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.
