Ablepharus kitaibelii

Taxobox | name = European Copper Skink
status = LC | status_system = IUCN3.1
trend = stable

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image_width = 250px
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Reptilia
ordo = Squamata
familia = Scincidae
genus = "Ablepharus"
species = "A. kitaibelii"
binomial = "Ablepharus kitaibelii"
binomial_authority = Bibron & Bory de Saint-Vincent, 1833

"Ablepharus kitaibelii", the European copper skink, Juniper skink or European Snake-eyed skink, is a species of lizards from the skink family (Scincidae).

This small, slender lizard grows up to 15 cm long, and lives in Eastern Europe and southwestern Asia. It is a shy species, which lives under stones and leaves in dry places, such as south slopes, fields, and meadows. The skin is bronze coloured, with dark sides. The eyelids are immovable, in contrast to many other skinks.

"A. kitaibelii" is active during twilight, and hunts for insects and small snails. It is a typical ground dweller, and dislikes climbing. The species is protected. Many former subspecies have been promoted to categorization as species, such as "Ablepharus rueppellii" and "Ablepharus budaki".

References

*IUCN2006|assessors=Böhme "et al"|year=2005|id=29691|title=Ablepharus kitaibelii|downloaded=11 May 2006 Database entry includes a range map and justification for why this species is of least concern