SANParks.org Forums

Rainbow or Five-lined Skink photographed at N’wanetis picnic spot close to the look-out

Adult


Juvenile or sub-adult male


Coloration is varied, depending on sex and age. Juvenih subadult males are dark olive-brown to black above, with three distinu bluish-white stripes that are brilliant electric-blue on the tail. Adult females retain this coloration, although the stripe may become subdil1 and faint. Adult males become buffy-olive to olive-brown above, each scale bearing a pearly white spot. The pale stripes become indistinct. The tail changes from yellowish. to orange-brown, and the belly is ere, white

It is territorial; the status of the large breeding males, which become sexually mature in 15-18 months, is displayed by their different colours. They do not attack young males or females that retain the juvenile colour pattern.

Info taken from: Field guide to snakes and other reptiles of southern Africa, by Bill Branch

Previously I thought this was a Dwarf Plated Lizard but Jens corrected me

Rainbow (Five-lined) Skink
Lampropholis delicata


Size: 8,5-11cm

Food: Insects

awsome topic candys style!!!!

deffinatly learnt something new!

Hi Candy's Style!

Please be advised that if you took the Lizard photos in Kruger the ID is Incorrect. The Dwarf Plated Lizard does not occur in the Kruger National Park.

It looks more like a sub adult or adult female Rainbow Skink (Trachylepis margaritifer). The adult males look totally different. Immature males resemble females to avoid fights with teritorial adult males.

Regards

Jens

I thought so! After I couldn't find a Rainbow Skink I thought it was a name my family made up
Thank you for correcting me, very interesting!
Welcome to the forum Hope you enjoy it!

saw this beaut at nkhulu picnic site in may

Hi,

I saw this Skink in front of the Berg - en -dal Reception in May.

Unfortunately I couldn't get a picture

Samantha