Genus Ctenotus Storr, 1964

Comb-eared skinks.

Skinks are extremely conspicuous and numerous in the tropics. Australia is home to many such lizards, the genus Ctenotus being the among the largest. All members of Ctenotus have a series of enlarged scales along the front edge of the ear opening, resembling a comb. These skinks are also recognized by having moveable eyelids, four pentadactyl limbs, very slightly keeled (or smooth) scales, no supranasal or divided nasal scales, and a color pattern made of longitudinal dark stripes. 

Only one species of Ctenotus is presently known from New Guinea; otherwise, some 66 species of  these skinks are restricted to Australia.