Scincoidea

Scincoidea is a superfamily of lizards commonly known as skinks. These lizards are characterized by their smooth, overlapping scales, which often give them a glossy appearance. Many species also have reduced or absent limbs, leading to a snake-like body shape, though this is not universal across the superfamily. Skinks are found on every continent except Antarctica and inhabit a wide range of environments, from deserts and grasslands to forests and even aquatic habitats.

The superfamily Scincoidea is divided into several families, with the most prominent being the Scincidae, which contains the vast majority of skink species. Other families, though smaller, are also recognized within this group. Skinks are primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of invertebrates, but some larger species may also consume small vertebrates, fruits, or flowers. Their reproductive strategies vary, with some species laying eggs and others giving birth to live young. Their ability to shed their tails as a defense mechanism is a common trait among many skink species, with the tail often regrowing over time. The diversity within Scincoidea is immense, with hundreds of genera and thousands of species, making them one of the most successful lizard groups globally.