Biology:Red-eyed crocodile skink

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Short description: Species of lizard

Red-eyed crocodile skink
Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink.jpg
Scientific classification edit
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Scincidae
Genus: Tribolonotus
Species:
T. gracilis
Binomial name
Tribolonotus gracilis
de Rooij, 1909[1]

Tribolonotus gracilis, commonly known as the red-eyed crocodile skink, is a species of skink that is sometimes kept as an exotic pet. It is endemic to New Guinea, where it lives in tropical rainforest habitats. It was first described by Nelly de Rooij in 1909.[1]

Behavior

Tribolonotus gracilis is one of the few species of skinks that vocalize[1] when in distress. When startled, they tend to freeze and have been known to "play dead" (even when handled).[2]

Reproduction

A male red-eyed crocodile skink can be identified by the white pads (pores) on his feet.[3] Females have one working ovary (on the right), laying one egg at a time.[citation needed] She often curls around the egg and aggressively defends it when approached by a perceived threat. If it is uncovered, she will cover it back up.[4] Male crocodile skinks battle other males.

Captivity

Red-eyed crocodile skinks are available in the pet trade, but most are wild-caught rather than captive-bred.[citation needed] Handling is typically very stressful for this species and therefore discouraged.

References

Further reading

  • de Rooij N. 1909. "Reptilien. (Eidechsen, Schildkröten und Krokodile)." Nova Guinea 5 (3): 375-383. ("Tribolonotus gracilis, n. sp.", pp. 381–382).

Wikidata ☰ Q2000955 entry