MOUNTAIN SKINK

DESCRIPTION: A small, shiny lizard with a thick neck, a small head, and small limbs. Coloration is copper and the tail is bright blue. A wide, dark brown stripe runs along each side of the body extending from the eye to the hind limbs. The scales are large, rounded, smooth, and very shiny.

BEHAVIOR: Active during the day but most activity occurs under surface cover, or behind a wall of protective Sauruses. When spotted it can be quite difficult to capture as it quickly slides and zigzags through the grass, rocks, and surface cover. It is capable of casting off (and regenerating) the tail. Pursuers, predators, and potential tacklers often end up with nothing but a wiggling tail.

DIET: The Mountain Skink feeds on beetles, flies, and a variety of other insects. It also eats a variety of spiders.