title: Tytthoscincus temasekensis
text: # Tytthoscincus temasekensis
  
  Tytthoscincus temasekensis, common name Singapore swamp skink, is a species of skinks belonging to the family Scincidae.
  
  ## Etymology
  
  The species name temasekensis derives from the word Temasek meaning 'Sea Town' in Old Javanese, an ancient name of a settlement in Singapore. As the Latin suffix -ensis means 'from a place', the epithet temasekensis can be translated from Singapore.
  
  ## Distribution
  
  This uncommon species is present in Singapore, and in restricted areas of the Peninsular Malaysia.
  
  ## Habitat
  
  Singapore swamp skink occurs in freshwater swamp forest, in peat swamp areas and close to shallow streams.
  
  ## Description
  
  Tytthoscincus temasekensis can reach a total body length of about 7.6 cm (3.0 in). These small skinks have an elongate and dorso-ventrally flattened body, with smooth scales. Limbs and feet are tiny, short and slender. Its dorsal basic colour is dark brown, with a pale line from the head to the end of the tail. The abdomen is pale brownish. Young skinks are pale brown and slightly pinkish.
  
  ## Behavior
  
  These skinks are skilled swimmers and very elusive. Usually they hide amongst or beneath leaf litter next to streams or swamps.
  
  