Ristella travancorica | |
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Scientific classification
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Domain: | Eukaryota |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Class: | Reptilia |
Order: | Squamata |
Family: | Scincidae |
Genus: | Ristella |
Species: | R. travancorica
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Binomial name | |
Ristella travancorica (
Beddome, 1870)
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Synonyms | |
Ristella travancorica, commonly known as the Travancore cat skink or the Travancore ristella, is a species of skink endemic to the Western Ghats in India.
Ear-opening not or but slightly larger than the nostril; third to sixth upper labials below the eye. Dorsal scales sharply bicarinate; 24, rarely 26, scales round the middle of the body. Otherwise as in R. rurkii. Reddish brown above, each dorsal scale usually with a dark brown dot; usually a rather indistinct darker lateral band; lower surfaces uniform whitish. From snout to vent 1.5 in (3.8 cm). [2]
R. travancorica is found in India, in the Western Ghats, in the Ponmudi Hills (western Tamil Nadu state), and the Tirunelveli Hills ( Kerala state).
This species is oviparous. Egg laying coincides with the southwestern monsoons. Adult females lay clutches of 2 eggs under dead leaves and rocks. Each egg measures 11 mm (0.43 in) x 5–6 mm (0.20–0.24 in). [4]