Hemiergis skinks are small, slender fossorial lizards with reduced limbs and varying numbers of digits.

Variation in digit number between species and populations of Hemiergis has been used to better understand the influence of the Sonic hedgehog (Shh) gene on embryonic development.

[6] Hemiergis is closely related to the other Australian skink genera Anomalopus and Eremiascincus..[7][8] Hemiergis is an Australian genus, found across the southern end of the continent, with populations in the states of New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia.

[3] Hemiergis are ovoviviparous, meaning the mother produces eggs which develop inside her and she gives birth to live young.

[10] Hemiergis individuals are typically found dwelling in loose damp soil under logs, rocks and leaf litter.