AnimaliaHighest rank in taxonomy. Groups all life into domains: Animalia, Plantae, Fungi, etc.IUCN LCInternational Union for Conservation of Nature — the world authority on species extinction risk, using standardized criteria. — Least Concern — widespread and abundant; not at immediate risk of extinction.ApprovedCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Sphenomorphus cherriei
Brown Forest Skink
Cope, 1893
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
Small skink with a cylindrical body and relatively short limbs. It features a uniform brown coloration or small dark spots, and smooth, shiny scales that give it a satin appearance.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Julia Trouin
Last modified by
Julia Trouin
TaxonomyBiological classification ranks placing this species within the tree of life, from Kingdom down to Genus.
PhylumRank below Kingdom. Groups organisms sharing a fundamental body plan (e.g., Chordata = vertebrates and some invertebrates).Chordata
ClassRank below Phylum. Subdivides by structural traits (e.g., Mammalia, Aves, Reptilia, Insecta).Reptilia
OrderRank below Class. Groups related families sharing common ancestry (e.g., Carnivora, Primates).Squamata
FamilyRank below Order. Groups closely related genera (e.g., Felidae = cats, Canidae = dogs).Scincidae
GenusRank just above Species. The first word in the two-part binomial scientific name.Sphenomorphus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.Cope, 1893
Record Completeness
61%Coming soon
Ecology & StatusHow this species lives: habitat preferences, diet, behavior, population status, and role in its ecosystem.
OriginWhether the species is native (evolved here), endemic (found only here), or introduced by human activity.
Native
Population TrendDirection of change in population size over time: increasing, stable, decreasing, or unknown.
Stable
Breeding SeasonTime of year when this species typically reproduces or flowers.
Year Round
Trophic RolePosition in the food chain: producer, herbivore, carnivore, omnivore, decomposer, or parasite.
Insectivore
Recent SightingsWhether this species has been observed in the wild in Costa Rica within recent years.
Yes
Habitat SummaryOverview of the specific ecosystems and environments where this species is found in Costa Rica. Multi-lang
Ground dweller in humid forests, frequently found among leaf litter, decaying logs, and shaded areas where humidity is constant.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Mainly diurnal, although it prefers shaded areas where it can hunt for prey without direct sun exposure.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Solitary and elusive; its evasive behavior makes it difficult to observe.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Tactile and visual foraging among leaf litter, using its tongue to detect prey via chemoreception.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Primary consumer of soil micro-invertebrates (mites, springtails, small larvae).Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Oviparous; usually deposit small eggs in moist soil cavities.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
5.0 - 9.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
2 g - 8 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.1 - 3
Sexual DimorphismObservable physical differences between males and females of the same species (e.g., size, coloration, features).Yes
Lifespan
Sexual MaturityAge at which the individual becomes capable of reproducing for the first time.
1 Years
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
30 - 45
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males--
Females--
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Minimal differences; males sometimes have slightly wider heads.
Females Multi-lang
Generally very similar to males in coloration and body size.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Fusiform body: Its reduced limbs and smooth body allow for rapid movement through dense leaf litter without excessive friction.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Loss of microhabitats due to the removal of leaf litter and the alteration of soil moisture in fragmented forests.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Possesses the ability of caudal autotomy, detaching its tail during predator attacks as a distraction.