Your card for August 1, 2017

[Lalita Rudy]

Pictured is the African Skink

Striking in color, these large bodied skinks are bright red, flecked with black and white bars along their side. Their backs range from bronze to golden. Long squarish bodies with stout legs and thick tails give them the typical appearance of most skinks. Originally from western Africa, their range is currently known to be as far west as Guinea, south as Angola, and as far east as Kenya where they inhabit forests, woodlands, and densely vegetated areas.

Hatchlings are approximately two inches at emergence from an egg, with adults reaching lengths of fourteen or fifteen inches. Growth is not rapid, with young taking a year or more to reach their full size. While dimorphism is subtle, females do tend to be slightly smaller and leaner than males. 

Data regarding the lifespan of this species is still inconclusive; however, reports of captive specimens living 15 to 20 years are common. 

Card  by Lalita Rudy

I'm pleased that you have requested my daily cards, but if 

you should ever wish to stop receiving them just reply to 

this message or send a blank e-mail with the word remove 

in the subject line to: lalita...@gmail.com

--

In God We Trust