<p><b>Lerista praepedita</b>, or the Southern Skink, is a small, slender insectivore native to southern Australia, thriving in sandy soils across temperate forests and grasslands. This diurnal reptile features a smooth, elongated body typically measuring 12 to 20 centimeters, with effective camouflage that aids in its burrowing lifestyle and hunting of invertebrates.</p>