Identification
- Maximum body length: 69mm, body length is shorter than tail length.
- Head: A black band on the nape, extending to the posterior edge of the eye socket.
- Body, tail, and limbs: Small, irregularly arranged markings: 4-6 light-colored bands on the body and 4-12 white bands on the tail.
- Dorsal tubercles: Arranged in 16-22 longitudinal rows along the body.
- Ventral scales: 28-42 rows across the mid-body.
- Lateral skin folds: Undeveloped or absent, lacking large tubercles.
- Tail: Not flattened; the base of the tail is not swollen; scales are arranged in rings.
- Males: 6-8 pre-anal pores arranged contiguously, forming an obtuse angle.
- Both sexes: A cluster of large scales in the pre-anal region and 3-8 large scales on the underside of each thigh. Absence of femoral pores and pre-anal grooves.
- Subcaudal scales: Small, not widened laterally.
Biology and Ecology
- This nocturnal reptile species typically inhabits large tree roots or decaying plant matter on the forest floor. Occasionally observed living on isolated rocks within the forest.
- Diet: Small insects.
- Reproduction: Lays 2-4 eggs, which are buried in tree hollows or roots. Egg-laying occurs at the beginning of the rainy season (observed in Ma Da – Dong Nai and Nui Dinh – Ba Ria – Vung Tau).
Distribution
- Recently discovered in Cat Tien National Park, Dong Nai, and also found in Nui Dinh, Ba Ria – Vung Tau, Binh Phuoc, etc.