Tribolonotus gracilis

Taxobox


image_width = 200px
image_caption = Red-Eyed Bush Crocodile Skinks
"Triblonotus gracilis"
regnum = Animalia
phylum = Chordata
classis = Reptilia
ordo = Squamata
infraordo = Scincomorpha
familia = Scincidae
genus = "Tribolonotus"
species = "T. gracilis"
binomial = "Tribolonotus gracilis"
binomial_authority = De Rooij, 1909

"Tribolonotus gracilis" is a species of skink found in New Guinea. They live in tropical forests and have also been found in human-populated areas. They are commonly known as Crocodile Skinks.

"T. gracilis" is one of the few species of lizards that vocalize when in distress. When startled, they tend to freeze and have been known to "play dead" (even when handled).

Reproduction

Crocodile skinks can be sexed using the pores on their front feet as only males have these "pores". Females have only a single working ovary ( right ovary ) , laying one egg at a time. The female often curls around the egg. Neonates will often climb on the backs of both parents similar to the Solomon Islands skink (" Corucia zebrata"). They also show tendencies for mother-child family groups. Male crocodile skinks will battle other males for females and females can be territorial as well.

External links

* [http://www.studbooks.org European Studbook Foundation - Breeding Program for Tribolonotus spp.]
* [http://www.tribolonotus.com Deans Crocodile skinks]
* [http://www.tribolonotus.de Informationen über die Skinkart Tribolonotus gracilis - German/English Site]
* [http://www.aqua-terra-vita.com/REBCSWP/Care.html Caring for Your Red-Eyed Bush Crocodile Skink]
* [http://www.aqua-terra-vita.net/index.php Skinks of the Genus Tribolonotus (forum)]
* [http://www.tribolonotus.nl Dutch website about Tribolonotus spp.]