What’s the difference between the African Eastern Striped Skink and the African Five-Lined Skink?

The African Eastern Striped Skink (Trachylepis striata striata) and the African Five-Lined Skink are lizards found in East Africa and southern Africa. They are similar in size and colour.

The African Eastern Striped Skink has two yellowish stripes that run lengthwise on either side of the spine, whereas the Five-Lined Skink has five lines.

African Eastern Striped Skink (left) and African Five-Lined Skink (right)

The African Eastern Striped Skink has a tail that is the same colour as its body, whereas the Five-Lined Skink has a bright blue tail.

African Eastern Striped Skink

African Five-Lined Skink

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM