Hemiergis millewae
Least Concern (globally), Endangered (Victoria)·Ovoviviparous
The Millewa skink is a small, ground-dwelling lizard endemic to Australia, known for its reliance on spinifex (Triodia scariosa) for sustenance and shelter. Characterized by dark brown scales with a distinctive burnt orange stripe and a pale grey underbelly, this species is found in the semi-arid Mallee woodlands of southern Australia. It faces threats from habitat loss and altered fire regimes, leading to its endangered status in some regions.
Key Facts
- ›Endemic to Australia, found in semi-arid Mallee woodlands.
- ›Highly specialized, dependent on spinifex for food and shelter.
- ›Possesses dark brown scales with a burnt orange dorsal stripe and a pale grey underside.
- ›Reproduction is ovoviviparous, with females giving birth to 1-2 live young.
- ›Its ears are not visible and are covered by scales, a characteristic of the Hemiergis genus.
- ›Considered endangered in Victoria due to limited distribution and habitat threats.
Millewa Skink, Triodia Earless Skink
Australia
Mallee Eucalypt Woodlands, Semi-Arid Woodlands
- Small, Terrestrial Skink.
- Dark Brown Shiny Scales.
- Burnt Orange Stripe Along Its Back From Above the Ear To Hindlimbs.
- Pale Grey Underbelly.
- Elongated Body.
- Four Short Limbs, Each With Five Digits.
- Long Tail, Similar In Length To the Torso.
- Ears Are Not Visible and Are Covered By Scales .
- Fifth Supralabial Scale Contacts the Eye.
- Snout-Vent Length of 41–58 mm.
Insectivorous, Invertebrates Found In Spinifex Hummocks
- Thigmothermic
- Ground-Dwelling
- Relies On Spinifex Hummocks For Micro-Climate, Food, and Protection.
- Land Clearing
- Habitat Fragmentation and Degradation
- Trampling of Spinifex and Burrows By Introduced Species
- Changes To Fire Frequency and Intensity
- Loss of Mature Spinifex Hummocks and Leaf Litter
About Hemiergis millewae
What is the Millewa Skink?
The Millewa skink, scientifically classified as Hemiergis millewae, is a small, ground-dwelling lizard native to Australia. This species is highly specialized, demonstrating a significant dependence on spinifex grass (Triodia scariosa) for both its food sources and essential shelter.
Description and Habitat
Characterized by its dark brown, shiny scales, the Millewa skink features a striking burnt orange stripe running along its back from above the ear to its hindlimbs, contrasted by a pale grey underbelly. It possesses an elongated body, short limbs with five digits each, and a tail that is roughly the same length as its torso. A notable feature, shared with other Hemiergis lizards, is the absence of visible external ears, with ear depressions completely covered by scales. The Millewa skink is found exclusively in the semi-arid Mallee eucalypt woodlands of southern and eastern Australia, particularly in areas with large spinifex hummocks.
Ecology and Reproduction
As a thigmothermic species, the Millewa skink regulates its body temperature by absorbing heat from warm surfaces in its environment. Its diet consists primarily of invertebrates, such as ants and termites, found within the spinifex clumps. Reproduction in Hemiergis millewae is ovoviviparous, meaning that the eggs develop inside the mother, and she gives birth to live young. Females typically produce one to two offspring during the late summer months.
Distribution and Conservation
The Millewa skink has a fragmented distribution across southern Australia, with isolated populations in Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, and northwestern New South Wales. While considered 'Least Concern' globally by the IUCN due to its widespread presence, it is listed as endangered in Victoria. This status is attributed to its limited distribution and vulnerability to threats such as land clearing and fires, which can destroy the mature spinifex hummocks it relies upon. The degradation of its spinifex habitat in areas like the Barrier Range in New South Wales further highlights the challenges to its long-term survival.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Millewa skink?
The Millewa skink, scientifically known as Hemiergis millewae, is a small, ground-dwelling lizard species native to Australia. It is a specialist species, heavily relying on spinifex for its survival.
Where does the Millewa skink live?
This skink is found in the semi-arid Mallee eucalypt woodlands of southern Australia. Its distribution is fragmented, with populations in Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria, and New South Wales, always associated with large hummocks of spinifex.
What does the Millewa skink eat?
The Millewa skink is insectivorous. It primarily preys on invertebrates, such as ants and termites, that inhabit the spinifex hummocks where it lives.
How does the Millewa skink reproduce?
Hemiergis millewae is ovoviviparous, meaning that eggs develop internally within the mother, and she gives birth to live young. Female skinks typically produce one to two offspring in late summer.
What are the main threats to the Millewa skink?
Major threats include land clearing for agriculture and development, which fragments and degrades its Mallee woodland habitat. Changes in fire frequency and intensity also pose a risk, as the skink relies on mature spinifex hummocks and leaf litter for survival.
What is the conservation status of the Millewa skink?
Globally, it is considered 'Least Concern' by the IUCN due to its wide distribution. However, it is listed as endangered in Victoria because of its restricted range and susceptibility to habitat threats. In New South Wales, its habitat, spinifex, is considered a 'Critically Endangered Ecological Community'.
Related Lizards
Aprasia inaurita
The Mallee worm-lizard (Aprasia inaurita) is a slender, legless lizard endemic to southern mainland Australia. It is characterized by its pale olive-brown or greyish-brown upper body, whitish underside, and a distinctively bright reddish-orange tail. This species inhabits semi-arid Mallee woodlands and is fossorial, often found under leaf litter, in sand, or within ant tunnels.
Ctenophorus cristatus
Ctenophorus cristatus, also known as the crested dragon, is a species of agamid lizard found in the semi-arid woodlands of southwestern Australia. It is characterized by its distinctive crest, which gives it its common names.
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.