Black rock skink
A species of Egernia Scientific name : Egernia saxatilis Genus : Egernia
Black rock skink, A species of Egernia
Scientific name: Egernia saxatilis
Genus: Egernia
Content
Description General Info
Description
Egernia saxatilis, commonly known as the black rock-skink or black crevice-skink, is a species of moderately large to large skink, a lizard in the family Scincidae. The species is native to the south east of Australia, mainly on the coast and nearby ranges. The species is locally abundant, but distribution is severely fragmented and number of adults appears to be decreasing.
General Info
Lifespan
15-20 years
Diet
The primary diet of black rock skink consists of herbaceous plant materials and insects. It particularly favors ants and beetles, but is also known to consume a variety of other arthropods and vegetation, showcasing its omnivorous nature.
Appearance
Black rock skink is a medium-sized skink with a streamlined body shape. Its scaly skin primarily displays a dark gray or black color, often speckled with whitish or pale spots, offering perfect camouflage against rocky habitats. Males often possess larger heads than females. Endowed with a round tail, black rock skink's physical appeal is further maximized with its bright yellow underparts.
Behavior
Black rock skink exhibits strikingly social behavior, forming enduring family groups. It is characterized by its territorial defense where both sexes actively engage. Distinguishing features include their preference for basking, and communal sheltering in rock crevices to maintain thermoregulation. They predominantly feed on invertebrates, exhibiting a foraging behavior that involves exploring beneath rocks and ground litter.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Skinks Genus
Egernia Species
Black rock skink 
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