Skink facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Skinks |
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| Bridled mabuya, Mabuya vittata | |
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Scincomorpha
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Scincidae
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Acontinae |
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Skinks are a family of small lizards, the Scincidae. There are over 1,500 different species of skinks, they're one of the most diverse families of lizards in the world! You can find skinks on every continent except Antarctica. They come in a huge variety of sizes, colors, and shapes, making them incredibly interesting to study.
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Description
The smallest skinks are only a couple of inches long, while some of the larger species can grow to be over two feet! That's a big difference! Their body shapes are just as diverse. Some skinks have long, slender bodies, perfect for squeezing into tight spaces. Others have shorter, stockier bodies, ideal for digging burrows. Their legs also vary widely. Some skinks have strong, well-developed legs for running and climbing. Others have very small legs, or even no legs at all! These legless skinks often look a lot like snakes, but they're still lizards.
Skinks boast an incredible range of colors and patterns. You might find skinks that are shades of brown, green, gray, blue, or even bright orange or red! Many have stripes, spots, or other markings that help them blend in with their surroundings. This camouflage helps them hide from predators, like birds and snakes. The color and pattern of a skink can even change throughout its life, depending on its age and the time of year. For instance, some species might have brighter colors during the breeding season to attract a mate.
Where in the world do skinks live?
Skinks are found all over the world, except for Antarctica. They’ve adapted to a huge variety of habitats, from deserts and grasslands to forests and mountains. You can find them living in underground burrows, under rocks and logs, or even climbing trees. Some skinks are even comfortable living near water, while others prefer drier environments. The specific habitat a skink prefers often depends on its species. For example, the Five-lined Skink (Plestiodon fasciatus) is commonly found in the eastern United States and prefers areas with plenty of cover, like leaf litter and rotting logs, while the Broad-headed Skink (Plestiodon laticeps) prefers rocky areas.
What do they eat?
Most skinks are insectivores, which means their diet mainly consists of insects. This includes a wide variety of tasty bugs like crickets, grasshoppers, beetles, and ants. Larger skinks might also eat spiders, snails, and even other smaller lizards! Some species of skinks are also known to supplement their diets with fruits and other plant material. The size and type of prey a skink eats usually depends on the size of the skink itself. A smaller skink would only be able to eat smaller insects.
Amazing adaptations
Skinks have evolved some remarkable adaptations to help them survive. For instance, many skinks have the ability to shed their tails when threatened by a predator. This is called caudal autotomy. The tail continues to wriggle, distracting the predator while the skink escapes. The tail eventually grows back, though it may not look exactly the same as the original.
Some skinks have also developed specialized scales that help them to burrow underground. These scales are often smooth and overlapping, allowing them to move easily through the soil. Others have developed adaptations for climbing, such as strong claws and gripping toes.
Reproduction
Skinks reproduce in a variety of ways. Some species lay eggs, while others give birth to live young. Those that lay eggs usually deposit them in a safe place, like under a rock or in a burrow. The number of eggs can vary greatly depending on the species, ranging from just a few to over 20 eggs. The incubation period—the time it takes for the eggs to hatch—also varies, depending on factors like temperature.
For species that give birth to live young, the young are born fully formed. The number of offspring can also vary considerably.
Skinks and people
Most skinks are harmless to humans, and many people even keep them as pets. However, it's important to remember that all wildlife should be treated with respect. Never try to capture or handle a wild skink unless you're trained to do so. And it's crucial to always wash your hands after handling any reptile.
Examples of Different Skinks
Let’s meet a few skinks!
- Five-lined skink (Plestiodon fasciatus): This is a common skink found in the eastern United States. It’s typically around 6 to 8 inches long and has five distinct light-colored stripes running down its back.
- Broad-headed skink (Plestiodon laticeps): This skink is found in the southeastern United States. It is known for its broad head and robust body. Males often have bright orange or red coloring during the breeding season.
- Skilton's skink (Plestiodon skiltonianus): This is another North American species. It's adaptable and found in various habitats, from forests to grasslands.
- Blue-tailed skink (Emoia impar): This skink, found in tropical regions, is known for its striking blue tail, which is particularly vibrant in males.
- Great-Plains skink (Plestiodon obsoletus): This skink is known for its brownish coloration and it lives in the plains regions of North America.
Conservation status
While many skink species are thriving, some face threats like habitat loss due to human development and pollution. It's important to protect their habitats to ensure these amazing lizards continue to thrive. This also benefits the whole environment, as many skinks play an important role in their ecosystems by controlling insect populations.
Images for kids
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Trachylepis maculilabris mating
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Cape skink native to South Africa
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A five-lined skink basking on a log in Forest Park.
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Female skink with eggs
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Indian skink
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Skink found in Sri Lanka
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Eastern blue-tongue lizard in Australia
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King's skink – Albany, Western Australia
See also
In Spanish: Escíncidos para niños
