Etymology
The specific name, ''kintorei'', is in honor ofDescription
The great desert skink is a medium-sized skink, reaching an average snout-to-vent length (SVL) of 19 cm (about 7 in). It has smooth, small, glossy scales and is mostly rust-coloured on the top of the body, with the belly a vanilla color. It has relatively large circular eyes and a short snout. They can be distinguished from '' Egernia striolata'' because they have more labials and more pointed ear lobules.Storr, G.M. (1978). "The Genus Egernia (Lacertilia, Scincidae) in Western Australia" (PDF). ''WA Museum Records and Supplements''. 6: 146–187.Distribution and habitat
''L. kintorei'' is native to the southwestern quarter of theBehaviour
Researchers have recently made a stunning discovery with regard to ''L. kintorei'' — out of over 5,000 species of lizards documented, this species has been said to have "unique" behavior among them. Individuals of the great desert skink appear to work in cooperation with one another to build and take care of their burrows, even digging out specific rooms for use as a defecatorium. Mates are faithful to one another and always mate with the same lizard, although 40 percent of males have been documented to mate with other females. The tunnels are mostly excavated by adults, while juvenile lizards contribute small "pop" holes to the system. DNA analysis has shown that immature lizards live in the same burrow with their siblings, regardless of age difference. The study, carried out in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, also revealed that all immature lizards were full siblings in 18 of 24 burrow systems. Researchers have confirmed that the lizards are family-based and keep the juveniles in the tunnel system until they mature.References
Further reading
* Cogger HG (2014). ''Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia, Seventh Edition''. Clayton, Victoria, Australia: CSIRO Publishing. xxx + 1,033 pp. . * Stirling EC, Zietz A (1893). "Scientific Results of the Elder Exploring Expedition. Vertebrata. Mammalia. Reptilia". ''Trans. Royal Soc. South Australia'' 16: 154-176. (''Egernia kintorei'', new species, p. 171). *Wilson, Steve; Swan, Gerry (2013). ''A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia, Fourth Edition''. Sydney: New Holland Publishers. 522 pp. . {{Taxonbar, from=Q308744 Reptiles of Western Australia Vulnerable fauna of Australia Taxonomy articles created by Polbot Skinks of Australia Liopholis Reptiles described in 1893