Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My previous posting didn't attach the picture.
It feeds on small crickets and like to bury under the sand.

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Sandi

Hello:
That is what they call an Ocellated Skink (Chalcides ocellatus). The one in the picture is exceptional looking. Usually they are a dulled out yellowish-white with the spots. They are sometimes referred to as "Eyed" skinks because the spots kind of look like eyes. They are also sometimes referred to as "Barrel Skinks."
I have kept several of these lizards over the years and I really like them. They are sand "swimmers" and will only do well in a sandy substrate. I still put rocks and other furniture in with them because they will spend some time exploring the habitat, usually in the early morning hours.
They are not picky eaters and will eat most varieties of insects. I also had a couple that fed on some fruits as well. They are long-lived which is also a plus for keeping them. I had a couple of them for nearly twelve years and they were adults when I got them.
They also have live babies, usually between three and five. The babies look just like their parents.
The lizard in the picture looks similar to a group that I had about twelve years ago. They came from farther north in the range away from the usual collecting areas.
Hope this info helps
Have a Great Day!!!

Hello:
I forgot to tell you where they are from. Most of the Chalcides collected for the trade are from Egypt. So this is a North African species.
Sorry about that.
Have a Great Day!!!

To : Spawn.

Thank you for your well information, It is really a great help to me. At first , I thought it is an australian skink ( Ctenotus Brooksi ). You mentioned you have kept them for almost twelve years ? how big is the lizard when grown ?
Thank you very much.
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Sandi

Hello Sandi:
The one you have is about as big as they get. For a small skink species I find that they truly are one of the most hardy. They pose few problems and settle in quickly.
The one you have really is one of the prettiest Ocellated Skinks I have seen. A very lucky find indeed. If you get a chance to pair it up they do breed in the terrarium. Females tend to have thicker bodies than males though that may not always be true. I have looked through hundreds of them and found that seems to be the case. They usually don't fight (or not that I've seen) so keeping them together is not a problem. Besides, they can easily get away from each other by burrowing in the sand.
I'm glad the info was of some use to you.
Have a Great day!!!