Schwartze's skink
A species of Mesoscincus Scientific name : Mesoscincus schwartzei Genus : Mesoscincus
Schwartze's skink, A species of Mesoscincus
Scientific name: Mesoscincus schwartzei
Genus: Mesoscincus
Content
Description General Info
Photo By rbrausse , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Schwartze's skink is renowned for its arboreal lifestyle, navigating efficiently amongst treelines of Central American rainforests. This species' semi-prehensile tail counters the slippery, high-humidity surroundings, ensuring balance during locomotion. Furthermore, schwartze's skink's diet primarily constitutes insect fauna, contributing to a balanced ecosystem by regulating insect populations.
General Info
Lifespan
8-10 years
Diet
Schwartze's skink predominantly feeds on a diet of insects and spiders. Variety is introduced through occasional consumption of small amphibians and reptiles, supplementing its core insectivorous dietary habits.
Appearance
Schwartze's skink is a medium-sized skink with a slender body covered in smooth, slick scales. It has a highly distinctive coloration that features dark brown or nearly black background with bright green or bluish-green bands. Younger individuals possess brighter colorations, whereas adults display darker tones. Males and females look similar, although males are generally somewhat larger.
Behavior
Schwartze's skink is predominantly secretive and solitary, often concealed in leafy vegetation during the day. They forage at twilight, mostly on the ground, but are also adept climbers. They display territorial behavior, defending their home range vigorously against intruders. Their adaptation to the forest floor provides effective camouflage.
Population
Stable
Photo By rbrausse , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Skinks Genus
Mesoscincus Species
Schwartze's skink