This little skink turned up in our dining room this evening, so I scooped them up and released them outside. I'm fairly sure this is a Weasel Skink (Saproscinus mustelinus), and I'm also fairly sure I've had to do exactly the same thing with a skink of the same species that appeared in the same room before.
#LizardPosting #SkinksOfMastodon #LizardsOfMastodon #Skink #Lizard
Ah, yes. Yes I did. Just over a year ago, in fact.
Attached: 4 images Spotted a small lizard in the kitchen this evening, and managed to catch it so I could release it outside. Hard to get good photos with a phone camera since it was so small and the lighting wasn't great, but I think I got a clear enough look to identify it with the help of the field guide. I reckon it's a Weasel Skink, Saproscincus mustelinus, which would make it a widespread but not frequently seen lizard. #LizardPosting #SkinksOfMastodon #LizardsOfMastodon #Skink #Lizard
@hendric They don't seem to be the same skink but the photos I've got just aren't clear enough to be sure.
These skinks are really very small, and I've been snapping them with my phone, in poor lighting, while trying not to keep them captive longer than necessary. To be confident in my ability to identify individuals I'd probably have to use my Proper Camera, a macro lens, and a really bright light, and I'd be reluctant to submit them to the stress of that even if I do get another opportunity.
I reckon I'd have much better luck getting to know the water skinks in my yard instead. They're much bigger, are active during the day, have more prominent patterns, are seen far more frequently, are quite bold around humans, regularly frequent the same spots, and often have distinguishing features such as regrown tails and, in at least one case, a missing leg: https://aus.social/@spacelizard/114204745560236505
Attached: 1 image When I was done with the gardening I saw the three-legged water skink, along with a four legged companion, checking out the small blue plastic plate that I used to feed them 4 weeks ago. They clearly remembered that last time the big human made an awful racket in the yard dog food appeared on that blue plate afterwards, and so as soon as I sat down they came out of hiding to check the plate. Not wanting to leave them disappointed I went inside to get them something, and returned with some canned superworms. The two of them made a feast of those, and even had a Lady & the Tramp moment when they both tried to eat the same one. Last time: https://aus.social/@spacelizard/114051612271150428 #LizardPosting #SkinksOfMastodon #LizardsOfMastodon #Skink #Lizard
Anthony Horton
Richard Hendricks