Chalcides viridanus
The West Canary skink, scientifically known as Chalcides viridanus, is a species of lizard endemic to the Canary Islands. This skink inhabits a diverse range of environments, from temperate forests and grasslands to urban areas, and can be found at elevations up to 2,000 meters. It is characterized by its cylindrical body and can reach a total length of approximately 18 cm.
Key Facts
- ›Endemic to the Canary Islands, specifically Tenerife, El Hierro, Roque de Garachico, and Roques de Anaga.
- ›Inhabits a wide variety of natural and anthropogenic habitats, including temperate forests, grasslands, rocky shores, and urban areas.
- ›Can reach a total length of about 18 cm.
- ›Active during the day and at dusk.
- ›Reproduction is viviparous, meaning they give birth to live young.
- ›Found at altitudes up to 2,000 meters.
West Canary Skink, Canaryan Cylindrical Skink, East Canary Islands Skink, Tenerife Skink
Tenerife, El Hierro, Roque De Garachico, Roques De Anaga, Canary Islands
May Reach A Total Length of About 18 cm .
Active During the Day and At Dusk.
About Chalcides viridanus
The West Canary Skink (Chalcides viridanus)
The West Canary skink, scientifically identified as Chalcides viridanus, is a species of lizard belonging to the Scincidae family. This reptile is an endemic resident of the Canary Islands archipelago, found on islands such as Tenerife and El Hierro, as well as smaller islets like Roque de Garachico and Roques de Anaga.
Habitat and Distribution
Chalcides viridanus exhibits a remarkable adaptability to a wide range of environments. Its natural habitats span from temperate forests, shrublands, and grasslands to rocky and sandy shores. It also thrives in human-modified landscapes, including arable land, pastureland, rural gardens, and urban areas. This species has been recorded at elevations reaching up to 2,000 meters (6,600 feet), indicating its tolerance for varied altitudes.
Physical Characteristics and Behavior
Adult West Canary skinks can attain a total length of approximately 18 centimeters (about 7.1 inches), a measurement that includes their tail. Behaviorally, C. viridanus is diurnal, meaning it is primarily active during daylight hours, and is also observed to be active during dusk. Its ecological requirements in natural settings and in captivity are noted to be quite similar to those of the Gran Canaria skink.
Reproduction
A key biological feature of Chalcides viridanus is its reproductive strategy. The species is viviparous, which signifies that females give birth to live young rather than laying eggs. This mode of reproduction is a significant aspect of its life cycle and reproductive biology.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common names for Chalcides viridanus?
Chalcides viridanus is commonly known as the West Canary skink. Other names include the Canaryan cylindrical skink, East Canary Islands skink, and the Tenerife skink.
Where can the West Canary skink be found?
This species is endemic to the Canary Islands. Specific islands and islets where it is found include Tenerife, El Hierro, Roque de Garachico, and Roques de Anaga.
What kind of habitats does Chalcides viridanus prefer?
The West Canary skink thrives in a diverse array of habitats. These include temperate forests, shrublands, grasslands, rocky and sandy shores, as well as agricultural and urban areas.
How large does the West Canary skink get?
Chalcides viridanus typically reaches a total length, including its tail, of about 18 centimeters (approximately 7.1 inches).
When is the West Canary skink most active?
This species is diurnal, meaning it is active during the day. It is also noted to be active at dusk.
How does the West Canary skink reproduce?
Chalcides viridanus reproduces viviparously. This means that the females give birth to live young, rather than laying eggs.
Related Lizards
West Canary skink
The West Canary skink, also known as the Canaryan cylindrical skink, is a species of lizard endemic to the Canary Islands. It inhabits a variety of environments, from temperate forests to urban areas, and can be found at altitudes up to 2,000 meters. This viviparous lizard is active during the day and at dusk, reaching a total length of about 18 cm.
Podarcis tiliguerta
The Tyrrhenian wall lizard (Podarcis tiliguerta) is a species of lizard belonging to the Lacertidae family. It is native to the islands of Corsica and Sardinia and their surrounding islets, inhabiting a variety of temperate and Mediterranean environments. This species is distinguished by its subspecies diversity and is not currently considered threatened.
Teira dugesii
The Madeiran wall lizard (Teira dugesii) is a common species endemic to the Madeira Archipelago, Portugal, notable for its variable coloration that often camouflages it with its surroundings. It inhabits a wide range of environments, from coastal areas to altitudes of 1,850 meters, and has also become naturalized in the Azores. This lizard is characterized by its small size, easily shed tail, and insectivorous-herbivorous diet.