LIZARDS OF THE WET TROPICS

Rainforest Water Skink (Eulamprus tigrinus)

DISTRIBUTION:

North-eastern Queensland from Bloomfield to Kirrima.

HABITAT:

Rainforest and high-altitude heathland from sea- level to 1600m.

DESCRIPTION (from Cogger, 1992; Wilson and Knowles, 1988):

A coppery or rich brown skink with dorso-lateral bars or patches on the neck and body. There is usually a dark brown temporal streak from the eye and sometimes another streak on the cheek. Spots of dark brown are also seen on the flanks, limbs and side of tail. Ventral surfaces are white or cream. SVL=80mm.

BREEDING:

Viviparous.

DIET:

Invertebrates.

NOTES:

A diurnal to crepuscular skink often encountered resting with its head protruding from cover. Predominantly arboreal, they shelter in tree hollows. Apparently capable of producing a sharp squeak when handled or when fighting.

REFERENCES:

Cogger, H. G. 1992. Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. Reed Books, Sydney.

Ehmann, H. 1992. Encyclopedia of Australian Animals. Angus and Robertson, Sydney.

Nix, H. and Switzer, M. A. 1991. Rainforest Animals: Atlas of the Vertebrates Endemic to Australia's Wet Tropics. Kowari, Canberra.

Wilson, S. K. and Knowles, D. G. 1988. Australia's Reptiles; a photographic reference to the terrestrial reptiles of Australia. Collins, Sydney.

Prepared by: Geordie Torr, Dept. of Zoology, James Cook University, QLD 4811, Australia.

Geordie.Torr1@jcu.edu.au

Last updated: April, 1995.