REPTILIA: SQUAMATA: SCINCIDAE: Cryptoblepharus

Cryptoblepharus virgatus (Garman, 1901)

Copperhead skink

Photos by Dr. Robert G. Sprackland.

 
Photo taken about 8 miles west of Kiunga, southern bank of the Fly River, Western Province, Papua New Guinea, June 2000.

Range: Common throughout lowland forests of New Guinea and northeastern Australia.

Diagnosis: A small (65-70 mm TL) thin-bodied skink with a bright metallic copper-colored head, fixed nonmoveable eyelids, and two dark dorsal strips that meet on the pelvis and extend as a jagged dorsal stripe along the tail.

Specimen taken from a tree northwest of Giringarande, south-central Western Province, Papua New Guinea.

Description: 

Subadult skink photographed on a tree about 8 miles east of Kiunga, along the Fly River.

Natural History: Prefers habitats with deciduous trees, spending much time hunting through leaf litter. Also an excellent climber that frequents trees and wooden building supports. They are active much of the day, being one of the few lizard species observed foraging at midday.

They feed on small insects, especially flies and the numerous tree ants found in their range.

Reproduction:

Taxonomy & Relationships:

Variation:

Additional Comments:

Type Specimen:

 Literature:  

Cogger, Harold. 1999. Reptiles and amphibians of Australia. 6th edition. Ralph Curtis Books. ISBN: 0-88359-048-4.