Bull Skink

About the Bull Skink

The bull skink, southern sand-skink or southern heath skink (Liopholis multiscutata) is a species of terrestrial skink, a lizard in the family Scincidae. It is one of eleven species within the Liopholis genus. The southern heath (bull) skink is characterised by its robust build, dorsal scales, and its coloration which varies from sandy to reddish-brown. It is a medium-sized skink with adults reaching a snout-vent length of 80-95mm.

The species displays sexual dimorphism, with males generally larger and more colourful than females. Liopholis multiscutata resembles Liopholis whitii but can be differentiated based on several characteristics. Specifically, the interparietal scale on the top of the head is as wide as, or wider than, the frontal scale, even in mature specimens. The subdigital lamellae, or scales under the toes, have a bicarinate (two-ridged) texture. Additionally, this species has two or three rows of small white or yellow spots within the dark dorso-lateral stripe along its back. Unlike in Liopholis whitii, the flanks exhibit ambiguous pale and dark scales, seldom forming distinct ocelli (eye-like markings). The animal has 37–46 smooth scale rows at mid... Wikipedia →