Eutropis longicaudata, the long-tailed Mabuya or long-tailed sun skink, is a widespread but poorly known species occurring in southern China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and the east side of peninsular Malaysia.It has been introduced to Singapore.Its original habitat was probably forest edge, but it is adaptable to disturbance and commonly inhabits lowland parklands, agricultural areas and grassy areas, occurring in leaf litter, holes in rocks or concrete, cacti, and shrubs (Huang 2006b; Baker 2017, Reptiles and amphibians of Bangkok 2011).
As indicated by its common name, E. longicaudata has a tail twice the length of its body+head.Its entire length (including tail) reaches 50 cm. This distinguishes it from the closely related, much shorter-tailed E. multifasciata (many-lined skink) and E. novemcarinata (keeled sun skink). The long tailed sun skink has a dark brown back with pale spots.Along its flank runs a dark stripe atop a cream-colored stripe and pale belly (Baker 2017, Reptiles and amphibians of Bangkok 2011).Its long toes allow it fast movement on the ground as well as ability to climb tree trunks and rocks.Males are larger than females, and participate in male-male combat for mates (Huang 2006b).
This diurnal species is most active during mornings before peak heat of the day, the long-tailed sun skink hunts day-active insects and earthworms, also occasionally eating fruit, seeds, and leaves and vertebrate items (small gekkos and eggs). It can be found warming itself on rocks and tree trunks.At night these skinks hides in vegetation.Long-tailed Sun Skinks show parental care of their eggs, which they lay in clutches of 2-13, in dirt under rocks in their natural environment. Parents protect the eggs from potential predators, especially egg-eating snakes (Baker 2017, Reptiles and amphibians of Bangkok 2011; Huang 2006b).
In human modified areas, these skinks have been noted to choose plastic drain pipes in cement walls as nesting sites.Research on Orchid Island, southeast of Taiwan, shows that initially these man-made habitats provided slightly warmer spaces beneficial to offspring.However, over the last 10 years these artificial nesting spots have become “ecological traps,” with survivorship decreasing in these nests in comparison to natural habitats.This is attributed to climate change, which has increased ambient temperature on the island by 0.5o C, and an average of 1.7oC within drain openings (Huang and Pike 2011; Huang 2006a; Huang 2006b).
Eutropis longicaudata, the longtail mabuya or long-tailed sun skink, is a species of skink.[1][2][3] It is found in southern China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, and Peninsular Malaysia.[1][2][4]
Some populations have been found to exhibit paternal care in response to predation by egg-eating snakes.[5]
Eutropis longicaudata, the longtail mabuya or long-tailed sun skink, is a species of skink. It is found in southern China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Laos, Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, and Peninsular Malaysia.
Some populations have been found to exhibit paternal care in response to predation by egg-eating snakes.
