Southern grass tussock skink
A species of Pseudemoia, Also known as Tussock skink Scientific name : Pseudemoia pagenstecheri Genus : Pseudemoia
Southern grass tussock skink, A species of Pseudemoia
Also known as:
Tussock skink
Scientific name: Pseudemoia pagenstecheri
Genus: Pseudemoia
Content
Description General Info
Photo By rbrausse , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original Description
Pseudemoia pagenstecheri, also known commonly as the southern grass tussock skink or the southern tussock grass skink, is a species of lizard in the family Scincidae. The species is endemic to Australia.
General Info
Lifespan
5-8 years
Diet
Southern grass tussock skink primarily subsists on a diet of small insects, leaning towards beetles and spiders. This lizard species exhibits a high preference for arthropods, particularly those residing in leaf litter.
Appearance
Southern grass tussock skink is a medium-sized skink with a lean, elongated body. It sports glossy, smooth scales that exhibit various shades of brown, often with intricate patterning. Males are distinguished by their brighter coloration, and both sexes feature a robust tail tapering to a pointed end. This species lacks significant changes in physical characteristics due to age or subspecies.
Behavior
Southern grass tussock skink is a day-active species, characterized by its unique oviparous reproduction, where females lay eggs in autumn and guard them until hatching in spring. This species exhibits a solitary lifestyle with individualistic territories, showing aggressive behavior when defending its habitat. These behaviors are specifically adapted for survival in high-altitude environments.
Population
Decreasing
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Skinks Genus
Pseudemoia Species
Southern grass tussock skink