Wood Mulch Slider

Lerista muelleri is a small terrestrial lizard typically reaching a maximum snout-to-vent length (SVL) of 50 mm (2.0 in), and reaching an adult total length (tail included) of up to 103 mm (4.1 in). A key distinguishing feature of the species is the presence of three digits on each of the forelimbs and hindlimbs. Scales are small, shiny, smooth-textured and illustrate a tight pattern of composition. The head is elongated, displaying a brown to black flecked pattern with recessed ears, and a pointed snout providing evidence of adaptive fossorial behaviour. Colouration is reflective of habitat, with the body commonly exhibiting brown, grey and bronze tones. In the western parts of the continent, lateral striping is often indeterminate. However, individuals in the east often present with clearly defined black longitudinal striping. The underside often demonstrates lighter colouration, incorporating a blotched pattern of brown spots. Juveniles are often identified by the presence of a reddish colour at the tail.

Lerista muelleri is distributed throughout the Australian mainland ranging from the Northern Territory, Western Australia, Queensland, South Australia, NSW and Victoria. There are no records of the species being found in the state of Tasmania. Individuals are likely to be found in a variety of climatic and terrestrial conditions ranging from hot dry sandy deserts, to more temperate vegetated climates associated with the higher latitudes of the southern states of the continent.

Lerista muelleri is a fossorial diurnal species that occupy their time foraging for food during daylight hours. Similar to many other reptiles, they are ectothermic relying upon environmental conditions for body temperature regulation. Typically, individuals will begin the day in search of the sun to raise body temperatures to gain energy for foraging, and to aid with digestion. Like most ectotherms, when energy levels are adequate, individuals will often seek shelter beneath sand, or in the form of loose soil, fallen logs, and the cover of ground litter and debris. Habitats are varied and are ultimately reflective of direct environmental conditions. In hot arid regions of the continent, individuals may be found burrowed into sand, or under the cover of rocky outcrops. In more temperate regions of the continent, species are likely to be found in a variety of habitats from floodplains, grassy box woodlands, black box woodlands, and mallee woodlands.