Lygisaurus zuma

Lygisaurus zuma, also known commonly as the sun-loving litter-skink, is a species of lizard in the subfamily Eugongylinae of the family Scincidae (skinks). The species is endemic to the Australian state of Queensland.^[2]

Lygisaurus zuma
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Family:	Scincidae
Genus:	Lygisaurus
Species:	L. zuma
Binomial name
Lygisaurus zuma Couper, 1993
Synonyms[2]
Carlia zuma (Couper, 1993)

Etymology

The specific name, zuma, refers to Montezuma II, who was the last Aztec emperor and was also a sun worshipper.^[3]: 182

Description

Lygisaurus zuma has a large transparent disc in its moveable lower eyelid. The prominent ear-opening is round to almost horizontal, and edged with low flat lobules. There are seven upper labials. Adults have a snout-to-vent length (SVL) of about 3.4 cm (1.3 in).^{[4]: 406–407}

Geographic distribution

Lygisaurus zuma is found in northeastern Queensland, in the vicinity of Mackay and in the vicinity of Townsville.^[2]

Habitat

The preferred natural habitat of Lygisaurus zuma is forest.^[1]

Behavior

Lygisaurus zuma is terrestrial.^[1]

Reproduction

Lygisaurus zuma is oviparous.^[2] During the breeding season, a sexually mature male will develop a red throat and a red tail.^[4]