Western rock skink
A species of Afro-malagasy mabuyas Scientific name : Trachylepis sulcata Genus : Afro-malagasy mabuyas
Western rock skink, A species of Afro-malagasy mabuyas
Scientific name: Trachylepis sulcata
Genus: Afro-malagasy mabuyas
Content
Description General Info
Description
The western rock skink (Trachylepis sulcata) is a species of skink found in Namibia, South Africa, and Angola.
General Info
Lifespan
5-10 years
Diet
Western rock skink is an insectivorous species, largely feeding on a variety of insects. Importantly, beetles, ants, and termites constitute a major part of its diet, supplemented occasionally by small invertebrates.
Appearance
Western rock skink is a medium-sized skink with a streamlined body shape. Its tough, scaly skin features a pronounced granular structure. The creature's primary color is a rich brown with fine black mottling. A distinct white line extends from the snout, over the eye, to the base of the tail. The tail itself is noticeably chunky and can be voluntarily shed as a predator distraction. No major differences can be found in the appearance between different ages, genders, or subspecies.
Behavior
Western rock skink tend to be diurnal, spending the majority of their time foraging and basking in the sun. They exhibit territorial behavior, frequently seen engaging in visually expressive territorial disputes. When threatened, western rock skink utilizes cryptic coloration for camouflage and adopts an immobile stance to avoid detection.
Population
Stable
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Skinks Genus
Afro-malagasy mabuyas Species
Western rock skink 
AI animal expert in your pocket
Scan QR code to download
