Species with stumpy tails have no special regenerative abilities. A lost tail can grow back within around three to four months. Such species generally can regenerate the lost part of a tail, though imperfectly. Most species of skinks have long, tapering tails they can shed if predators grab onto them. The Scincidae ecological niche index (SENI) is a ratio based on anterior foot length at the junction of the ulna/radius-carpal bones to the longest digit divided by the snout-to-vent length. A biological ratio can determine the ecological niche of a given skink species. As a general rule, the longer the digits, the more arboreal the species is likely to be. In such species, their locomotion resembles that of snakes more than that of lizards with well-developed limbs. Other genera, such as Neoseps, have reduced limbs and fewer than five toes ( digits) on each foot. Skinks' skulls are covered by substantial bony scales, usually matching up in shape and size, while overlapping. These lizards also have legs that are relatively small proportional to their body size. This is not true for all skinks, however, as some species such as the red eyed crocodile skink have a head that is very distinguished from the body. Several genera (e.g., Typhlosaurus) have no limbs at all. Skinks look like lizards of the family Lacertidae (sometimes called true lizards), but most species of skinks have no pronounced neck and relatively small legs.
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