Tytthoscincus temasekensis

Tytthoscincus temasekensis, common name Singapore swamp skink, is a species of skinks belonging to the family Scincidae.

Etymology

The species name temasekensis derives from the word Temasek meaning 'Sea Town' in Old Javanese, an ancient name of a settlement in Singapore. As the Latin suffix -ensis means 'from a place', the epithet temasekensis can be translated from Singapore.

Distribution

This uncommon species is present in Singapore, and in restricted areas of the Peninsular Malaysia.

Habitat

The Singapore swamp skink occurs in freshwater swamp forest, in peat swamp areas and close to shallow streams.

Description

Tytthoscincus temasekensis can reach a total body length of about. These small skinks have an elongate and dorso-ventrally flattened body, with smooth scales. Limbs and feet are tiny, short and slender. Its dorsal basic colour is dark brown, with a pale line from the head to the end of the tail. The abdomen is pale brownish. Young skinks are pale brown and slightly pinkish.

Behavior

These skinks are skilled swimmers and very elusive. Usually they hide amongst or beneath leaf litter next to streams or swamps.