Forest ground skink facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Forest ground skink |
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| Genus: |
Scincella
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| Species: |
gemmingeri
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The forest ground skink (scientific name: Scincella gemmingeri) is a small lizard that lives only in Mexico. It's also called Cope's forest ground skink or la escíncela de bosque de Cope in Spanish. This lizard belongs to a group of reptiles called Scincidae, which are often known as skinks.
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What's in a Name?
The scientific name, gemmingeri, honors a German beetle expert named Max Gemminger (1820–1887). He was a coleopterist, which means he studied beetles.
Where Do Forest Ground Skinks Live?
Forest ground skinks are found in the coastal areas of the Mexican state of Veracruz. They also live in several states around Veracruz.
What Kind of Home Do They Like?
As their name suggests, forest ground skinks mostly live in forests. They especially like rainforests, oak forests, cloud forests, and tropical evergreen forests. You can find them at different heights, from about 200 to 2,000 meters (650 to 6,500 feet) above sea level. Sometimes, they are also seen in pasturelands.
Are They in Danger?
As of 2020, the forest ground skink was not facing any major threats. This means their numbers were stable and they were not considered endangered.
How Do They Have Babies?
S. gemmingeri is ovoviparous. This means the mother carries her eggs inside her body until they hatch. The babies then come out alive, rather than the mother laying eggs that hatch later.
What Do They Look Like?
Like other skinks in the Scincella group, the forest ground skink has a long, round body and short legs. Its skin is dark gray. It has a dark stripe that starts at its nose and runs along the sides of its back. The longest they get, from their nose to the base of their tail, is about 45 millimeters (1.8 inches).
