Emerald Tree Skink

ANIMAL:
Emerald Tree Skink Lamprolepis smaragdina

Type of Animal:
Skink

Habitat:
Forest, mingled woodlands, palm plantations, mangrove swamps, coconut plantations, light lowland woodland

Location(s):
Taiwan, Philippines, E Indonesia, New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Admiralty Islands, Micronesia, Marshall Islands

Appearance:
Bright green back, pale green belly, blackish areas show sometimes, sharpened snout, short strong limbs, long claws, smooth scales, long tail

Food/Diet:
Insects, insect larvae, worms, small spiders, snails, small lizards (including smaller members of own species), small frogs, fruit, berries, leafy plants, tender leaves, flowers, dog food

Status in Wild:
Stable

Conservation:
Breeding in zoos, wildlife centers, & herpetoculture

Lifestyle:
Colonies of 3-12 individuals, w/ more females than males (often only 1 male in colony)

Additional Info:

Called:
Male
Female
Young: Hatchling
Group: Colony
 
Weight:
0.97 oz

Gestation:
3.5 months 

Life Span:
7-10 years

Body Length:
8-8.5 in

Tail Length:
5-5.5 in

These skinks have been observed pack-hunting when taking larger prey.
 
Active during the day (diurnal).
 
These skinks are arboreal.
 
These skinks are very active & fast.
 
Tail may be partially prehensile as it’s been used to anchor self to branches when not moving & as stabilizing 5th limb when climbing.
 
Coloration aids in camouflage.
 
Females usually lay 2 eggs per clutch.
 
Eggs typically laid under loose bark.
 
Sometimes kept as pets.
 
They’re very agile hunters.

Fun Fact(s):
Besides having green scales, they also lay green eggs & have green blood.
 
Like many lizards, they’re very good escape artists. They’re also great jumpers.
 
These skinks are visual learners & observed to be very food motivated.
 
If threatened, they can drop tail. New regrown tail not as long/beautiful.
 
Also called Green Tree Skink, Philippine Tree Skink, Emerald Green Skink, Tabili in Philippine language Cebuano, & Kuka in Kotos Amarasi language of West Timor.
 
Origin of many populations may come from hitchhiking on palm trees in water.
 
Naturally high strung but they can tame down w/ frequent gentle handling. These skinks often rather curious. Many individuals rather shy.

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