Lankascincus fallax (Peters, 1860)

Fronto-parietal Scale Feature

The fronto-parietal scale of Lankascincus fallax is fused, which differs from all other Lankascincus (Lanka skinks), where this scale is divided.

Scale and Lamellae Counts

It has 24 to 28 midbody scale rows, and 13 to 18 lamellae under the fourth toe.

Male Throat Identification Trait

Males can be distinguished by their red throat.

Dorsal Coloration and Pattern

The dorsum ranges from pale to dark brown, with each dorsal scale bearing a pale stripe that connects to form longitudinal lines along the dorsum.

Lateral Stripe Pattern

A yellowish brown stripe runs from the posterior edge of the eye to beyond the middle of the tail.

Throat Color Variation

Throat color ranges between red, blue, or cream, and can have white spots; this variation is presumably dependent on reproductive status.

Venter and Ventral Scale Pattern

The venter is unpatterned creamy, while the ventral scales have a frosted pattern that forms longitudinal lines.

Iris Color Sexual Dimorphism

Females have yellow irises, and males have bright red irises.

Reproduction Trait

For reproduction, this species lays 1 egg per clutch in loose soil.