THE REPTILES OF OHIO 



27 



Map 3. Ohio locality record and general 

 range of the Brown-backed Skink, Leiolop- 

 isma unicolor. 



the north of its previously known range, no doubts are held as to the accur- 

 acy of the record. This lizard is probably rare in Ohio and its small size 

 makes it an inconspicuous animal and one easily overlooked. "Kirtland (1838, 

 188) states that "S. quinquelmeatus and S. lateralis (unicolor) were shown 

 to me by Mr. Dorfeuille as inhabitants of Ohio." As Stupka (loc. cit.) men- 

 tions, the Dorfeuille collection at Cincinnati has long since been destroyed and 

 this record cannot be checked. 



Habitat and Habits. — Gloyd (1928, 120) has summarized his observations 

 on this lizard in Franklin County, Kansas, as follows: — 



This little skink was abundant in wooded country near Ottawa. It frequented 

 wooded bluffs, both limestone and sandstone, although it seemed to be found in some- 

 what greater numbers near the latter. Almost every specimen was secured among leaves 

 on or near the ground. A few were dug out of crevices in dead logs or between rocks. 

 A gravid female which died June 9 contained five eggs. Two other females deposited 

 eggs on June 9 and June 27 respectively. The first set numbered four eggs, three of 

 which hatched August 21. At time of hatching the young skinks measured 40, 44 and 

 48 mm. (1 9/16 to 1 7/8 inches) in length. There were only two eggs in the second set. 

 When laid their dimensions were 7.8 x 5.5 mm. and 7.5 x 5.5 mm. 



