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Hidden-eared skinks
Calyptotis - De Vis, 1886

Pronunciation: KAL-ipp-TOH-tiss
Etymology: 'hidden ear'

Taxonomic notes:

Notes:
Statistics: Reproductive modes:
Oviparous - 5 out of 5 Australian species

Size range:
Smallest Australian species: Thornton Peak calyptotis (Calyptotis thorntonensis) at 3.5 cm
 Longest Australian species: cone-eared calyptotis (Calyptotis lepidorostrum) at 5.5 cm
Number of Australian species: 5
 

cone-eared calyptotis (Calyptotis lepidorostrum)
Crediton State Forest, Queensland
Photo © Stewart Macdonald
cone-eared calyptotis (Calyptotis lepidorostrum) distribution range map Calyptotis lepidorostrum
Cone-eared calyptotis
Year described
Greer 1983
Description
"External ear indicated by a depression that is completely scaled; Head and body relatively deep; ear a scaly, conical depression; postorbital bone present; Prefrontals present."1

red-tailed calyptotis (Calyptotis ruficauda)
Bruxner Park, New South Wales
Photo © Stewart Macdonald
red-tailed calyptotis (Calyptotis ruficauda) distribution range map Calyptotis ruficauda
Red-tailed calyptotis
Year described
Greer 1983
Description
"External ear indicated by a shallow auditory meatus and a scaleless tympanum; Secondary temporals two; prefrontals present; upper surface of digits covered by two or more rows of scales."1

scute-snouted calyptotis (Calyptotis scutirostrum)
Bunya Mountains, Queensland
Photo © Stewart Macdonald
scute-snouted calyptotis (Calyptotis scutirostrum) distribution range map Calyptotis scutirostrum
Scute-snouted calyptotis
Year described
(Peters 1873)
Description
"External ear indicated by a depression that is completely scaled; Head and body relatively deep; ear a scaly, conical depression; postorbital bone present; Prefrontals usually absent."1

broad-templed calyptotis (Calyptotis temporalis)
Bulburin National Park, Queensland
Photo © Stewart Macdonald
broad-templed calyptotis (Calyptotis temporalis) distribution range map Calyptotis temporalis
Broad-templed calyptotis
Year described
Greer 1983
Description
"External ear indicated by a shallow auditory meatus and a scaleless tympanum; Secondary temporal single, large; prefrontals absent; upper surface of digits covered by a single row of scales."1

Thornton Peak calyptotis (Calyptotis thorntonensis)
Thornton Uplands, Queensland
Photo © Stewart Macdonald
Thornton Peak calyptotis (Calyptotis thorntonensis) distribution range map Calyptotis thorntonensis
Thornton Peak calyptotis
Year described
Greer 1983
Description
"External ear indicated by a depression that is completely scaled; Head and body depressed; ear a scaly, superficial disc (tympanum); postorbital bone absent."1

References
  1. Greer, A.E. (1983). The Australian scincid lizard genus Calyptotis De Vis: resurrection of the name, description of four new species, and discussion of relationships. Records of the Australian Museum, 35(1):29-59.
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