Nessia hickanala
Species of lizard
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Nessia hickanala, also known as the shark-headed snake skink[2] and Hickanala nessia, is a species of skink endemic to island of Sri Lanka.[3]
| Nessia hickanala | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Scincidae |
| Genus: | Nessia |
| Species: | N. hickanala |
| Binomial name | |
| Nessia hickanala Deraniyagala, 1940[1] | |
Description
Midbody scales rows 2–21. Body is elongated and limbless. Head flattened, wedge-shaped. Eyes greatly reduced. Lower eyelid comprising three transparent scales. Ears are small. Dorsal scales enlarged. Dorsum and venter are pinkish brown. Scales dark brown.
Distribution and habitat
A fossorial skink, known only from the dry North West. One specimen was found from a depth of 6 cm under a heap of coconut branches at Pomparippu, Snout 8 km from the coast. Species is also known from Wilpattu National Park.
Ecology and diet
Inhabits lowlands, under 50m.
Reproduction
2 eggs are laid in loose soil.
