Red-eyed crocodile skink
A species of Spiny skink Scientific name : Tribolonotus gracilis Genus : Spiny skink
Red-eyed crocodile skink, A species of Spiny skink
Scientific name: Tribolonotus gracilis
Genus: Spiny skink
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Guérin Nicolas , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Tribolonotus gracilis, commonly known as red-eyed crocodile skinks, is a species of skink that is sometimes kept as exotic pets. The species is endemic to New Guinea, where it lives in the tropical rainforest.
General Info
Lifespan
12-20 years
Diet
Red-eyed crocodile skink exhibits omnivorous feeding habits, with a preference for invertebrate prey, specifically insects, spiders, and small crustaceans. Their diet also occasionally includes plant matter, particularly fruit.
Appearance
Red-eyed crocodile skink is a compact reptile with pebbly skin and eight sharp spikes protruding from its back. Males display an attractive blue-grey color, while females and juveniles are more brownish. Red-eyed crocodile skink's unique triangular head and large, round eyes are quite prominent. Its thin, shovel-like tail is used for digging in its natural habitat. No significant differences exist within this species due to age or subspecies.
Behavior
Red-eyed crocodile skink is primarily nocturnal, utilizing their keen senses to find prey at night. This solitary species shows notable territoriality, marking its space using specialized skin glands. Adaptive behaviors include unique coloration for camouflage against its forest floor habitat, aiding in capturing prey and evading predators. Its inactivity during the day minimizes energy expenditure.
Photo By Guérin Nicolas , 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
Spiny skink Species
Red-eyed crocodile skink