[2] Named after German anthropologist Moritz von Leonhardi in 1919, it belongs to the genus Ctenotus, one of the largest genera of lizards in Australia.

[5] There are pale stripes running from the eyes down to the tail on either side, often with a dark brown edge above.

[7] Leonhardi's ctenotus adults can grow to a maximum snout-to-vent length (SVL) of 7.9 cm (3.1 in),[8] weighing on average 9.14 g (0.322 oz).

[4] Males and females grow to a similar size, unlike many other Ctenotus species which demonstrate sexual dimorphism.

[3] Ctenotus species are commonly called "comb-eared skinks" due to the shape of the small scales near the ear.

[4] Leonhardi's ctenotus has been found in a range of arid habitat types including open grasslands, sandplain deserts dominated by spinifex, and semi-arid shrublands.

[4] Spinifex tussocks provide protection from predators, harsh environmental conditions and an abundant supply of insects.

[3] The majority of foraging occurs around midday, with the bulk of the diet being made up of cockroaches, spiders, grasshoppers, silverfish, beetles, weevils, and the larvae of moths and butterflies.

[16] However, clutch size is highly variable and dependent upon environmental conditions, with no successful reproduction occurring in some years.