The Bridled Skink (Heremites vittatus) is a small to medium-sized skink recorded in Lebanon and widely distributed across parts of the eastern Mediterranean, North Africa, and the Middle East. It is an active, day-dwelling lizard often seen in open sunny habitats, including rocky hillsides, scrubland, field edges, gardens, and areas with sandy or stony soil and low vegetation. Studies and regional records confirm its presence in Lebanon, and the species has also been studied there under its older scientific name, Trachylepis vittata.

It is recognized by its slender shiny body, long tail, smooth overlapping scales, and clear longitudinal stripes running along the body, which give it the name “Bridled Skink.” It moves quickly through grass, stones, and low vegetation, feeding mainly on small insects and other arthropods. Like many skinks, it relies on speed and cover rather than open display, often disappearing rapidly when disturbed. In Lebanon, it is part of the reptile community of warm Mediterranean landscapes, especially where rocks, vegetation, and sun-exposed ground occur together.