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{{Short description|Species of lizard}}
{{Taxobox
{{speciesbox
| name = Many-lined skink
| image = Many Lined Skink.jpg
| image = Many Lined Skink.jpg
| regnum = [[Animal]]ia
| status = LC
| status_system = IUCN3.1
| phylum = [[Chordate|Chordata]]
| status_ref = <ref name="iucn status 19 November 2021">{{cite iucn |author=Hammerson, G.A. |author-link=species:Geoffrey A. Hammerson |date=2007 |title=''Plestiodon multivirgatus '' |volume=2007 |page=e.T64234A12757035 |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2007.RLTS.T64234A12757035.en |access-date=19 November 2021}}</ref>
| subphylum = [[Vertebrate|Vertebrata]]
⚫
| genus = Plestiodon
| classis = [[Reptile|Reptilia]]
⚫
| species = multivirgatus
| ordo = [[Squamata]]
⚫
| authority = [[Edward Hallowell (herpetologist)|Hallowell]], 1857
| subordo = [[Sauria]]
| infraordo = [[Scincomorpha]]
| familia = [[Scincidae]]
⚫
| genus = ''[[Plestiodon]]''
⚫
| species = '''''P. multivirgatus'''''
| binomial = ''Plestiodon multivirgatus''
⚫
| binomial_authority = [[Edward Hallowell (herpetologist)|Hallowell]], 1857
| range_map = Plestiodon multivirgatus distribution.png
| range_map = Plestiodon multivirgatus distribution.png
| synonyms = *''Plestiodon multivirgatum'' {{small|Hallowell, 1857}}
| synonyms = *''Plestiodon multivirgatum'' {{small|Hallowell, 1857}}
*''Eumeces multivirgatus'' <br>{{small|— [[Edward Drinker Cope|Cope]], 1875}}
*''Eumeces multivirgatus'' <br>{{small|— [[Edward Drinker Cope|Cope]], 1875}}
*''Eumeces gaigeae'' <br>{{small|[[Edward Harrison Taylor|Taylor]], 1935}}
*''Eumeces gaigeae'' <br>{{small|[[Edward Harrison Taylor|Taylor]], 1935}}
*''Eumeces multivirgatus gaigeae'' {{small|— [[Charles Herbert Lowe|Lowe]], 1955}}
*''Eumeces multivirgatus gaigeae'' {{small|— [[Charles Herbert Lowe|Lowe]], 1955}}
*''Eumeces multivirgatus'' <br>{{small|— [[:fr:Robert Cyril Stebbins|Stebbins]], 1985}}
*''Eumeces multivirgatus'' <br>{{small|— [[Robert C. Stebbins|Stebbins]], 1985}}
*''Plestiodon multivirgatus'' <br>{{small|— [[:fr:Andreas Schmitz|Schmitz]] et al., 2004}}<ref>"''Plestiodon multivirgatus'' ". The Reptile Database. www.reptile-database.org.</ref>
*''Plestiodon multivirgatus'' <br>{{small|— [[:fr:Andreas Schmitz|Schmitz]] et al., 2004}}
| synonyms_ref =<ref name=RDB>{{EMBL species|genus=Plestiodon|species=multivirgatus}} www.reptile-database.org.</ref>
}}
}}


The '''many-lined skink''' (''Plestiodon multivirgatus'') is a medium-sized [[species]] of [[lizard]], a member of the [[North America]]n [[skink]] [[genus]] ''[[Plestiodon]]''.
'''''Plestiodon multivirgatus''''', commonly known as the '''many-lined skink''', the '''northern many-lined skink''', or the '''variable skink''', is a medium-sized [[species]] of [[lizard]], a member of the [[North America]]n [[skink]] [[genus]] ''[[Plestiodon]]'' in the [[Family (biology)|family]] [[Scincidae]]. The species is native to the western [[United States]].


==Taxonomy==
==Taxonomy==
The [[Taxonomy (biology)|taxonomy]] of this species is somewhat unclear, even amongst researchers. Most commonly, two [[subspecies]] are recognized:
The [[Taxonomy (biology)|taxonomy]] of this species is somewhat unclear, even amongst researchers. Most commonly, two [[subspecies]] are recognized:
* ''P. m. multivirgatus'' ([[Edward Hallowell (herpetologist)|Hallowell]], 1857) – northern many-lined skink
*''P. m. multivirgatus'' ([[Edward Hallowell (herpetologist)|Hallowell]], 1857) – northern many-lined skink
* ''P. m. epipleurotus'' ([[Edward Drinker Cope|Cope]], 1880) – variable skink
*''P. m. epipleurotus'' ([[Edward Drinker Cope|Cope]], 1880) – variable skink


The latter is sometimes treated as a separate species ''Plestiodon epipleurotus'' or ''Plestiodon gaigeae'' ([[Edward Harrison Taylor|Taylor]], 1935), or given as the subspecies ''P. m. gaigeae''. These last two scientific names are in honor of [[Americans|American]] [[Herpetology|herpetologist]] [[Helen Beulah Thompson Gaige]] (1890&ndash;1976) of the [[University of Michigan]].<ref>Beolens B, Watkins M, Grayson M. 2011. ''The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles''. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5. (''Eumeces multivirgatus gaigeae'', p. 97).</ref>
The latter is sometimes treated as a separate species ''Plestiodon epipleurotus'' or ''Plestiodon gaigeae'' ([[Edward Harrison Taylor|Taylor]], 1935), or given as the subspecies ''P. m. gaigeae''. These last two scientific names are in honor of [[Americans|American]] [[Herpetology|herpetologist]] [[Helen Beulah Thompson Gaige]] (1890&ndash;1976) of the [[University of Michigan]].<ref>[[species:Bo Beolens|Beolens, Bo]]; [[species:Michael Watkins|Watkins, Michael]]; Grayson, Michael (2011). ''The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles''. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. {{ISBN|978-1-4214-0135-5}}. (''Eumeces multivirgatus gaigeae'', p. 97).</ref>


''P. m. epipleurotus'' is also called the '''two-lined skink'''.
''P. m. epipleurotus'' is also called the '''two-lined skink'''.


==Description==
==Description==
The many-lined skink is a medium-sized skink reaching a maximum length from snout to vent (SVL) of about 7.5&nbsp;cm (3&nbsp;inches) and a total length of roughly 19&nbsp;cm (about 7.5&nbsp;in). Its body is olive to brown in color. ''P. m. multivirgatus'' has black stripes along the body and tail, while ''P. m. epipleurotus'' has two white stripes with black borders.
The many-lined skink is a medium-sized skink reaching a maximum [[Snout–vent length|snout-to-vent length]] (SVL) of about {{cvt|7.5|cm|in}} and a total length of roughly {{cvt|19|cm|in}}. Its body is olive to brown in color. ''P. m. multivirgatus'' has black stripes along the body and tail, while ''P. m. epipleurotus'' has two white stripes with black borders.<ref name=RDB/>


==Geographic range & habitat==
==Geographic range & habitat==
The geographic range of ''P. m. multivirgatus'' is limited in the north by southern [[South Dakota]], [[Nebraska]], and [[Wyoming]] and extends in the south to the [[Arkansas River]] in [[Colorado]]. ''P. m. multivirgatus'' prefers sandy soil and occurs in [[habitat]] below 1675&nbsp;m (5500&nbsp;ft).
The geographic range of ''P. m. multivirgatus'' in the north includes southern [[South Dakota]], [[Nebraska]], and [[Wyoming]], and extends in the south to the [[Arkansas River]] in [[Colorado]]. ''P. m. multivirgatus'' prefers sandy soil and occurs in [[habitat]] below {{convert|1675|m|ft|abbr=on}}.<ref name="iucn status 19 November 2021"/>


''P. m. epipleurotus'' occurs from south-eastern [[Utah]] and southern Colorado through [[Arizona]], [[New Mexico]], and western [[Texas]] to [[Chihuahua (state)|Chihuahua]] in [[Mexico]]. It lives in rocky habitat up to elevations of 2600&nbsp;m (8500&nbsp;ft).
''P. m. epipleurotus'' occurs from south-eastern [[Utah]] and southern Colorado through [[Arizona]], [[New Mexico]], and western [[Texas]]. It lives in rocky habitat up to elevations of {{convert|2600|m|ft|abbr=on}}.<ref name="iucn status 19 November 2021"/>

==Reproduction==
''P. multivirgatus'' is [[Oviparity|oviparous]].<ref name=RDB/> Eggs are deposited under rocks.<ref name="iucn status 19 November 2021"/>


==References==
==References==
Line 46: Line 44:


==Further reading==
==Further reading==
*[[John L. Behler|Behler JL]], [[species:Frederic Wayne King|King FW]] (1979). ''The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Reptiles and Amphibians''. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. 743 pp. {{ISBN|0-394-50824-6}}. (''Eumeces multivirgatus'', p.&nbsp;574 + Plate 422).
⚫
*[[Edward Hallowell (herpetologist)|Hallowell E]]. 1857. Description of several new North American Reptiles. ''Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia'' '''9''': 215-216. ("''Plestiodon multivirgatum'' [sic]", new species, p. 215).
*[[Roger Conant (herpetologist)|Conant R]] (1975). ''A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America, Second Edition''. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. xviii + 429 pp. + Plates 1-48. {{ISBN|0-395-19979-4}} (hardcover), {{ISBN|0-395-19977-8}} (paperback). (''Eumeces multivirgatus'', pp.&nbsp;128–129 + Plate 19 + Map 78).

⚫
*[[Edward Hallowell (herpetologist)|Hallowell E]] (1857). "Description of several new North American Reptiles". ''Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia'' '''9''': 215-216. ("''Plestiodon multivirgatum'' [sic]", new species, p.&nbsp;215).
⚫
*[[Hobart Muir Smith|Smith HM]], Brodie ED Jr. 1982. ''Reptiles of North America: A Guide to Field Identification''. New York: Golden Press. 240 pp. ISBN 0-307-13666-3. (''Eumeces multivirgatus'', pp. 78-79).
*[[Robert Powell (herpetologist)|Powell R]] Conant R, [[Joseph T. Collins|Collins JT]] (2016). ''Peterson Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America, Fourth Edition''. Boston and New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. xiv + 494 pp., 47 plates, 207 figures. {{ISBN|978-0-544-12997-9}}. (''Plestiodon multivirgatus'', p. 310 + Plate 29).
⚫
*[[Hobart Muir Smith|Smith HM]], [[species:Edmund Darrel Brodie Jr.|Brodie ED Jr]] (1982). ''Reptiles of North America: A Guide to Field Identification''. New York: Golden Press. 240 pp. {{ISBN|0-307-13666-3}}. (''Eumeces multivirgatus'', pp.&nbsp;78–79).
*[[Robert C. Stebbins|Stebbins RC]] (2003). ''A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians, Third Edition''. The Peterson Field Guide Series ®. Boston and New York: Houghton Mifflin Company. xiii + 533 pp. {{ISBN|978-0-395-98272-3}}. (''Eumeces multivirgatus'', pp.&nbsp;311–312 + Plate 36 + Map 111).


==External links==
==External links==
*[http://fwie.fw.vt.edu/states/nmex_main/species/030200.htm BISON fact sheet] for ''P. m. epipleurotus''
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20041011202905/http://fwie.fw.vt.edu/states/nmex_main/species/030200.htm BISON fact sheet] for ''P. m. epipleurotus''

{{Taxonbar|from=Q2928191}}


[[Category:Plestiodon]]
{{DEFAULTSORT:Skink, Many-lined}}
[[Category:Great skinks|Many-lined Skink]]
[[Category:Fauna of Northern Mexico]]
[[Category:Reptiles of Mexico]]
[[Category:Reptiles of Mexico]]
[[Category:Fauna of the Western United States]]
[[Category:Fauna of the Western United States]]
[[Category:Reptiles of the United States]]
[[Category:Reptiles of the United States]]
[[Category:Taxa named by Edward Hallowell (herpetologist)]]
[[Category:Reptiles described in 1857]]

Latest revision as of 11:49, 24 May 2023

Plestiodon multivirgatus
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Scincidae
Genus: Plestiodon
Species:
P. multivirgatus
Binomial name
Plestiodon multivirgatus
Hallowell, 1857
Synonyms[2]
  • Plestiodon multivirgatum Hallowell, 1857
  • Eumeces multivirgatus
    — Cope, 1875
  • Eumeces gaigeae
    Taylor, 1935
  • Eumeces multivirgatus gaigeae — Lowe, 1955
  • Eumeces multivirgatus
    — Stebbins, 1985
  • Plestiodon multivirgatus
    — Schmitz et al., 2004

Plestiodon multivirgatus, commonly known as the many-lined skink, the northern many-lined skink, or the variable skink, is a medium-sized species of lizard, a member of the North American skink genus Plestiodon in the family Scincidae. The species is native to the western United States.

Taxonomy

[edit]

The taxonomy of this species is somewhat unclear, even amongst researchers. Most commonly, two subspecies are recognized:

  • P. m. multivirgatus (Hallowell, 1857) – northern many-lined skink
  • P. m. epipleurotus (Cope, 1880) – variable skink

The latter is sometimes treated as a separate species Plestiodon epipleurotus or Plestiodon gaigeae (Taylor, 1935), or given as the subspecies P. m. gaigeae. These last two scientific names are in honor of American herpetologist Helen Beulah Thompson Gaige (1890–1976) of the University of Michigan.[3]

P. m. epipleurotus is also called the two-lined skink.

Description

[edit]

The many-lined skink is a medium-sized skink reaching a maximum snout-to-vent length (SVL) of about 7.5 cm (3.0 in) and a total length of roughly 19 cm (7.5 in). Its body is olive to brown in color. P. m. multivirgatus has black stripes along the body and tail, while P. m. epipleurotus has two white stripes with black borders.[2]

Geographic range & habitat

[edit]

The geographic range of P. m. multivirgatus in the north includes southern South Dakota, Nebraska, and Wyoming, and extends in the south to the Arkansas River in Colorado. P. m. multivirgatus prefers sandy soil and occurs in habitat below 1,675 m (5,495 ft).[1]

P. m. epipleurotus occurs from south-eastern Utah and southern Colorado through Arizona, New Mexico, and western Texas. It lives in rocky habitat up to elevations of 2,600 m (8,500 ft).[1]

Reproduction

[edit]

P. multivirgatus is oviparous.[2] Eggs are deposited under rocks.[1]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d Hammerson, G.A. (2007). "Plestiodon multivirgatus ". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2007: e.T64234A12757035. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2007.RLTS.T64234A12757035.en. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. ^ a b c Species Plestiodon multivirgatus at The Reptile Database www.reptile-database.org.
  3. ^ Beolens, Bo; Watkins, Michael; Grayson, Michael (2011). The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5. (Eumeces multivirgatus gaigeae, p. 97).

Further reading

[edit]
  • Behler JL, King FW (1979). The Audubon Society Field Guide to North American Reptiles and Amphibians. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, Inc. 743 pp. ISBN 0-394-50824-6. (Eumeces multivirgatus, p. 574 + Plate 422).
  • Conant R (1975). A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America, Second Edition. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. xviii + 429 pp. + Plates 1-48. ISBN 0-395-19979-4 (hardcover), ISBN 0-395-19977-8 (paperback). (Eumeces multivirgatus, pp. 128–129 + Plate 19 + Map 78).
  • Hallowell E (1857). "Description of several new North American Reptiles". Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia 9: 215-216. ("Plestiodon multivirgatum [sic]", new species, p. 215).
  • Powell R Conant R, Collins JT (2016). Peterson Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America, Fourth Edition. Boston and New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. xiv + 494 pp., 47 plates, 207 figures. ISBN 978-0-544-12997-9. (Plestiodon multivirgatus, p. 310 + Plate 29).
  • Smith HM, Brodie ED Jr (1982). Reptiles of North America: A Guide to Field Identification. New York: Golden Press. 240 pp. ISBN 0-307-13666-3. (Eumeces multivirgatus, pp. 78–79).
  • Stebbins RC (2003). A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians, Third Edition. The Peterson Field Guide Series ®. Boston and New York: Houghton Mifflin Company. xiii + 533 pp. ISBN 978-0-395-98272-3. (Eumeces multivirgatus, pp. 311–312 + Plate 36 + Map 111).
[edit]
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