Broad-headed Skink - 2 views by Leeco
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Description
Nikon 7900 pocket camera - hand held images.
Yesterday I posted 3 head shots of this chunky Skink and explained how I had rescued him from my cat.
He was essentially ok after this experience but not totally unscathed, lol.
As you can see from these images, he is missing his tail ( which is longer than this body is). This is not a serious injury. In fact, in some ways it is not really an injury at all. This Skink (as well as many other species) is genetically equipped to detach his tail when seriously threatened. It falls off and wiggles vigorously thereby distracting the "hunter" while the Skink makes his escape. I am not sire how long it takes to grow a new one but I would guess it is not more than a month or so.
He also has a small abrasion on one side. These Skinks have scales that have a bony substrata so they are quite strong. They are often seen shaking paper wasp nests to dislodge and eat the grubs. The wasps cannot penetrate the bony scales so he is well protected from them. The same scales provided enough protection to also prevent the cat from casually penetrating his side. The cat would really have to be very determined before the Skink suffered a serious puncture. Fortunately the cat had not had time to get past the investigation stage so every one got to see another day.
Tomorrow I will post a different reptile so stop by to see if it slithers, runs, crawls, or hops, lol.
Thanks to those who take the time to comment.
Lee
Comments (8)
MrsLubner
Another wonderful view of this skink. The absence of the tail is great. Stunnign details as always. :-)
StandsInAwe
Excellent shots...
flora-crassella
ohje! Der arme Kleine hat vor Schreck seinen Schwanz verloren! Schöne Aufnahme!!!
durleybeachbum
Marvellous view of the superb scales!
JeffG7BRJ
I know they are only tiny things Lee, but close up those claws look lethal, I can well imagine one of these little critters climbing a vertical wall to escape the clutches of a predator. Superb captures excellent narrative. Bravo!!!!!
skyla824
great macro shot
mbz2662
Wonderful narrative to go along with your photos.
bpclarke
Very cool story and captures today. Bunny