Family : SCINCIDAE
Species : Sphenomorphus maculatus
Size (snout to vent) : 6.7 cm
Size (total length) : up to 18.7 cm ?

The Streamside Skink inhabits the vicinity of streams and small rivers in lowland and hilly areas. It can be found foraging amongst rocks and vegetation right at the waters edge.

In some locales this skink may venture further afield, for example the specimen shown here, was around 50 metres from the nearest water body, on the floor of a restaurant. Its diet comprises insects and other invertebrates.

It is easily identified by the broad, dark stripe which extends from the snout, through the eye, along the entire length of the body and to the tip of the tail. This stripe is adorned with pale speckles. On the flanks, beneath the dark stripe, is a mottled zone comprising yellowish and brown spots.

The upperside of the head, body and tail is brown, with smooth scales, and faint darker markings. The throat and belly are pale and immaculate.

The species is also known as 'Spotted Forest Skink' or 'Maculated Forest Skink', however these alternate common names may cause confusion with other species.

The Streamside Skink ranges from parts of Nepal, eastern India and southern China, to Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand and possibly the northernmost part of Peninsular Malaysia.

Figs 1 and 3 : Specimen from Khao Yai, Thailand at an elevation of around 750 metres. It was around 50 metres from the nearest stream on the floor of a restaurant, perhaps drawn there by the presence of insects.

Fig 2 : Stream habitat at Khao Yai, Thailand, slightly swollen and silty with recent rain.

References : H11