Keeled Indian Mabuya

Appearance

Snout moderate, obtuse. Lower eyelid scaly. Nostril behind vertical of suture between rostral and first labial; no postnasal; anterior loreal usually shorter and deeper than the second, in contact with the first labial; frontonasal broader than long, usually in contact with the rostral, and frequently also with the frontal; latter as long as the frontoparietals and interparietal together or shorter, in contact with the second supraocular ; 4 supraoculars, second largest; usually 6 supraciliaries, first largest; frontoparietals distinct, larger than the interparietal, which entirely separates the parietals; a pair of nuchals ; 4 labials anterior to the subocular, which is large and not narrower below. Ear-opening roundish, subtriangular, as large as a lateral scale or smaller, without or with a few very indistinct lobules anteriorly. Dorsal, nuchal, and lateral scales more or less strongly tri- or quinquecarinate; 30 to 34 scales round the middle of the body, subequal. The hind limb reaches the wrist or the elbow of the adpressed fore limb. Sub digital lamellae smooth. Scales on upper surface of tibia mostly bicarinate. Tail 1.5 to 1.8 times length of head and body. Brown or olive-brown above, uniform or with small black spots or longitudinal lines; sides darker, with or without lighter spots; a light dorso-latexal band begins on the supraciliaries; lower surfaces yellowish . In the breeding-season males have a scarlet band from the shoulder to the thigh.

From snout to vent 5 inches; tail 9.5.

Distribution

India , Bangladesh, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Nepal.

Habitat

Sri Lanka subspecies ''lankae'' are encountered in many habitat types, from rain forests and deserts to scrub forests and parks and gardens of houses ad cities.
Diurnal, and terrestrial, frequently seen basking or foraging in open areas. Crickets, caterpillars, beetles, and earthworms and even small vertebrates are known to consume.

Reproduction

Clutches of 2-20 eggs are laid at a time in a self-excavated hole or under fallen logs, between August and September. Eggs are measuring 11 * 17mm. Hatchlings emerge between May and June, measure 12-12.5mm.

Food

Sri Lanka subspecies ''lankae'' are encountered in many habitat types, from rain forests and deserts to scrub forests and parks and gardens of houses ad cities.
Diurnal, and terrestrial, frequently seen basking or foraging in open areas. Crickets, caterpillars, beetles, and earthworms and even small vertebrates are known to consume.