}}. The tail length is equal to or slightly greater than SVL.Branch, Bill (2004). Field Guide to Snakes and other Reptiles of Southern Africa. Third Revised edition, Second impression. Sanibel Island, Florida: Ralph Curtis Books. 399 pp. {{ISBN|0-88359-042-5}}. (Scelotes fitzsimonsi, p. 144).
Distribution and habitat
S. fitzsimonsi is found in Mozambique and South Africa.{{NRDB species|genus=Scelotes |species=fitzsimonsi |accessdate=20 October 2020}}
The preferred natural habitat of S. fitzsimonsi is coastal dune forest, up to an altitude of {{cvt|100|m|ft}}.
Reproduction
S. fitzsimonsi is ovoviviparous.
References
{{Reflist}}
Further reading
- Bates MF, Branch WR, Bauer AM, Burger M, Marais J, Alexander GJ, de Villiers MS (2014). Atlas and Red List of the Reptiles of South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland. Suricata 1. Pretoria: South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). xvii + 485 pp. {{ISBN|978-1-919976-84-6}}. (Scelotes fitzsimonsi, p. 274).
- Broadley DG (1994). "The genus Scelotes Fitzinger (Reptilia: Scincidae) in Mozambique, Swaziland and Natal, South Africa". Annals of the Natal Museum 35: 237–259. (Scelotes fitzsimonsi, new species).
{{Taxonbar|from=Q5124777}}
Category:Reptiles of Mozambique
Category:Reptiles of South Africa
Category:Reptiles described in 1994
Category:Taxa named by Donald George Broadley
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