Hamelin Ctenotus

The Hamelin Ctenotus is a small slender skink with black and white stripes interspersed with pale spots. These markings blur when it runs and this would confuse predators. Like other Ctenotus species it is distinguished by rounded white scales along the edge of its ear openings. These scales are thought to prevent soil from entering the ears when the lizard is burrowing.

Ctenotus shelter in burrows or under vegetation during the heat of the day. They spring to life in the early morning and evening to find insects and mates.

Females dig and lay clutches of leathery eggs in burrows. Once hatched the young fend for themselves. Breeding is thought to occur in spring or early summer when there are plenty of insects and spiders to eat.

The Hamelin Ctenotus is found only in a small area (about 150 km²) of spinifex grass and eucalypts on red sand in the south-eastern part of the Shark Bay World Heritage Area. Studies in other places with suitable habitat have not found any Hamelin Ctenotus.