The giant spiny skink or Poncelet's helmet skink (Tribolonotus ponceleti) is a species of lizard in the family Scincidae. The species is endemic to the Solomon Islands.[1]

Giant spiny skink
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Scincidae
Genus: Tribolonotus
Species:
T. ponceleti
Binomial name
Tribolonotus ponceleti

Etymology

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The specific name, ponceleti, is in honor of the Rev. Jean-Baptiste Poncelet (1884-1958), French missionary and naturalist.[2]

Habitat

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The preferred habitat of T. ponceleti is forest at altitudes of 0–250 m (0–820 ft).[1]

Behavior

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Unlike most skinks, T. ponceleti has the ability to vocalize.[3]

Reproduction

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T. ponceleti is oviparous.[3]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d Harlow, P. (2013). "Tribolonotus ponceleti". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2013: e.T22091A2781610. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2013-1.RLTS.T22091A2781610.en. Retrieved 15 November 2021.
  2. ^ 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. (Tribolonotus ponceleti, p. 209).
  3. ^ a b Species Tribolonotus ponceleti at The Reptile Database . www.reptile-database.org

Further reading

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  • Austin CC, Rittmeyer EN, Richards SJ, Zug GR (2010). "Phylogeny, historical biogeography and body size evolution in Pacific Island Crocodile skinks Tribolonotus (Squamata: Scincidae)". Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 57: 227-236.
  • Kinghorn JR (1937). "A new species of scink [sic] from the Solomon Islands". Records of the Australian Museum 20 (1): 1-2 + Plate I. (Tribolonotus ponceleti, new species).
  • McCoy M (2006). Reptiles of the Solomon Islands. Series Faunastica No. 57. Sofia, Bulgaria: Pensoft Publishers. 212 pp.