Fig 1
Fig 2
Fig 3
Fig 4
Fig 5
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Family : SCINCIDAE
Species : Subdoluseps bowringii
Size (snout to vent) : 6 cm
Size (total length) : 12 cm
Bowring's Supple Skink,
or Garden Supple Skink, can be found in various habitats including forests, agricultural areas, gardens
and parklands. Unless sunning itself, this terrestrial skink largely remains
hidden under leaf litter. Though common, it is quick to move away from
disturbance and is often overlooked.
The species is
characterised by its small size, slender body, and tiny limbs. The dorsal
surface is brownish grey, the sides speckled, and the ventral surface
mottled yellow.
According to Das (2010),
juveniles possess a bright red tail.
It is widely distributed, and is known to occur in India (Andaman Islands),
Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, southern China, Peninsular Malaysia,
Singapore, Borneo, Sumatra, Java, Sulawesi and the Philippines.
Figs 1 and 2 : Adult (probably male) at Pulau
Semakau, Singapore. This specimen was disturbed on a rock bund; it promptly
swam across a few metres of calm, mangrove water and climbed an aerial root
of a Rhizophora sp.
Figs 3 and 4 : Example from Luang Prabang, Laos, which emerged during a warm
afternoon to sun itself at the edge of a footpath.
Fig 5 : Example emerging from a roadside drain in Singapore; it was active beneath
leaf litter, probably feeding on small insects.
References :
Grismer, L. L. (2011). Lizards of Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore, and
their Adjacent Archipelagos. Their Description, Distribution, and
Natural History. Edition Chimaira, Frankfurt am Main. 728 pp.
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