Red-eyed crocodile skink
Tribolonotus gracilis, commonly known as the red-eyed crocodile skink, is a species of skink that is sometimes kept as an exotic pet. The species is endemic to New Guinea, where it lives in a tropical rainforest habitat. It was first described by Nelly de Rooij in 1909.[1]
| Red-eyed crocodile skink | |
|---|---|
 | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Scincidae |
| Genus: | Tribolonotus |
| Species: | T. gracilis |
| Binomial name | |
| Tribolonotus gracilis | |
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
The red-eyed crocodile skink's sex can be identified by the white pads, or pores, on their hind feet. Only males have these "pores".[3] Females have only a single working ovary (right ovary), laying one egg at a time. The female often curls around the egg and will aggressively defend it when approached by a perceived threat. If the egg gets uncovered, the female will cover it back up.[4] Male crocodile skinks will 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.[5]
References
- The Reptile Database. www.reptile-database.org.
- "Red eyed Crocodile Skink care". CHICAGO EXOTICS ANIMAL HOSPITAL. Retrieved 2022-01-17.
- https://www.herpcenter.com/lizard-care-sheets/red-eyed-crocodile-skink-care-sheet/
- 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.
- Healey, Mariah. "Red-Eyed Crocodile Skink Care Sheet". ReptiFiles. Retrieved 2022-01-17.
Further reading
- de Rooij N. 1909. "Reptilien. (Eidechsen, Schildkröten und Krokodile)." Nova Guinea 5 (3): 375-383. ("Tribolonotus gracilis, n. sp.", pp. 381–382).