Scientific Name: Eulamprus quoyii

The eastern water skink is a relatively large skink, some specimens reaching nearly 30cm in length. They are fast, active, streamlined lizards which are recognised by their shiny scales and beautiful green-gold colour on the back. The sides are black with small white spots, while the underside is white or pale grey. Adults defend a territory, often to the point of conflict, although this is usually avoided by the resident lizard warning off potential trespassers with a complex series of head-bobbing movements.

Did You Know? Water skinks are good swimmers. However, this ability is common in most snakes and lizards. Even species that live in the desert and never see standing water are able to swim if placed in water.

Habitat: The eastern water skink lives near the streams, creeks and waterways of coastal eastern Australia, from Cooktown in the north to the south coast of New South Wales. It does extend inland in some areas, particularly in association with the major river systems, such as the Murray-Darling. They are common near streams and creeks in bushland around Sydney, even in suburban areas.

Diet: The diet consists of small invertebrates, worms, insects and, occasionally, fruits and berries. Some cheeky specimens even learn to steal dog food from pet bowls.

Reproduction: After a spring mating, female water skinks carry the developing young until they are born in summer. Up to nine tiny skinks may be born in one litter, each moving off to try and survive in a world of predators such as kookaburras, snakes, and domestic cats.