Ablepharus alaicus
Ablepharus anatolicus
Ablepharus bivittatus
Ablepharus budaki
Ablepharus chernovi
Ablepharus darvazi
Ablepharus deserti
Ablepharus eremchenkoiAblepharus grayanusAblepharus himalayanusAblepharus kitaibeliiAblepharus ladacensisAblepharus lindbergiAblepharus mahabharatusAblepharus nepalensisAblepharus pannonicusAblepharus rueppelliiAblepharus sikimmensisAblepharus tragbulensis
Ablepharus is a genus of skinks that contains the common snake-eyed skinks.[1] Both their scientific and common names refer to the fact that their eyelids have fused to a translucent capsule; as in snakes, they thus are physically incapable of blinking.[2] They are small lizards and prefer to live in the leaf litter of dry fields and hills.[3] Their scales give them a very shiny, bronze appearance with a characteristically dark stripe down the sides of their bodies. They prey on small insects and other small mollusks.[4]
The scales on all Ablepharus species are shiny and bronze in appearance. Also, a very characteristic bronze stripe runs the length of the dorsal surface of the body. They have short, weak front legs, which contribute to their moving in a serpentine-like manner. In general, females are longer and weigh more than their male counterparts. Ablepharus species have thick tails relative to their body sizes and lengths.[4] Fully mature Ablepharus species can reach a total length (including tail) of up to 15 cm (5.9 in). On average, both males and females reach a total length of up to about 13 cm (5.1 in).[5]
As a whole, Ablepharus skinks are generally shy creatures. They tend to bask in the sunlight during the daytime and become more active as dusk and darkness approach.[5] They make their homes in rocky areas with leaf litter and little soil.[6]
The geographic range of the common snake-eyed skink spans from southern European countries to northern African countries; also, some species are native to southeast Asia.[5] While most of the species in the genus prefer remaining low to the ground and in drier environments, some species may be found in damper habitats up to 2,000 m above sea level.[4]
Analysis of the stomach contents of certain Ablepharus species has led to the conclusion that common snake-eyed skinks are typically generalist predators.[6] They mainly feed on small arthropods, mollusks, and small snails.[4]