Southern water skink
A species of Water skinks, Also known as Highland water skink, Southern Scientific name : Eulamprus tympanum Genus : Water skinks
Southern water skink, A species of Water skinks
Also known as:
Highland water skink, Southern
Scientific name: Eulamprus tympanum
Genus: Water skinks
Content
Description General Info
Description
The southern water skink (Eulamprus tympanum) is a medium-sized (maximum snout-vent length c. 100Â mm) species of skink that is endemic to Australia. These skinks are found in New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria as well as on Tasmania's Rodondo Island in the Bass Strait. They are viviparous, mating in spring, and giving birth to live young in mid to late summer.
General Info
Lifespan
12-20 years
Diet
Southern water skink showcases an omnivorous feeding behavior. Predominantly, it consumes a variety of invertebrates, such as insects and spiders, complemented by occasional vegetative matter, particularly fruits and seeds.
Appearance
Southern water skink is a medium-sized skink with a slender, elongated body covered in smooth scales. Its color ranges from dark brown to olive green, often with striping or spotted patterns. The undersides are pale yellow, and there is a dark streak behind the eye. Males are distinguishable by their larger size and richer coloration, and younger individuals tend to have more vivid patterning.
Behavior
Southern water skink is a typically solitary reptile that is diurnal, active during the day and retreating under logs or leaf litter at night. It primarily shows territorial behavior during the breeding season. This species feeds predominantly on invertebrates, and performs a 'head bobbing' display when threatened, notably unique to its behavior.
Population
Stable
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Skinks Genus
Water skinks Species
Southern water skink