Southern Water Skink

Southern Water Skink Photographer - Peter Robertson Source - Wildlife Profiles Pty. Ltd

Eulamprus tympanum

These skinks commonly live near small creeks where they seek small prey such as invertebrates, tadpoles, small frogs and other small skinks. Southern Water Skinks mate in spring, and give birth mid to late summer. Females produce live young (viviparous) which are completely independent at birth. Like many reptiles, the males are much more likely to be moving around during the mating season, with females doing additional basking while they are gravid (pregnant).

Southern Water Skinks usually hide under logs or rocks, cracks in logs or stumps during extended periods of cooler weather. They will come out and bask during winter if the ambient temperature gets high enough, and will bask in the sun on rocks and logs. If disturbed, they will readily take to the water to escape.