SUMMARY

• PREVALENCE: Uncommon

• ACTIVE PERIOD: Diurnal

• KEY ID FEATURES: Grey with broad head a tapered tail, males with bright red flecks on the flanks

• BEHAVIOR: Prefer very warm locations, most often in lowlands, can be found basking on rocks and trail side in appropriate habitat

• SIZE: 25cm

• IUCN: LC - Least Concerned

RANGE

GALLERY

IMPORTANT: Many skinks look similar and require experience to identify. Skinks also drop their tails readily if handled which is a stressful and energy intensive issue, so great care should be taken when interacting with these lizards in Hong Kong.

DESCRIPTION

The Chinese skink is a large robust species with a broad head and thick, tapered tail. They are generally grey with cream or yellow flanks, and males have very bright red flecks on the flanks. The venter is completely yellow or cream color including the ventral side of the tail.

BEHAVIOR

The Chinese skink is diurnally active and is often found basking on rocks, paths and trail side. They take refuge in cracks or weep holes in catchwaters or trail side slopes during the heat of the day and to rest at night. As with most skinks they predate largely on invertebrates. They are also capable of dropping their tail defensively if harassed and will do so readily, though are slightly less prone to do so than most other species.

HABITAT

The species is regularly found in lowland habitat in areas that are quite warm. They can some times be found at higher elevations in the right conditions.

MISTAKEN IDENTITY

The Chinese skink is unique in appearance and not easily confused with any other local skink species.