I found this lizard in the garden. Is it a larger weasel skink, or something else? The skin was finely textured. Length, approx. 120mm.
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R.A., Napoleons
This is a weasel skink. The long, tan-coloured tail is a good identifying feature, as are the small white marks below and behind the eye.
This lizard does not appear to be very common in the Ballarat region. It likes damp places, especially where there is ample leaf-litter in timbered country. Its average length is about 110mm, being 40mm head-body length and 70mm tail.
The short legs and long tail seem to slow this lizard’s movements; it moves with a rather snake-like motion, rather than running straight like the common garden skink. It gets its warmth from its surroundings, rather than by basking in the sun.
- Questions and photos are welcome. Send to Roger Thomas at The Courier, PO Box 21, Ballarat, 3353, or email to rthomas@vic.australis.com.au
