The Oscillated Skink (Chalcides ocellatus) is a lizard – and a reptile. It is also known as the Eyed Skink or the Gongilo.
The Oscillated Skink is elongated with a small head. Each foot has five toes. It is varied in colour, but it is usually light brown with dark-brown and white markings. It has a creamy-white underbelly. It has dark eyes and a dark-coloured tongue. It has very short legs, with five toes on each foot.
Oscillated Skink
It measures about 30 centimetres (12 inches) long.
The Oscillated Skink is native to north Africa, the Meditteranean (Greece, Italy and Malta), the Middle East, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and India. It prefers arid areas, farmlands, and deserts.
It eats insects, spiders, fruit, and small lizards, including its own babies.
The Oscillated Skink is viviparous. The female has 3-12 live young.
Oscillated Skink
Oscillated Skink
Oscillated Skink
Photographer: Martina Nicolls
Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM