Scincidae

Scincidae View in CoL ( Figs 31F–J View Figure 31 , 32 View Figure 32 , 33 View Figure 33 )

In scincids, the braincase is roughly as long as it is wide and not compressed. The foramen magnum is wide and subelliptical. The occipital condyle is similar to the one of lacertids. The lateral opening of the recessus scalae tympani is wide, subelliptical and elongated. In Ophiomorus punctatissimus , this opening has poorly developed margins, largely exposing the recessus scalae tympani in lateral view ( Fig. 33B View Figure 33 ). The medial opening of the recessus scalae tympani is reduced due to expansions of its dorsal margin, whereas the perilymphatic foramen is wide and subcircular. The semicircular canals are narrow and poorly prominent.