
Cunningham's spiny-tailed skink
A species of Egernia Scientific name : Egernia cunninghami Genus : Egernia
Cunningham's spiny-tailed skink, A species of Egernia
Scientific name: Egernia cunninghami
Genus: Egernia
Content
Description General Info


Description

Cunningham's skink (Egernia cunninghami) is a large skink species native to southeastern Australia. It can reach up to 400Â mm in length, and may be confused with blue-tongued lizards.

General Info

Lifespan
15-20 years
Diet
Cunningham's spiny-tailed skink leads a largely herbivorous dietary lifestyle, mainly nourishing on plant matter. Consuming diverse vegetation, it specifically prefers succulent leaves, juicy fruits, and tender stems, contributing substantially to its diet.
Appearance
Cunningham's spiny-tailed skink is a mid-sized skink with a sleek, slightly flattened body. Its scales are robust and typically a dominant tone of dark brown, sometimes streaked with lighter hues. Notable features include the longitudinal rows of pale spots along the body, paired with irregular black flecks. The tail is long and muscular which may be used as a functional limb. There are no significant differences in size or coloration between different ages, genders, or subspecies.
Behavior
Cunningham's spiny-tailed skink is a social species known for their stable familial groups with low aggression levels. They exhibit diurnal habits, primarily basking during the day and seeking shelter under rocks. Survival behaviors include active foraging for plant material and invertebrates, and an ability to slow metabolism during food scarcity. Territoriality is significant; males defend their territories aggressively against intruders.

Scientific Classification

Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Skinks Genus
Egernia Species
Cunningham's spiny-tailed skink