Identification
White’s Skink, Egernia whitii, is a variable species which occurs in two main colour morphs, which can be found living together. In the most common morph, the ground colour is dark brown with paler mid-vertebral and shoulder stripes. A series of pale spots, forming a broken line are found between the stripes. The flanks are paler than the back and are speckled with both darker and lighter spots. In the other morph, the upper surface is pale brown, with little or no markings. The shoulder area has numerous darker spots and blotches. It has a snout vent length of up to 100 mm.
White’s Skink
Photographer: Peter Robertson. Source: Wildlife Profiles Pty. Ltd.
Distribution and habitat
White’s Skink is widely distributed throughout Victoria except for the semi arid regions of the north and west. It is a gregarious species (meaning it lives in small groups) and usually lives in burrows under rocks.
Biology
It is a ground dwelling species that feeds on invertebrates and plant material. Females give birth to 2–6 live young per litter.
Further Reading
Cogger, H. 2000. Reptiles and Amphibians of Australia. Reed Books.
Wilson, S. & Swan, G. 2003. Reptiles of Australia. Princeton University Press.