REPTILIA: SQUAMATA: SCINCIDAE: Tribilonotus

Tribilonotus gracilis Author and date

Painted crocodile skink

Photos & text by Dr. R. G. Sprackland.

 
Pictured above is an adult Tribilonotus gracilis. 
Photographed at the Cincinnati Zoo.

Range: New Guinea

Diagnosis: A small (to 17 cm/7" TL) lizard with extremely spike-like dorsal, lateral and caudal scales, an acute, triangular head with a posterior crest of spines, a tail subequal with snout-vent length, and (in adults) a prominent ring of coral or orange around the eye.

Description: Head triangular, acute at tip, and with a crown of posterior-projecting occipital spines. Occiput greatly expanded from neck. Body somewhat square in section, with rows of enlarged, pointed spines along back and sides. Limbs well developed and pentadactyl. Digits small (largest subequal with length of eye) and clawed. Tail is 1.2-1.3 times SVL, covered in large pointed spines. Autotomy unknown, probably present but rarely engaged.

Members of this genus depart most radically from the typical "skink" body type of smooth, shiny scales. In contrast, Tribilonotus is a thistle-covered group. The tail is relatively short and is rigid with little flexibility.

Natural History: This is a slow-moving, largely arboreal skink that feeds on snails, slugs, insects and some flowers and fruits. They live in moist habitats in rainforests and along lower mountain ridges. Typical habitat has a humidity of 95-100% and some 8 meters/ 26 feet of rainfall per year. Within their habitats they prefer cooler microhabitats, with a temperature range of 16-27° C/ 62-80° F.

Reproduction: Viviparous, producing 1-4 live young.

Taxonomy & Relationships: The few known species of the genus Tribilonotus are restricted to New Guinea and a few nearby islands.

Variation: Juveniles (shown below) have shorter spines than adults. The head is strongly mottled with tan or pale yellow, but darkens with growth. Young measure 6-7 cm/3-3.5" at birth.

Additional Comments: Almost nothing is known about the natural history of this species or its relatives.

Type Specimen:

Literature: