Tree-crevice skink

The tree-crevice skink is a moderate-to-large, deep-headed species of the genus Egernia. It is dark-blackish to grey-brown and has a pale dorso-lateral stripe that goes from the head to the base of the tail. Sometimes they present scattered white spots ad flecks in the dorso.[3] Their ventral surfaces are often lemon-yellow or pale orange whereas ventral surfaces of limbs and tail are whitish or grey. A dark lateral band goes from the eye to the groin has pale scales which form transverse bars.

Their labials are white or cream. It has vertically narrow pupils and their auricular lobules are white.[3] It differs from E. kintorei by fewer labials and more pointed ear lobules. The nasals are moderately separately and rarely narrowed. The head scales have narrow and brown or dark margins and occasionally, white spots [4]

The genus Egernia is endemic to Australia and has 30 species. They are diurnal (day-active) moderate-to-large lizards with well-developed and pentadactyl limbs that inhabiting rocky environments. All the species are viviparous.

They are characterised by having a moderate head. The tail is also moderate, thick and tapering. They have divided nasal scales. The lower eyelid is moveable and without transparent disc and eyelids without paler cream margins.[3] They have unpigmented tongue.

The tree-crevice skink is a native species from Australia, found from the arid zone of Western Australia from the Pilbara and the Great Sandy Desert south to Carnarvon and the Great Victoria Desert[4]

It is not present on the coast and higher altitudes of the Great Diving Range and on central and eastern Queensland[3] and extra limits in southern Northern Territory and northwestern South Australia.[4]

The tree skink is largely an arboreal (tree-dwelling) species that can be found in hollow logs and cracks, behind the bark of standing and fallen trees. They are rarely rock dwelling in NSW. In South Australia, they frequently use rocks and tree crevices[5] and exfoliating slabs.[3] They have been found under the ‘skirts’ of Xanthorrhoea spp.[4] This species can also be found in disturbed habitats such as fence poles.[2]

Egernia striolata tend to aggregate socially, in small groups of 2 to 4 individuals.[6] They have a recognition system not found in any other Egernia genus.

Mating season occurs in September and October.[6]

Egernia striolata is listed as “Least Concern” in the IUCN Red List with a current Stable population. It has no specific conservation actions.[5]