SPIKY TAILED SKINK

Species: Egernia stokesii

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DESCRIPTION

Spiky-tailed Skinks (Egernia stokesii) are large, robust lizards native to Australia, known for their distinctive, spiny tails and calm, social nature. Unlike many reptiles, they form long-term family groups, with offspring often staying close to parents. Their strong, clawed limbs allow them to climb rocks and navigate rugged terrain, while their spiny tails serve as a defense against predators. These lizards are primarily diurnal, spending their days basking in the sun, hunting insects, and foraging for leaves, fruits, and flowers. Their social behaviour, combined with their adaptability to rocky habitats and varied diet, makes them one of Australia’s most fascinating and unique skinks.

 

DIET

Spiky-tailed Skinks (Egernia stokesii) have an omnivorous diet, which allows them to thrive in a variety of Australian habitats. They feed on a mix of insects, small invertebrates, fruits, flowers, and leaves. Insects such as beetles, crickets, and grasshoppers provide essential protein, while fruits and flowers supply vitamins, moisture, and additional nutrients. Unlike many reptiles that are solitary hunters, Spiky-tailed Skinks forage close to their family groups, often sharing safe basking and feeding spots. Their flexible diet helps them adapt to seasonal changes in food availability and makes them highly resilient in both natural and human-altered landscapes. Occasionally, they will even eat fungi or tender shoots, further demonstrating their resourcefulness as omnivores. This varied diet supports their active lifestyle, growth, and social behaviour, making them one of Australia’s most fascinating skinks.

 

 

ANIMAL FACTS

SPIKY TAILED SKINK

GROUP NAME

Native To

Eastern Australia, Southern Australia

SIZE

20cm to 30cm

BABY NAME

Hatchlings

Habitat

They inhabit rocky outcrops, woodland edges, and savanna regions across eastern and southern Australia. Spiky-tailed Skinks prefer areas with plenty of crevices for shelter, basking spots, and nearby food sources.

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Did You Know?

Spiky Defense – Its tail isn’t just for show! Covered in sharp, tough scales, it can fend off predators and make the skink a tricky meal to swallow.

Sun Seekers - These diurnal reptiles love a good bask, soaking up warmth to power their muscles, aid digestion and keep their bodies running at peak performance.

Omnivore Appetite - These clever lizards aren’t picky eaters! They hunt insects, nibble on flowers, munch on leaves, and even enjoy native fruits, giving them a versatile and balanced diet.

Family First - Unlike most lizards, Spiky-tailed Skinks are social. They live in long-term family groups, sometimes with multiple generations sharing the same rocky home.

Rock Climber - With strong, clawed limbs, these skinks can scramble over rocks, hide in crevices, and explore their rugged environment like little lizard mountaineers.

MEET OUR

ANIMAL FAMILY

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