Striped Skink

Vital Statistics

Latin Name

Mabuya Striata

Length_F

60 - 90 mm

Length_M

60 - 90 mm

Order

Squamata

Family

Scincidae

Description

This medium-sized skink has a window in each of the lower eyelids. The ear openings are lobed. Colouration differs between the subspecies. In northern populations the head of breeding males are orange-brown, with a yellow-orange throat.

Class

Reptilia

Subspecies

All 4 occur on the subcontinent. M.s. striata, M.s. sparsa, M.s. punctatissima and M.s. wahlbergii.

Distribution

Eastern Africa, south to former Transkei and North Eastern Cape, extending along the Orange River to the Richtersveld, and west through Zambia to Angola and Southern Namibia.

Breeding

Southern populations give birth to a single litter of 3 - 9 babies in summer. Reproduction may occur throughout the year in northern populations. Growth is relatively fast, sexual maturity is reached in 15 - 18 months.

Diet

Feeds on small insects (beetles, moths, etc.) and other small invertebrates.