Günther's dwarf burrowing skink

Günther's dwarf burrowing skink (Scelotes guentheri), also known commonly as Günther's burrowing skink, was a species of lizard in the family Scincidae. The species was endemic to Natal, South Africa.^[1][2]

Günther's dwarf burrowing skink
Conservation status
Extinct  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Scinciformata
Infraorder:	Scincomorpha
Family:	Scincidae
Genus:	Scelotes
Species:	†S. guentheri
Binomial name
†Scelotes guentheri Boulenger, 1887

Description

S. guentheri is known from only one specimen which was collected in 1886.^[3] It has greatly reduced limbs. The forelimbs are entirely absent, and the hind limbs retain only two digits.^[2] This holotype has a snout-to-vent length (SVL) of 9.8 cm (3.9 in), and a tail length of 7.0 cm (2.8 in).^[4]

Etymology

The specific name, guentheri, and the common names are in honor of German-born British herpetologist Albert Günther.^[2][5]

Conservation status

S. guentheri is considered to be extinct.^[1]