Morethia taeniopleura

Morethia taeniopleura

(Fire-tailed Skink)

FAMILY

Scincidae

Species

Morethia taeniopleura

Common name

Fire-tailed Skink

Main colour

Body grey-brown, tail rusty to orange to red

Body size

Snout to vent to 4.2 cm, tail to 5.5 cm long

Location

Townsville

Description

This skink with the distinctive reddish tail is found in dense leaf litter in coastal woodlands and hills particularly in rocky areas. The body is grey-brown with a prominent black stripe along the upper flanks which is bordered by a white stripe, belly is white. There are 5 digits on each limb.