Reptile & Amphibian Forums

For years now I have been trying to get some closer photos of adult 5 Lined and Broad Headed skinks but can never catch them since they scurry into a tree or under a log everytime I get nearby. So i'm curious if anybody has any tips on how to catch one. I was thinking of maybe finding one while it is asleep but i've never found one sleeping, i'm not quite sure where to even look for them at night. So if anybody's got a tip to share by all means let me know.

Look under logs, rocks, and leaf litter. I once found a ground skink asleep when I went herping one night while doing so.

Another great method is making a pitfall trap. Basically, you put a container(in your case, you might want a margin tub or rubbermaid container) in the ground until the lip is level with the ground. you then provide the trap with some sort of cover to prevent any "prisoners" from overheating. It also acts as a sort of "bait" by making it look like an inviting spot for the skink to cool off. you can leave the trap and check it after about a day or a couple of hours. Good luck.

Thats not a bad idea to set up a little trap. I just wonder if anything but ground skinks will be in there since most 5 lined or broad headeds seem to be up in trees or on a log. Guess theres really only one way to find out.

It should work. I havent had success, but I set my trap up in a bad location. Skinks' slender bodies are made for fitting into tight little nooks and crannies. Whenever I see skinks, like five-lines and broadies, they're usually on the ground. I've only seen a five line in a tree once my entire life.

The "fast grab" method works some of the time for me. You usually have a second or two to take a quick swipe if the skink is under a rock or log. This works well for spiny lizards too. If you're after eastern skinks, sometimes they'll climb tree trunks. You can position yourself on the other side of the tree and make a grab. It helps very much to have two people when lizard catching.

Tim

Third Eye