Gidgee Skink

Scientific name: Egernia stokesii
Family: Scinidae
Order: Squamata
Class: Reptila

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

Gidgee Skinks ranges from 10 to 12 inches in length with a stout body and rough edged scales, which are used to help minimize water loss. The tail is about 1/3 the actual size of the body, flat and has very strong spines that prevent the reptile from being dislodged while hiding within rock crevices. Their legs are well developed with five toes, however the fourth toe appears to be longer than the rest. The tongue is oval, flat and contains a mucus secreting membrane. The mucus allows the skink to keep hold of insects it catches. The body color ranges from olive brown to reddish brown and some may have paler scales with dark edges. The underside side tends to have either white or a creamy yellow coloring. Gidgee Skinks live long lives; up to twenty-five years.

DISTRIBUTION and HABITAT:

The Gidgee Skink is a terrestrial species living within deep crevices or under boulders in the stony hills and mountain ranges of Australia. Sometimes they occupy hollow trees. The Gidgee skink populations remains steady at this time.

BEHAVIOR:

Gidgee Skinks live in colonies of up to 16 individuals, a behavior which is quite unique among lizards. They are diurnal and tend to be very secretive. Foraging and basking are done close to their dwellings and the security of rocky crevices. It has been found that Gidgee Skinks accumulate small piles of feces near their basking areas. It appears that a skink can differentiate between its own pile and that of another individual within the area. These fecal piles may be used to mark territories. They are also able to distinguish between kin and non-related individuals.

DIET:

Gidgee Skinks diet is primarily composed of spiders and insects such as grasshoppers and termites. However, their eating habits change to plants in mid to late summer. This change maybe due to the lack of insects within their territories during this period. Gidgee Skinks reach maturity by the age of two.

REPRODUCTION and GROWTH:

Births take place during the months of February and March. The embryos are nourished within the mother by a placenta like organ. The female bears live young averaging 5 to a litter and the babies measure about 6cm in length.