vertebrates text index | photo index
Phylum Chordata > Subphylum Vertebrata > Class Reptilia
Common sun skink
Eutropis multifasciata
Family Scincidae

updated Oct 2016

Where seen? This small shiny skink is often seen slithering among the undergrowth and leaf litter in vegation near the shores. According to Baker, in Singapore it is widespread in wooded areas, mangroves and parks. It was previously known as Mabuya multifasciata.
Features: Total length to 35cm. A long body, somewhat angular, covered with shiny, smooth scales. It has small limbs and a long cylindrical tail. At first glance it might resemble a short snake! Generally bronzey brown with various patterns: black stripes down the back, sides of the body may be blackish, with white dots or a broad orange swathe, underside of the head may be yellow. It is also called the Many-lined sun skink. It can move very quickly and is generally shy.

What does it eat? It eats insects, spiders and even smaller lizards, generally hunting on the ground. It is active during the day.

Monitor babies: Mama lizard bears 5-10 live young.

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, May 02

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Sep 09

With black stripes on the back
and white dots on the sides.

Common sun skinks on Singapore shores

Photos of Common sun skinks for free download from wildsingapore flickr

Distribution in Singapore on this wildsingapore flickr map

Links

References

  • Lim, Kelvin K. P. & Francis L K Lim, 1992. A Guide to the Amphibians and Reptiles of Singapore Singapore Science Centre. 160 pp.
  • Baker, Nick and Kelvin Lim. 2008. Wild Animals of Singapore: A Photographic Guide to Mammals, Reptiles, Amphibians and Freshwater Fishes Vertebrate Study Group, Nature Society (Singapore). 180 pp.
  • Cox, Merel J., Peter Paul van Dijk, Jarujin Nabhitabhata and Kumthorn Thirakhupt. 1998. A Photographic Guide to Snakes and Other Reptiles of Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore New Holland.
  • Das, Indraneil. 2004. A Pocket Guide: Lizards of Borneo Natural History Publications (Borneo). 83 pp.
www.flickr.com
FREE photos of other reptiles. Make your own badge here.
links | references | about | email Ria
Spot errors? Have a question? Want to share your sightings? email Ria I'll be glad to hear from you!
wildfactsheets website©ria tan 2008