Scientific Classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Sauria
Genus: Lampropholis
Species: L. guichenoti
Identification
The Common Garden Skink or Pale-flecked Garden Sunskink (Lampropholis guichenoti) is a small common skink often seen in suburban gardens. It grows to a maximum of 14 cm, but rarely exceeds 9 cm. The females lay about six eggs in a communal clutch, which may contain as many as 250 eggs altogether. Like most other skinks, the tail will drop if grasped roughly. The tail then twitches vigorously for a while, to hold the attention of the predator while the lizard makes its escape.
Habitat
Garden skinks feed on small invertebrates including crickets, moths, slaters, earthworms, flies, grubs and caterpillars, grasshoppers, cockroaches, earwigs, small spiders,ladybeetles, ants and many others. Garden skinks rely purely on the movement of their prey when hunting. If their prey is not moving, they will not see it as edible and will not strike. When hunting, the skinks will either hide and wait for prey to come by or actively pursue it (this depends on how hungry they are). Once they have caught their prey, they shake it around vigorously to kill it before swallowing it whole. Once they have had one meal, they begin to actively pursue prey for a short while with their newfound energy. The skinks only need one prey item per 4 or 5 days, but will eat every day if conditions are good. They are often seen under leaves and long grass so that they can watch their prey. As all reptiles are cold blooded, you may see them on top of rocks or paths in the morning trying to warm their blood. Skinks enjoy large areas with a lot of leaves and soft dirt.
Location
Mandai Orchid Garden
Singapore
March 2009