South American Spotted Skink

Copeoglossum nigropunctatum is a species of skink found in South America. It has shiny bronze or copper skin, with a dark longitudinal stripe along each flank that is often bordered by cream-colored lines.

It was until recently confused with Varzea bistriata, many populations of which have since been reassigned to C. nigropunctatum. It was formerly considered a synonym of the closely related Mabuya mabouya, which is found in the Caribbean. The taxonomy of all these related skinks has undergone significant revision in recent years and remains in flux.

C. nigropunctatum has been recorded as present in Brazil, French Guiana, Guyana, Suriname, Venezuela, Bolivia, Peru, Trinidad, and Tobago.