Tribolonotus gracilis
Red-eyed crocodile skink | |
---|---|
Scientific classification | |
Kingdom: | Animalia |
Phylum: | Chordata |
Subphylum: | Vertebrata |
Class: | Reptilia |
Order: | Squamata |
Suborder: | Sauria |
Infraorder: | Scincomorpha |
Family: | Scincidae |
Genus: | Tribolonotus |
Species: | T. gracilis |
Binomial name | |
Tribolonotus gracilis de Rooij, 1909[1] | |
Tribolonotus gracilis is a species of skink endemic to New Guinea.[1]
Habitat
Tribolonotus gracilis are found in New Guinea island in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea. They live in tropical forests and have also been found in human-populated areas.
Common names
They are commonly known as red-eyed crocodile skinks, or, rarely, red-eyed bush crocodile skinks.
Behavior
Tribolonotus gracilis is one of the few species of lizards that vocalize[1] when in distress. When startled, they tend to freeze and have been known to "play dead" (even when handled).
Reproduction
Red-eyed crocodile skinks can be sexed using the pores on their front feet as only males have these "pores". Females have only a single working ovary (right ovary), laying one egg at a time. The female often curls around the egg. They show tendencies for mother-child family groups . Male crocodile skinks will battle other males for females and females can be territorial as well.
Captivity
Red-eyed crocodile skinks are popular in the pet trade.
References
Further reading
- de Rooij N. 1909. "Reptilien. (Eidechsen, Schildkröten und Krokodile)." Nova Guinea 5 (3): 375-383. ("Tribolonotus gracilis, n. sp.", pp. 381–382).
External links
Wikispecies has information related to: Tribolonotus gracilis |