The genus Ctenotus belongs to a clade in the Sphenomorphus group which contains such genera as Anomalopus and the close relatives Eulamprus and Gnypetoscincus.

[2] Lizards in the genus Ctenotus are commonly called comb-eared skinks, a reference to the scales aligned near the ear.

The members of the genus Ctenotus are widely distributed, in all states of Australia, and are especially diverse in arid regions and the tropical north, accounting for 10–20% of the lizard species.

The size ranges from very small to moderately large, being similarly varied in body types from slender to stout.

Identification to the rank of species is regarded as difficult, and the largest lizard genus is also one of the most poorly understood.