King's skink
A species of Egernia Scientific name : Egernia kingii Genus : Egernia
King's skink, A species of Egernia
Scientific name: Egernia kingii
Genus: Egernia
Content
Description General Info
Description
Egernia kingii, King's skink, is a species of skink native to coastal regions of south-western Australia common on Rottnest Island and Penguin Island and some coastal areas with open forest and open heath. It is a large, heavy-bodied black skink that can reach a length of 55 centimetres (22Â in) with a mass of 220 grams (8Â oz).
General Info
Lifespan
15-20 years
Diet
King's skink is primarily a herbivore, with an inclination towards plant-based nutrients. Leaves, fruits, and flowers of various native plants constitute its main diet. However, it also shows a preference for specific types of fungi as a supplementary food source.
Appearance
King's skink is a medium-sized skink with a robust, cylindrical body and small legs. Its distinctive skin exhibits a dark brown or black color, often displaying a broad pale stripe ranging from the head to the tail on either side of the body. The scales are rough and glossy. Mature males possess larger heads compared to the females, with all boasting a midlength tapered tail.
Behavior
King's skink is a diurnal, social reptile, often found living in communal rock crevices which they aggressively defend. Their complex, kin-based social structure revolves around a dominant male and female pair. Pair-bonding and cooperative brood care are distinctive behaviors within this species. Foraging activities predominantly occur during daylight hours, hunting invertebrates and some plant materials.
Population
Stable
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Skinks Genus
Egernia Species
King's skink 
AI animal expert in your pocket
Scan QR code to download
