Red-eyed crocodile skink
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Scincidae
Genus: Tribolonotus
Species:
T. gracilis
Binomial name
Tribolonotus gracilis

Tribolonotus gracilis, commonly known as the red-eyed crocodile skink, is a species of skink that is sometimes kept as an exotic pet. It is endemic to New Guinea, where it lives in tropical rainforest habitats. It was first described by Nelly de Rooij in 1909.[1]

Behavior

Tribolonotus gracilis is one of the few species of skinks that vocalize[1] when in distress. When startled, they tend to freeze and have been known to "play dead" (even when handled).[2]

Reproduction

A male red-eyed crocodile skink can be identified by the white pads (pores) on his feet.[3] Females have one working ovary (on the right), laying one egg at a time. She often curls around the egg and aggressively defends it when approached by a perceived threat. If it is uncovered, she will cover it back up.[4] Male crocodile skinks battle other males.

Captivity

Red-eyed crocodile skinks are available in the pet trade, but most are wild-caught rather than captive-bred. Handling is typically very stressful for this species and therefore discouraged.

References

  1. 1 2 3 The Reptile Database. www.reptile-database.org.
  2. "Red eyed Crocodile Skink care". CHICAGO EXOTICS ANIMAL HOSPITAL. Retrieved 2022-01-17.
  3. https://www.herpcenter.com/lizard-care-sheets/red-eyed-crocodile-skink-care-sheet/
  4. Hartdegen, Ruston W.; Russell, Matthew J.; Young, Bruce (2001-07-18). "Vocalization of the Crocodile Skink, Tribolonotus Gracilis (De Rooy, 1909), and Evidence of Parental Care". Contemporary Herpetology: 1–6. doi:10.17161/ch.vi1.11956. ISSN 1094-2246.

Further reading

  • de Rooij N. 1909. "Reptilien. (Eidechsen, Schildkröten und Krokodile)." Nova Guinea 5 (3): 375-383. ("Tribolonotus gracilis, n. sp.", pp. 381–382).
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.