The emerald tree skink (Lamprolepis smaragdina) is sometimes (ambiguously) known as green tree skink or emerald green skink. It is a non-threatened species which is not commonly seen, but it is becoming more popular in the exotic pet trade. In the Philippines, it is called Tabili in the Cebuano language and in Waray.
| Lamprolepis smaragdina | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Domain: | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Scincidae |
| Genus: | Lamprolepis |
| Species: | L. smaragdina
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| Binomial name | |
| Lamprolepis smaragdina (Lesson, 1830)
| |
Description
editThe emerald tree skink is generally bright lime green in color, with large black eyes rimmed with yellow. However, their rear limbs or the lower half of their body may be medium brown with white speckling. In some cases, the entire body is brown or speckled with black. They are generally between 8.5-10" in total length.
Names
editIt is known as 'kuka' in the Kotos Amarasi language of West Timor, Indonesia.[2]
Evolutionary genetics
editLinkem, et al. (2013) found that the most divergent clades of L. smaragdina were in Sulawesi. Oceanic populations represent the most recent expansions. The origin of populations on most islands is attributed primarily to waif dispersals prior to human colonization, although human-aided dispersals cannot be ruled out for some populations.[3]
Geographical distribution
editIt is found in arboreal forests of Taiwan, Palawan, Luzon, Davao and Sulu archipelagoes in the Philippines, New Guinea as well as the Indo-Australian archipelago and down south to the Solomon and Santa Cruz islands.
The emerald tree skink is frequently found in palm plantations in disturbed coastal areas.[3]
Feeding habits and diet
editIt is mostly carnivorous, feeding on insects and other small creatures, although occasionally it may devour fruit and leafy plants. In some areas, it even steals dog food.
Behavior
editThey prefer bare tree trunks without climbing plants. Several have even been sighted on minute islands with very little greenery, the record being four palm trees. It is a highly active species. Always on the move and is very squirmy if handled. They are an unaggressive species and sometimes observed to form little groups to gang up on bigger prey.
Reproduction and breeding habits
editCourtship ritual is the same as most lizards. It as an oviparous species meaning it lays eggs rather than bear live young like most members of the skink family do. Eggs are usually laid in clusters of two. They can be easily bred in captivity and may live an average 7–12 years in captivity.
References
edit- ^ Shea, G.; Iskandar, D.; Rico, E.L.; Gonzalez, J.C.; Hamilton, A.; Allison, A.; Tallowin, O.; Maglangit, E.; Santos, G.; Delima, E.M. (2021). "Lamprolepis smaragdina". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2021: e.T195315A2378941. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2021-3.RLTS.T195315A2378941.en. Retrieved 31 January 2022.
- ^ LexiRumah 2.2.3, ‘tokay gecko’/‘tokek’.
- ^ a b Charles W. Linkem, Rafe M. Brown, Cameron D. Siler, Ben J. Evans, Christopher C. Austin, Djoko T. Iskandar, Arvin C. Diesmos, Jatna Supriatna, Noviar Andayani and Jimmy A. McGuire. Linkem, Charles W.; Brown, Rafe M.; Siler, Cameron D.; Evans, Ben J.; Austin, Christopher C.; Iskandar, Djoko T.; Diesmos, Arvin C.; Supriatna, Jatna; Andayani, Noviar; McGuire, Jimmy A. (2013), "Stochastic faunal exchanges drive diversification in widespread Wallacean and Pacific island lizards (Squamata: Scincidae: Lamprolepis smaragdina)", Journal of Biogeography, 40 (3): 507–520, doi:10.1111/jbi.12022
- "Green Tree Skinks". Geckos Unlimited. Retrieved 2012-09-23.
- O'Shea, Mark. "Emerald Tree Skink". Reptilechannel.com. Retrieved 2012-09-23.
- Greer A.E., 1970, The relationships of the skinks referred to the genus Dasia. Breviora 348:1-30.
- McCoy M., 1980, Reptiles of the Solomon Islands. Wau Ecology Handbook No.7. vi+80.
- Mys B., 1988, The zoogeography of the scincid lizards from North Papua New Guinea (Reptilia: Scincidae). I. The distribution of the species. Bulletin de L'Institute Royal des Sciences Naturelles de Belgique. 58;127-183.