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Three-toed skink
A species of Three-toed skinks Scientific name : Saiphos equalis Genus : Three-toed skinks
Three-toed skink, A species of Three-toed skinks
Scientific name: Saiphos equalis
Genus: Three-toed skinks
Content
Description General Info
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Description
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Saiphos equalis, commonly known as the yellow-bellied three-toed skink or simply three-toed skink, is a species of burrowing skink found in eastern Australia. It is the only species classified under the genus Saiphos.
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General Info
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Lifespan
5-10 years
Diet
Three-toed skink are insectivorous, reliant almost solely on soft-bodied invertebrates for nourishment. This includes earthworms, slugs and insect larvae, all consumed avidly when available in its native Australian habitats.
Appearance
The three-toed skink is a relatively small, elongated reptile with smooth, glossy skin. Females and juveniles primarily have a yellowish coloring, whilst males develop a bright, striking green hue as they mature, though both genders have three distinct dark longitudinal stripes. They are predominantly burrowers and have a pointed snout and tiny eyes which aid in their subterranean lifestyle. Distinctively, they retain their tail, unlike many other reptiles which shed theirs.
Behavior
Three-toed skink is primarily fossorial, spending most of its day underground and often layering two burrows for protection against predators. It possesses a rare trait of sequential hermaphroditism, changing sex from male to female under certain population densities. Displaying nocturnal activities, it feeds on insects and vegetation during the night.
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Scientific Classification
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Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Skinks Genus
Three-toed skinks Species
Three-toed skink