Lamprolepis smaragdina (Lesson, 1826)
Family: Scincidae Green Tree Skink Status: Introduced Description: The green tree skink is a large bright green arboreal lizard. Adults can be up to 120 mm SVL. In The Mariana Islands L. smaragdina are all very similar in appearance though in other parts of its range there can be considerable variation with individuals ranging from brown to bright green (Perry and Buden 1999). In the Mariana Islands the skink is invariably green with the scales of the back and sides edged in black. The amount of black on each scale increases posteriorly. The chin and lower jaw can have a yellow coloration and the belly is bright green. It is unlikely to be confused with any other lizard in the region. Biology: Lamprolepis smaragdina is a conspicuous diurnal arboreal skink. It is most commonly seen on large trees at low elevations in relatively open areas. In such situations it is possible to observe multiple individuals on a single tree. The diet consists mostly of small arthropods though it will occasionally consume ripe fruit. It is generally diurnal though Perry and Buden (1999) observed individuals feeding on insects attracted to a light at night. At night it sleeps on exposed branch tips and is easy to observe with the aid of a flashlight. When captured, individuals may let out a “squeek” Distribution: The green tree skink has a large distribution in the western and southern pacific. It occurs, in various forms, on Taiwan, the Philippine Islands, many islands in Indonesia, and throughout most of Micronesia. In The Mariana Islands it is established and common on Saipan and Tinian. Perry G. and D.W. Buden 1999. Notes on the ecology, behavior and color variation of the green tree skink, Lamprolepis smaragdina (Lacertilia: Scincidae), in Micronesia. |