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.In ProgressCurrent stage of this record in the editorial review workflow. Recent Sighting
Mesoscincus managuae
Managua Skink
(Dunn, 1933)
Detailed Texts Multi-lang
A medium-sized lizard with a smooth, shiny, cylindrical body typical of skinks. It features a brownish dorsal coloration with darker lateral stripes and a pale, unpatterned belly.
Added by
Anonymous Curator
Reviewed by
Under Review
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.Mesoscincus
Taxonomic AuthorityThe scientist who first formally described and published this species, followed by the year of publication.(Dunn, 1933)
Record Completeness
96%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
Inhabits tropical dry forests and disturbed areas in lowlands. Often found in leaf litter, near rock piles, or at the base of trees.BehaviourDaily activity patterns, movement, territory use, foraging style, and seasonal behavioral changes. Multi-lang
Diurnal and terrestrial. It spends most of its time foraging for insects in leaf litter. Shy and elusive, retreating rapidly if threatened.Social ActivitySocial structure: whether the species is solitary, paired, or colonial; hierarchy and communication. Multi-lang
Generally solitary, encountering others mainly during the breeding season.Feeding GuildWhat the species eats, how it forages or hunts, and its role as a consumer in the food web. Multi-lang
Terrestrial insectivore.Trophic Chain DetailsSpecific interactions in local food webs: prey species, predators, competitors, and scavengers. Multi-lang
Primarily insectivorous, feeding on small beetles, ants, and spiders. Preyed upon by snakes and small raptors.Reproductive BehaviourMating strategies, courtship displays, nesting or spawning behavior, and parental care. Multi-lang
Oviparous, laying small clutches of eggs in hidden, moist locations.Physical Measures
Length (cm)
5.0 - 8.0 cm
Weight (Grams)
2 g - 6 g
Offspring per cycleTypical number of young (live births, eggs, or seeds) produced by one adult in a single reproductive event or breeding season.2 - 6
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.
12 - 18 Months
Gestation / IncubationDuration from fertilization to birth (mammals) or to hatching (egg-laying species).
45 - 60
Lifespan EstimatedExpected duration of life from birth to natural death under wild conditions.
Males3 - 5 Years
Females3 - 5 Years
Sexual DimorphismPhysical differences in size, coloration, or morphology between males and females of this species.
Males Multi-lang
Males often exhibit larger head sizes and more intense coloration during the breeding season.
Females Multi-lang
Females are generally slightly larger in total body mass when carrying eggs.
Evolutionary AdaptationsInherited traits and behaviors that improve the species' survival and reproduction in its specific environment. Multi-lang
Possesses cycloid, overlapping scales that reduce friction, allowing for swift movement through dense vegetation or leaf litter.
Main ThreatsDocumented pressures reducing the population: habitat loss, hunting, disease, climate change, and invasive species. Multi-lang
Habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and urban development in its range.
Interesting FactsSurprising or notable facts that highlight what makes this species unique or ecologically important. Multi-lang
Like many skinks, it is capable of autotomy, shedding its tail to escape predators, which then regrows over time.