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Metallic skink
Carinascincus metallicus, the metallic cool-skink or metallic skink is a species of skink in the family Scincidae. It is endemic to Australia, found in southern Victoria, as well as in Tasmania where it is the most widespread and common lizard, occurring on many offshore islands in Bass Strait as well as the mainland. It gives birth to live young. It is highly variable in colour and pattern, and may be a complex of closely related species.
The Metallic Skink exhibits a range of colour variations depending on its habitat. It is typically brown with pale or dark streaks, sometimes forming distinct longitudinal stripes along its body. The dorsal scales have a metallic sheen, which gives the species its name. The underside is usually grey or white with dark spots on the throat, chest, and tail, while the belly and lower tail often have an orange or pink hue.
This species has 24–28 rows of keeled (ridged) scales at mid-body. It has dark eyes, a movable lower eyelid with a transparent disc, and an ear opening of similar size. Adult skinks can grow up to 63 mm in length.
The Metallic Skink is primarily found in Tasmania, with a more recent expansion into southern Victoria. It occupies a wide range of habitats, including coastal dunes, heathlands, dry and wet sclerophyll forests, and woodlands. However, it is most common in cool-temperate zones.
As a diurnal heliotherm, C. metallicus relies on external heat sources, such as sunlight, to regulate its body temperature. It is primarily ground-dwelling but often climbs rocks and fallen logs to bask. During inactive periods, it shelters beneath rocks or in decomposing logs.
The species occurs across a significant elevation range, from sea level up to 1500 metres, which coincides with the subalpine tree line. At higher altitudes, colder conditions shorten the active season and limit basking opportunities, exerting strong selective pressure on thermoregulatory behaviour.
A 2020 study identified four major, geographically distinct clades of the Metallic Skink: north-west, north-east (including mainland Australia and Bass Strait islands), south-east, and southern clades. These genetic divisions likely predate the last glacial event, persisting through multiple interglacial periods since the Pleistocene.
The Metallic Skink is viviparous, giving birth to live young rather than laying eggs. Mating occurs in autumn (March–May), with some late mating in spring (September–November). Males leave bite marks on the upper left chest of females during copulation. Females store sperm over winter (June–August) while in brumation, with ovulation and fertilisation occurring the following spring.
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Metallic skink
Carinascincus metallicus, the metallic cool-skink or metallic skink is a species of skink in the family Scincidae. It is endemic to Australia, found in southern Victoria, as well as in Tasmania where it is the most widespread and common lizard, occurring on many offshore islands in Bass Strait as well as the mainland. It gives birth to live young. It is highly variable in colour and pattern, and may be a complex of closely related species.
The Metallic Skink exhibits a range of colour variations depending on its habitat. It is typically brown with pale or dark streaks, sometimes forming distinct longitudinal stripes along its body. The dorsal scales have a metallic sheen, which gives the species its name. The underside is usually grey or white with dark spots on the throat, chest, and tail, while the belly and lower tail often have an orange or pink hue.
This species has 24–28 rows of keeled (ridged) scales at mid-body. It has dark eyes, a movable lower eyelid with a transparent disc, and an ear opening of similar size. Adult skinks can grow up to 63 mm in length.
The Metallic Skink is primarily found in Tasmania, with a more recent expansion into southern Victoria. It occupies a wide range of habitats, including coastal dunes, heathlands, dry and wet sclerophyll forests, and woodlands. However, it is most common in cool-temperate zones.
As a diurnal heliotherm, C. metallicus relies on external heat sources, such as sunlight, to regulate its body temperature. It is primarily ground-dwelling but often climbs rocks and fallen logs to bask. During inactive periods, it shelters beneath rocks or in decomposing logs.
The species occurs across a significant elevation range, from sea level up to 1500 metres, which coincides with the subalpine tree line. At higher altitudes, colder conditions shorten the active season and limit basking opportunities, exerting strong selective pressure on thermoregulatory behaviour.
A 2020 study identified four major, geographically distinct clades of the Metallic Skink: north-west, north-east (including mainland Australia and Bass Strait islands), south-east, and southern clades. These genetic divisions likely predate the last glacial event, persisting through multiple interglacial periods since the Pleistocene.
The Metallic Skink is viviparous, giving birth to live young rather than laying eggs. Mating occurs in autumn (March–May), with some late mating in spring (September–November). Males leave bite marks on the upper left chest of females during copulation. Females store sperm over winter (June–August) while in brumation, with ovulation and fertilisation occurring the following spring.