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
Description
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.
General Info
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.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Skinks Genus
Three-toed skinks Species
Three-toed skink 
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