Buchanan’s Snake-Eyed SkinkScientific name: Cryptoblepharus buchananii
Meaning of name: Cryptoblepharus is from the Greek words cryptos, meaning hidden, and blepharon, meaning eyelid. The meaning of buchananii is unkown.
Distribution: Occurs across much of Western Australia except the south coast and the Nullarbor.
Description: An dark olive-grey lizard with dark brown or black spots. It grows up to 11 centimetres long.
Notes: An agile hunter of small insects that can even leap into the air to catch flies.
References: A Guide to the Reptiles and Frogs of the Perth Region. Brian Bush, Brad Maryan, Robert Browne-Cooper, David Robinson. 2010
A Complete Guide to Reptiles of Australia. Steve Wilson and Gerry Swan. 2003
Lizards of Western Australia I Skinks. GM Storr, LA Smith, RE Johnstone. 1999
This Buchanan’s Snake-Eyed Skink is basking in the sun but ready to run under the loose bark if danger approaches.
You can see by the change in colour that this skink is regenerating its tail.
