Dasia olivacea
The olive dasia, or olive tree skink (Dasia olivacea), is a semi-arboreal lizard native to Southeast Asia. It is characterized by its green back, bronze flanks with ocelli bands, and an olive-green head. This widespread species primarily inhabits trees and is considered of Least Concern for conservation.
Key Facts
- ›Native to Southeast Asia, found south of approximately 15° north latitude.
- ›Primarily lives in trees, rarely descending to the ground.
- ›Features a green back, bronze scales on the flanks, and distinctive ocelli bands.
- ›Eggs are laid in clutches of up to 14, with an incubation period of 69 days.
- ›Considered a species of Least Concern due to its widespread distribution and ecological flexibility.
Olive Dasia, Olive Tree Skink
Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Borneo, Indonesian Islands, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Cambodia
- Mature Individuals Have A Green Back.
- Bronze Scales Are Present Towards the Flanks.
- Features 12 Bands of Ocelli Extending From Side To Side.
- Head Is Primarily Dark Olive-Green With Black Markings.
- Underside of the Head Is Bluish To Yellowish-Green.
- Semi-Arboreal, Living Almost Exclusively In Trees.
- Rarely Descends To the Ground.
About Dasia olivacea
The Olive Dasia
The olive dasia, scientifically known as Dasia olivacea and also referred to as the olive tree skink, is a semi-arboreal lizard species native to the diverse ecosystems of Southeast Asia. Its range extends south of approximately 15° north latitude, encompassing countries such as Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, and the islands of Borneo, Java, Sumatra, Bali, and India's Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The species was first described by John Edward Gray in 1839 and serves as the type species for the genus Dasia.
Physical Characteristics and Habitat
Mature individuals of Dasia olivacea are distinguished by their vibrant coloration. They possess a green back, with scales transitioning to a bronze hue along the flanks. A notable feature is the presence of 12 bands of ocelli, or eye-like spots, that stretch from one side of the body to the other. The head is typically a dark olive-green, marked with black, and the underside of the head displays a bluish to yellowish-green tint. This species primarily inhabits trees, exhibiting a semi-arboreal lifestyle where they spend most of their time in the canopy, rarely descending to the ground except for nesting or moving between trees.
Reproduction and Conservation
Reproduction in the olive dasia involves the laying of eggs. Females can lay multiple clutches per year, with each clutch typically containing up to 14 eggs. The incubation period for these eggs is approximately 69 days. Due to its extensive distribution across Southeast Asia and its ecological flexibility, Dasia olivacea is currently listed as a species of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This assessment suggests that the species is not facing immediate threats of extinction and its populations are generally stable across its natural range.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the olive dasia found?
The olive dasia is found throughout Southeast Asia, including parts of Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore, Vietnam, Borneo, and various Indonesian islands. Its distribution also extends to India's Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
What does Dasia olivacea look like?
Mature olive dasias have a green back and bronze scales on their flanks, marked with 12 bands of eye-like spots (ocelli). Their heads are dark olive-green with black markings, transitioning to a bluish or yellowish-green underside.
What is the habitat of the olive dasia?
This species is semi-arboreal and lives almost exclusively in trees. They only rarely descend to the ground, typically to nest or move between arboreal locations.
How does the olive dasia reproduce?
Olive dasias lay eggs, with clutches containing up to 14 eggs. The incubation period for these eggs lasts for 69 days.
What is the conservation status of Dasia olivacea?
Dasia olivacea is classified as a species of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List. This status reflects its wide distribution across Southeast Asia and its adaptability to various ecological conditions.
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