Tropidophorus grayi
 | This article needs additional citations for verification. (June 2013) |
| Tropidophorus grayi | |
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| Species: | T. grayi
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| Binomial name | |
| Tropidophorus grayi Günther, 1861
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| Range of T. grayi in the Philippines | |
Tropidophorus grayi, the spiny waterside skink,[1] is a species of highly secretive lizard. It is relatively common, but it is so hard to find that it is a rarely seen. They live by rivers and lakes, which gives them their name the "waterside" skink. They are found only in the Philippines. Despite the warm habitat in the Philippines, they prefer relatively cool climates in mountain streams. They are part of the Scincidae family or skinks which are also a type of lizard.
They have serrated scales (very spiky) which are grey-black in colour, but may also appear in pure black, reddish-brown or wood brown colours. Their belly is white with or without brown blotches and is smooth & shiny. This makes them look like miniature crocodiles. They are fast and agile, but despite their looks and speed are harmless but they may occasionally bite if handled.
When threatened by predators this reptile hides in water. If left to swim in deep water, they may appear to drown but it actually only plays dead. When removed, they may stay motionless for a few minutes and then return to their normal state.
In captivity, it is observed that this lizard likes to stack itself in piles like turtles basking in the sun and would rather stay on dry land than in water. It is also an excellent climber, equipped with claws that can grip tree trunks and other wooden structures. It eats worms, insects and small fishes (if they can catch one). It is also becoming quite popular as an exotic pet due to its crocodilian appearance and cheap price in the Philippines.
Like any member of the skink family, it could also regrow its tail if severed but the replacement tail usually is shorter and has less spikes than the original tail itself. their tail is also tougher to break than most skinks
| Length | Number of young | Status (how common) |
|---|---|---|
| 20–25 cm or 8–11 inches (females) / 5-9 inches (males) | 1–6 live young | Locally common (common in certain areas) |
Etymology
The specific name, grayi, is in honor of British herpetologist John Edward Gray.[3]
References
- ^ a b Template:IUCN
- ^ "Tropidophorus ". The Reptile Database. www.reptile-database.org.
- ^ Beolens B, Watkins M, Grayson M. 2011. The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. ISBN 978-1-4214-0135-5. (Tropidophorus grayi, p. 107).