Lizard ID

[Liam B]

Hello,

I spotted this lovely lizard about 10km from Orange NSW. We were about 1000m above sea level in remnant bushland at a volcanic outcrop called the Pinnacle. It was sunning itself right at the top.
Does anyone know what it is? I have only joined this site recently and would greatly appreciate the benefit of other people's knowledge.

Cheers,

Liam

 

[Bluetongue1]

Hi Liam,

It is a juvenile Cunningham's skink. The spines on the back and tail are diagnostic features of the species. The colour pattern will alter as it approaches adulthood, with the spots spreading out to form patches, some of which may coalesce to form irregular bands. It is simlar to the New England colour form and blends in well with the lichen covered boulders found along the western slopes.

 

[Liam B]

Thanks Bluetongue.

After your ID I looked up the Cunningham's skink online. A lot of growing up for this little juvenile - boy do they look different as adults!