Skinks

Types of Lizards Types of Lizards Lizard Pictures

With close to one thousand and three hundred different documented species, skinks make up the largest family (Scincidae) of lizards world-wide.

The large number of species makes it difficult to provide group characteristics. Generally speaking, most skinks, compared to lizards, have smooth bodies and thicker tails. They are also often classified as omnivores and burrowing animals, that make their home in a variety of underground environments from sand to dirt to leaves. Of course, there are always exception to these general rules of thumb.

Like salamanders, some skink species find refuge under logs, making identification a bit problematic in areas where salamander and skink populations overlap. A close-up look reveals scales and claws on skinks.

With only fifteen different documented species, skinks constitute a small population of native United States lizards, whose overall total is around one hundred and fifteen different species.

Those population numbers change on a country by country basis. The Australia Museum, for example, estimates that approximately sixty percent of all Australian lizards are skinks.

The top picture shows a pair of Berber skinks, native to North Africa. Like many skink species, they are popular in the pet reptile trade.

© 2008 Patricia A. Michaels