A handsome species, the Striped Tree Skink is found only in Borneo. It occurs in both primary and secondary forests and in coastal areas. It rarely comes to ground, except to bury its 2 to 4 eggs under the soil (it is also known to bury its eggs amongst epiphytes high in the trees). Its preferred niche is to forage around tree trunks for insects.  

The species is easily identified by its black and white striped head and neck, and its olive-brown body covered with pale flecks. The species appears to be quite bold and easily approachable.     

Figs 1 and 2 : Striped Tree Skink warming itself in the morning sun.  Seen at Danum Valley, Sabah, Borneo.

 

Family : SCINCIDAE
Species : Apterygodon vittatum
Size (snout to vent) : 10 cm
Size (total length) : 21 cm

References : H1, H3