Identification
Coventry’s Skink, Niveoscincus coventryi, is a slender species. It has a uniform dark brown upper surface with paler stripes commencing in front of the shoulder. It has divided frontoparietal scales on top of its head. Snout vent length to 50 mm.
Coventry’s Skink
Photographer: Peter Robertson / Source: Wildlife Profiles Pty. Ltd.
Distribution and habitat
The Coventry Skink is confined to mountainous regions across the state, including the Otways, but excluding South Gippsland, from the Grampians in the west through to the north-east. It is usually found in wet sclerophyll type forested areas.
Biology
Coventry’s Skinks are active during the day and feed on small invertebrates. They mate in autumn and the females store sperm over winter. Ovulation and fertilization occur in spring. Litter sizes range from 1–7 live young.
Further Reading
Cogger, H. 2000. Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. Reed Books.
Wilson, S. & Swan, G. 2003. Reptiles of Australia. Princeton University Press.