What are the Different Types of Skink Lizard?

Skinks are a type of lizard that falls into the Scincidae family. Scincidae is the largest family of lizard and there are more than 600 identified types of the skink lizard. The most common are the blue-tongued skink, five-lined skink, great desert skink, emerald tree skink, and snake-eyed skink. Skinks are found all over the world and several varieties are kept as pets due to their docile nature.

Blue-tongued skink lizards are native to Australia and are named for their large blue tongues. This type of skink has a large head and short legs and can grow to nearly 20 inches long. The blue-tongued skink is an omnivore and eats mostly berries and insects it finds on the ground. When threatened, the blue-tongued skink will flash its tongue in an effort to scare off predators.

The five-lined skink lizard is native to the southeast states in the US and is named for the five stripes that line its back. Much shorter than the blue-tongued, the five-lined skink only grows up to ten inches long and often will have a reddish-orange colored head. The body is narrow and brown with younger specimens also sporting a bright blue tail. Typically the five-lined skink lives under fallen trees and feed on insects and spiders.

The great desert skink lizard is only found in Australia and as of 2010 is on Australia's threatened species list. A large skink that often grows more than 20 inches long, the great desert skink has a reddish-tan back and yellow underbelly. This skink lives on the sandy plains of central Australia and groups burrow into the dunes for shelter. Their diet typically includes termites found in the sand and cockroaches, ants, and spiders.

The emerald tree skink lizard is native to Taiwan, the Philippines, and eastern Indonesia and named for its bright green color. Though they are named for the most commonly seen type of emerald tree skink, many of this variety are actually a drab green or even a brownish gray. Emerald tree skinks mainly live in the palm trees populous in their habitat and feed on flowers and insects.

The snake-eyed skink lizard is native to Asia and named for its lack of eyelids, which makes it resemble a snake. The body is either brown or copper colored with tinges of green and contains a dark stripe on its side. The snake-eyed skink lives in burrows around Asia's mountain forests and feeds off insects.

There are over 1,500 species of skink lizards, making them one of the most diverse lizard families. They belong to the Scincidae family and are found worldwide, with a particularly high diversity in Southeast Asia and Australia. Each species has adapted to its environment, resulting in a wide range of sizes, colors, and behaviors.

Skinks typically have smooth, shiny scales and a streamlined body shape that aids in burrowing and moving through underbrush. Many have relatively short limbs, although limb size can vary greatly among species. Skinks also possess a distinctive feature where they can shed their tails to escape predators, a process known as autotomy.

Some well-known skink species include the Blue-tongued Skink, known for its vibrant blue tongue used to deter predators; the Prehensile-tailed Skink, which has a tail capable of grasping branches; and the Sandfish, a desert dweller that 'swims' through sand. These species showcase the adaptability and variety found within the skink family.

Skink lizards are versatile and inhabit a range of environments, from deserts to rainforests. They are often ground-dwelling, though some are arboreal or semi-aquatic. Their preferred habitat typically includes ample hiding spots like leaf litter, logs, or rocks, which provide shelter and opportunities to hunt for insects and other small prey.

The conservation status of skink lizards varies widely. While many species are not currently at risk, others face threats from habitat destruction, invasive species, and climate change. For instance, the Red List of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) includes several skink species that are considered endangered or critically endangered.

Skink lizards are generally omnivorous, with diets that can include insects, fruits, vegetables, and small invertebrates. The exact diet depends on the species and their habitat. For example, the Blue-tongued Skink is known to eat more plant material compared to other skinks, which may have a diet heavily composed of insects and other small animals.