sand skink
lizard
Also known as: Scincus, sandfish
Quick Summary
Sand skinks are a type of Old World lizard belonging to the family Scincidae. These lizards are known for their ability to move through sand, earning them the name "sandfish". They possess specialized fringes of scales on their toes that aid in their movement across and within loose sand. Sand skinks have adaptations such as a countersunk lower jaw, specialized nasal openings, and eyelid fringes that prevent sand from entering their bodies. They are native to the desert regions of North Africa and southern Asia.12
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