toetuvatele

Toetuvatele is a genus of small to medium-sized squamates that are endemic to the islands of New Caledonia. The genus is part of the family Scoliopidae, a family of skinks that are commonly referred to as Salaman sphere-skleues, but the name toetuvatele is most commonly used to describe these particular animals. These animals are nocturnal and are rarely seen by humans, but their burrows and feeding channels can occasionally be observed.

Toetuvatele have scales that are rough to the touch and can vary in color, typically being shades of brown, yellow, and green. They are small compared to other reptiles and grow to an average length of about 10-15 centimeters. Toetuvatele primarily eat insects and other small invertebrates that live in the soil.

Their classification within the skink family is still being researched and not many definitive records of their behavior and other fact-filled information on them exist. As such, some of the everyday details about their behavior, how they prefer their natural environment, and generally found are not known, but it is argued that the St. Martin reef system, a well known barrier for ocean flooding is most likely their longtime incorporated habitat