Chalcides sexlineatus
The Gran Canaria skink (Chalcides sexlineatus) is a species of skink endemic to the island of Gran Canaria in the Canary Islands. This lizard is characterized by its flattened body, wide head, and distinctive striping patterns, with variations between subspecies. It inhabits a wide range of environments across the island.
Key Facts
- ›Endemic to Gran Canaria and the islet Roque de Gando, with an introduction to La Palma.
- ›Possesses a flattened body, wide head, and strong legs, with subspecies exhibiting morphological differences.
- ›Subspecies include Chalcides sexlineatus sexlineatus (southwest) and Chalcides sexlineatus bistriatus (northeast).
- ›Feeds primarily on insect larvae and other small invertebrates.
- ›Reproductively ovoviviparous, with young born between September and August.
- ›Classified as Endangered by the IUCN due to predation by the introduced California kingsnake.
Gran Canaria Skink
Gran Canaria, Roque De Gando, La Palma
- Flattened Body
- Wide Head
- Strong Legs
- Average Total Body Length Around 150mm
- Females Slightly Longer Than Males On Average
- Smaller Size In the South Subspecies
- Northeastern Subspecies : Bright Blue Tail, Light Bluish Belly, Black Dorsolateral Band Separated From the Side By A Whitish Or Yellowish Line, Four Yellowish-Brown Lines On the Back.
- Southwestern Subspecies : Brown Tail, White To Yellowish Belly, Brown Back With White Spots Arranged In A Line, A Narrow Light Band On Each Side of the Back.
- Intermediate Populations: Green Tail.
Insect Larvae, Other Small Invertebrates
Elusive, May Be Difficult To Sight
California Kingsnake, Feral Cats
Introduced Predators, Feral Cats, Pet Trade Collection
About Chalcides sexlineatus
The Gran Canaria Skink (Chalcides sexlineatus)
The Gran Canaria skink, scientifically known as Chalcides sexlineatus, is a species of skink native to the Canary Islands, specifically endemic to the island of Gran Canaria and the small islet Roque de Gando. It has also been introduced to the island of La Palma. This lizard is found across a broad altitudinal range, from sea level up to 1,850 meters.
Description and Subspecies
This skink possesses a flattened body and a wide head, with robust legs. The species exhibits distinct morphological differences between its two recognized subspecies, which are believed to have evolved due to volcanic activity over the past 2.8 million years. The subspecies are C. sexlineatus sexlineatus, found in the southwestern part of the island, and C. sexlineatus bistriatus, inhabiting the northeast. The specific name 'sexlineatus' refers to its characteristic striping pattern.
Adults typically reach a total body length of approximately 150mm, including the tail, with females tending to be slightly longer. The subspecies display variations in coloration and specific scale counts. For instance, the northeastern subspecies may feature a bright blue tail and a light bluish belly, contrasted by a black dorsolateral band and four yellowish-brown lines on its back. In contrast, the southwestern subspecies usually has a brown tail and a white to yellowish belly, with white spots arranged in lines on its back. Intermediate populations can have green tails.
Habitat and Ecology
The Gran Canaria skink is adaptable and abundant in nearly all habitats on Gran Canaria, including coastal areas, temperate forests, grasslands, rocky terrains, and agricultural zones. It is less common in pine forests and the drier southern regions. The skinks are ovoviviparous, giving birth to live young. Breeding occurs during July and August, with offspring appearing from September onwards, typically in clutches of 2 to 7.
Diet and Behavior
Their diet primarily consists of insect larvae and other small invertebrates. The Gran Canaria skink is known for being elusive and can be challenging to observe.
Conservation Status
In 2022, the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List classified the Gran Canaria skink as Endangered. This critical status is largely attributed to the introduction of the California kingsnake, a predator that has significantly impacted skink populations, particularly in areas where the snake has spread. Feral cats and collection for the pet trade also pose minor threats to the species. The Gran Canaria skink is protected under various European and Spanish legislations, including the EU Habitats Directive and Spain's Listado de Especies Silvestres en Régimen de Protección Especial (LESRPE).
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different subspecies of the Gran Canaria skink?
There are two recognized subspecies: C. sexlineatus sexlineatus, found in the southwestern part of Gran Canaria, and C. sexlineatus bistriatus, inhabiting the northeastern portion. These subspecies show distinct morphological differences.
What does the Gran Canaria skink look like?
The Gran Canaria skink has a flattened body and a wide head. Its coloration and striping patterns vary between subspecies. The northeastern subspecies can have a bright blue tail and a light bluish belly with four yellowish-brown lines on its back, while the southwestern subspecies has a brown tail and white to yellowish belly with white spots on its back.
Where does the Gran Canaria skink live?
This species is endemic to Gran Canaria and the small islet Roque de Gando in the Canary Islands, Spain. It has also been introduced to the island of La Palma. It can be found from coastal areas up to 1,850 meters above sea level, in diverse habitats including temperate forests, grasslands, and agricultural areas.
What is the diet of the Gran Canaria skink?
The Gran Canaria skink primarily feeds on insect larvae and other small invertebrates. Its diet consists mainly of small arthropods found within its habitat.
How does the Gran Canaria skink reproduce?
The species is ovoviviparous, meaning they give birth to live young. Breeding occurs in July and August, with the birth of 2 to 7 offspring starting in September.
What is the conservation status of the Gran Canaria skink?
The Gran Canaria skink is currently listed as Endangered by the IUCN. This status is primarily due to the introduction of the California kingsnake, a significant predator of the skink.
What are the main threats to the Gran Canaria skink?
The most significant threat is the introduced California kingsnake, which preys heavily on the skink. Other minor threats include feral cats and collection for the pet trade.
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Gran Canaria skink
The Gran Canaria skink (Chalcides sexlineatus) is a species of skink endemic to the Canary Island of Gran Canaria. This lizard is characterized by its flattened body, wide head, and strong legs, with distinct striping patterns and coloration that vary between its subspecies and geographic locations on the island. It inhabits a wide range of environments, from coastal areas to higher altitudes, and primarily feeds on invertebrates.
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