Common Sun Skink (Eutropis multifasciata)

Scientific Classification

ORDER: SQUAMATA

FAMILY: SCINCIDAE

GENUS: EUTROPIS

SPECIES: E. multifasciata

ICUN REDLIST: LEAST CONCERN

HABITAT

The species ranges flow within India, southern China, Burma, Cambodia, Thailand, Singapore, Indochina, Sumatra, Borneo, Java and other islands of Indonesia and the Philippines. It can be found in open areas, including forest clearings and edges, river banks, rock outcroppings, parks, empty lots, and near human habitations. E. multifasciata is a common species throughout it’s range. It appears in open areas of lowland and submontain forest, as well as, secondary vegetation. The common sun skink is also common in highly disturbed habitats such as bamboo or coconut groves from near sea level to 1200 meters above sea level.

APPEARANCE

Skinks are characterised by their smooth, scaled skins, and small legs. The Common Sun Skink can be identified by the five or seven dark lines on its ventral surface parallel to its body line. The olive brown to reddish orange colours can be seen on the species sides, whilst its throat colour can vary from white to yellow. The total length of the Common Sun Skink is 35cm.

BEHAVIOUR

Mainly terrestrial and diurnal, the Common Sun Skink are usually found basking in the sun along forest tracks or on tree trunks. The lizard controls insect and worm populations, but also provides food for snakes and birds that can get to it. The species is cold blooded, the same as any reptile, so must have high levels of sunshine to warm its blood in order to move and digest food properl. This is where the species is most commonly seen.

REPRODUCTION

This species is viviparous, meaning it gives birth to live young. The females will give birth to 2 to10 offspring. Offspring born range from roughly 35-45 mm

ECOSYSTEM ROLE AND HUMAN BENEFITS

Diet	Carnivorous: It feeds mainly on insects, but also worms, spiders and smaller lizards
Ecological role	Secondary Consumer of insects and pests, food source for higher trophic level species
Human benefits	Pet Trade
Threats	Habitat loss, degradation

INTERESTING FACT

Skinks can lose their tail when attacked by predators. Like many reptiles and sme amphibian’s skinks can actively severe their tails from their bod in a fight or flight response. The tail will continue to move when detached from the bod for a few seconds giving the lizard time to escape before their hunter realises what’s happened. Although some are just happy with a limb.

This data set was written by Luke Anning of Bournemouth University, England and edited by Stephanie Young**

***Identification of these species has been made through, photographic documentation cross referenced with external specialists and identification books. Any errors in our database will be rectified upon notification, if you feel that we have misidentified any species please help us to improve our research through our contact us page. All people involved will be acknowledge in the website and reports***