Have you ever spotted a skink? These small to medium-sized lizards, similar to salamanders, are native to Ontario. Skinks are the second-largest lizard group globally, with over 1,200 species, right after geckos. They live in a variety of habitats around the world, except in polar regions. Curious to learn more? This guide shares five fascinating facts about skinks to help you discover more about these unique creatures.
5 Interesting Facts About Skinks
1: Skinks Are Solitary
Skinks, similar to frogs, lead solitary lives, coming together only during mating season in May and June. The female skink lays up to a dozen eggs in a nest under rocks or logs. After laying the eggs, she has no further involvement.
About a month later, the young skinks hatch and are left to survive on their own. Guided by instinct, they explore, search for food, and avoid predators. This solitary existence from birth highlights the skinks’ independence and ability to survive and thrive in the wild.
2: Skinks Typically Live Between 15 and 20 Years
Skinks have different lifespans depending on the species. Blue-tongued and fire skinks can live for 15 to 20 years. However, some blue-tongued skinks have been known to live for up to 30 years, surpassing the average by a decade or more. On the other hand, common garden skinks, with their brown-black colouring, usually live only for two to three years. Despite their shorter lifespan, garden skinks are skilled hunters. Their small, sharp teeth allow them to easily catch and consume prey, making the most of their time.
3: Skinks Are Capable of Biting
Skinks can bite, but their bites are not a significant threat to humans because they are non-venomous. Their jaws and teeth are small and weak compared to other reptiles. As a result, their bites lack the strength to cause serious harm or easily break human skin. While skinks may bite if provoked or handled, their bites are typically harmless.
4: Skinks Have Prehensile Tails
Prehensile-tailed skinks are the largest skinks found only in the Solomon Islands. These skinks have a unique prehensile tail, which allows them to grasp objects, setting them apart from other species. They are herbivorous and arboreal, meaning they live in trees and only eat plants.
These skinks have small legs and triangular heads, with small, round eyes that help them navigate their environment. Their jaws and teeth are also small. Their ability to grasp with their tails, combined with their size and specialized diet, makes them truly distinct among skink species.
5: Skinks Are Lizards
Skinks are lizards from the Scincidae family, found across nearly every continent and many islands. With more than 1,580 species and 115 genera, they make up the largest family of lizards, offering a wide range of appearances and behaviours.
These lizards are skilled at burrowing and digging, using these abilities to hide from predators and find shelter underground. Similar to snakes, skinks use their tongues to detect prey by sensing airborne chemicals.
Conclusion
Skinks are generally shy creatures with distinct characteristics that make them stand out from other lizards. They lead solitary lives and are known for their remarkable longevity. While skinks can bite, they are not dangerous to humans. As part of the lizard family, these small creatures display unique traits, emphasizing the beauty and diversity of nature.
FAQs
What are some fun facts about skinks?
- Skinks are solitary creatures.
- They usually live for 15 to 20 years.
- Skinks can bite if threatened.
- Their tails are prehensile.
- Skinks are a type of lizard.
How long do skinks live?
Skinks’ lifespan depends on their species. Blue-tongued skinks and fire skinks can live up to 15 to 20 years with proper care. In contrast, garden skinks usually live for 2 to 3 years.
Are skinks venomous?
Skinks are not venomous. Although they may bite when threatened, their bites are harmless to humans because of their small, weak jaws and teeth.
Is a skink a lizard?
Yes, a skink is a type of lizard from the Scincidae family. There are over 1,580 species of skinks worldwide, displaying a wide range of behaviours and appearances. While they are lizards, they are harmless to humans and generally prefer to stay out of sight in their natural habitats.