Eulamprus tympanum
The Eulamprus tympanum, commonly known as the southern water skink, is a medium-sized Australian skink. It is characterized by its olive-brown coloration with darker speckles and primarily inhabits areas near fresh water in southeastern Australia. This viviparous species is notable for the female's ability to influence the sex of her offspring.
Key Facts
- ›Endemic to southeastern Australia, including New South Wales, Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania's Rodondo Island.
- ›A medium-sized skink with a maximum snout-vent length of approximately 100 mm.
- ›Inhabits areas in the vicinity of fresh water, from sea level to high altitudes.
- ›Viviparous, giving birth to live young in MID to late summer.
- ›Diet consists of invertebrates, tadpoles, small frogs, and other small skinks.
- ›Females can influence the sex of their offspring through thermoregulation.
Southern Water Skink, Cool-Temperate Water-Skink, Highland Water Skink, Dreeite Water Skink
Australia, New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania
Freshwater Environments, Near Creeks, Open Woodland
- Medium-Sized Skink.
- Maximum Snout-Vent Length Approximately 100 mm .
- Head and Body Are Mainly Olive-Brown With Darker Speckles.
- Flanks Are Olive-Brown With Pale Speckling.
Invertebrates, Tadpoles, Small Frogs, Other Small Skinks
- Active Lizard That Feeds Relatively Frequently.
- Metabolic Rate Increases Significantly After Feeding.
- Females Bask To Regulate Temperature and Influence Offspring Sex.
About Eulamprus tympanum
The Eulamprus tympanum, commonly known as the southern water skink, is a medium-sized lizard endemic to Australia. This species is found across southeastern parts of the continent, including New South Wales, Victoria, eastern South Australia, and on Rodondo Island off the coast of Tasmania. Its preferred habitat is in close proximity to fresh water, with individuals observed from sea level up to the high altitudes near Mount Kosciuszko.
Description and Habitat
The southern water skink typically measures up to 85 mm in snout-to-vent length, with a maximum recorded length of around 100 mm. Its coloration is predominantly olive-brown, featuring darker speckles across its head and body, and similar speckling on its flanks. These skinks are often found near small creeks, utilizing these environments for both shelter and foraging.
Ecology and Reproduction
Eulamprus tympanum is an active hunter, preying on small invertebrates, tadpoles, small frogs, and other diminutive skinks. Following a meal, its metabolic rate can increase to more than double its pre-feeding level, remaining elevated for up to 48 hours. This species reproduces viviparously, with mating occurring in spring and live young being born in mid to late summer. A fascinating aspect of their reproduction is the female's ability to influence the sex of her offspring by regulating her basking time, a behavior likely linked to environmental cues, though the specifics of this decision-making process are not fully understood.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Eulamprus tympanum?
The Eulamprus tympanum is a medium-sized species of skink endemic to Australia. It is commonly referred to as the southern water skink, cool-temperate water-skink, highland water skink, or Dreeite water skink.
Where can the southern water skink be found?
This species is native to southeastern Australia, inhabiting New South Wales, Victoria, the eastern part of Southern Australia, and Tasmania, specifically on Rodondo Island in the Bass Strait. They are typically found near fresh water sources.
What does the Eulamprus tympanum eat?
The southern water skink is a predator that hunts small prey. Its diet includes invertebrates, tadpoles, small frogs, and other small skinks found in its habitat.
How does the southern water skink reproduce?
Eulamprus tympanum is viviparous, meaning it gives birth to live young. Mating occurs in spring, and the young are born in mid to late summer. Notably, females can regulate their body temperature to influence the sex of their offspring.
What are the physical characteristics of the Eulamprus tympanum?
The southern water skink is a medium-sized skink, with a snout-to-vent length reaching up to 85 mm. Its head and body are predominantly olive-brown, marked with darker speckles. The flanks share this olive-brown coloration with pale speckling.
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