Species information
Scientific name: Ateuchosaurus okinavensis
Japanese name: オキナワヒメトカゲ
Chinese name: 沖繩光蜥
English name: Okinawa short-legged skink
Origin: Okinawa Islands
Ecology and description
The Ateuchosaurus genus is characterized by its very short limbs, currently consisting of 3 species:
- Amami short-legged skink (Ateuchosaurus pellopleurus): Found in the Amami Islands, Tokara Islands, and Osumi Islands
- Okinawa short-legged skink (Ateuchosaurus okinavensis): Found in the Okinawa Islands
- Chinese short-legged skink (Ateuchosaurus chinensis): Found in southeastern China, Vietnam, and Taiwan
The Okinawa short-legged skink measures about 10-13 cm in total length and often moves under leaf litter, making it difficult to observe. On Okinawajima, it might be preyed upon by invasive species such as Small Indian mongoose or feral cats.
Field photographs taken during our tours, with observation dates
During our 【Herping】 tour, we have seen this species, but only 1-2 times.
