SUMMARY

• PREVALENCE: Uncommon

• ACTIVE PERIOD: Diurnal & Nocturnal

• KEY ID FEATURES: Brown with yellow or light brown bands on the dorsum, heavily keeled scales, bright red/orange venter

• BEHAVIOR: Live in clear flowing streams at mid to high elevation

• SIZE: 10-12cm

• 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 water-side skink is a small aquatic species, which is a unique behavior for Hong Kong skinks. They have dark brown bodies with light brown bands on the dorsum, most obvious on the anterior. The keels are havily keeled which is also unique to the water-side skink. The venter is a vibrant red/orange color. The tail is tapered more than most other species and is of moderate length.

BEHAVIOR

The Chinese water-side skink lives in clear flowing streams at mid to high elevation and is active both diurnally and nocturnally. They quickly dry out when removed from water but can survive for extended periods outside of streams. They are strong swimmers but are most often found climbing on rocks and in shallow sections. They are not prone to drop their tails defensively but can do so under extreme duress.

HABITAT

The species is found in clear flowing streams at mid to high elevation.

MISTAKEN IDENTITY

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