About Cryptoblepharus virgatus (Garman, 1901)
Body Shape and Base Color
Cryptoblepharus virgatus is a relatively small, flat-bodied skink with silver-gray coloration. It has a distinct white stripe that runs along its body from the eye to the base of the tail.
Size Measurements
It typically reaches a snout-to-vent length (SVL) of around 4 cm (1.6 in), and a total length including the tail of around 10 cm (3.9 in).
Eye Structure and Common Name
It is sometimes called a snake-eyed skink, because it does not have eyelids; instead, it has a translucent layer of scales covering its eyes, similar to the scales covering snake eyes.
Scale Characteristics
C. virgatus usually has five supraciliary scales, 22 rows of scales around the body at midbody, and eight rounded, pale plantar scales.
Geographic Range
The geographic range of Cryptoblepharus virgatus is limited to northeastern Queensland, Australia.
Habitat Preferences
Its preferred habitats include urban areas, woodlands, and grasslands, and it is often seen on vertical surfaces such as trees, fences, and walls.
