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Swamp Skink Lissolepis coventryi

Lizards of Victoria series

Identification

The Swamp Skink, Lissolepis coventryi, is greenish on the back and has a prominent black shoulder stripe on each side from the nape to the base of the tail. It has two ear lobules and a snout vent length of up to 100 mm.

Swamp Skink
Photographer: Peter Robertson / Source: Wildlife Profiles Pty. Ltd.

Distribution and habitat

The Swamp Skink is widely distributed across southern Victoria. It is most commonly found in swampy habitats near the coast, but has also been recorded from the Grampians.

Biology

The Swamp Skink is a ground dwelling species and is active by day. Its diet includes land hoppers, worms, slaters, beetles and plant material. Females give birth to live young.

Comments (7)

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Hello Norman - yes, you are right, the correct name is Lissolepis coventryi as of 2008. This was published in the following: MICHAEL G. GARDNER, et al (2008) Molecular systematics of social skinks: phylogeny and taxonomy of the Egernia group (Reptilia: Scincidae). Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 154, 781–794.

We hope this is of some help

i understand that the swamp egernia coventry is now known officialy as lissolepsis coventry can you confirm please. thank you norman mckinlay friends of chinamans creek inc

I found one of these on my farm are they rare? And when is mating season

I have now sited 8 of these lizards in my garden ranging from small to large ones. Should i notify my local Victoria parks or something?

Hi Lachie - you may want to report this to the Department of Sustainability aand Environment (DSE) to see if they are recording the occurrences of this species, especially given the conservation status of the animal - you can contact DSE by clicking here.

Hi Lachie, Swamp Skinks are listed as rare in Victoria by the Department of Sustainability and Environment. Females take 2-3 years to mature. They ovulate in September and October with parturition occurring in late January or early February. They may not always breed annually. Females give birth to 5-6 live young (i.e. they are viviparous).

My understanding is DSE lists them as Vulnerable and they are also listed under the FFG Act.

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