Bridled mabuya

Heremites vittatus

The bridled mabuya or bridled skink is a species of skinks found in North Africa and Middle East. The length of those skinks is up to 22 cm.
Trachylepis vittata  Bridled mabuya,Geotagged,Heremites vittatus,Israel,Summer

Appearance

It can grow up to 22 centimeters long and has a smooth, shiny, body with overlapping scales. Their heads are cone shaped and they have elongated bodies and a tapering tail that is easily broken but can be regenerated.
Trachylepis vittata  Bridled mabuya,Geotagged,Heremites vittatus,Israel,Summer

Naming

The binomial name of this species has seen multiple updates in early 2000. The current binomial name is ''Heremites vittatus''. Previously it was known as ''Mabuya vittata'' and for short period as ''Eutropis vittata'' and ''Trachylepis vittata ''. The reason for those changes is an attempt to divide the vast genus ''Mabuya'' in a few smaller genera.

Distribution

The bridled mabuya lives in open sandy or stony soil with little grass or bushy vegetation. It is usually found near water; in Egypt in the Wetlands and near oases in Tunisia.

Food

The bridled mabuya feeds primarily on insects and other arthropods.

References:

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Status: Least concern
EX EW CR EN VU NT LC
Taxonomy
KingdomAnimalia
DivisionChordata
ClassReptilia
OrderSquamata
FamilyScincidae
GenusHeremites
SpeciesH. vittatus
Photographed in
Israel