Acritoscincus trilineatus (Gray, 1838)

Taxonomy and Initial Distribution

Acritoscincus trilineatus is a species of skink in the Acritoscincus genus, found in southwestern Australia, with an isolated small population near the tip of Eyre Peninsula in South Australia.

Body Morphology and Scales

Its overall body form is moderately stocky, it has smooth scales, and functional, strong limbs, each bearing five digits.

Size Measurements

The total length from head to tail is approximately 190 millimetres, and the snout to vent length measures 70 mm.

Throat Coloration and Breeding Trait

Both males and females have a red patch on the throat; the intensity of this red patch varies, and it becomes more visible during the breeding season.

Coloration Similarity to Related Species

The coloration of A. trilineatus is similar to that of Pseudemoia entrecasteauxii, the southern grass-skink, which shares a similar distribution range.

Habitat Requirements

This species inhabits cool, damp environments such as wetlands, and also occupies areas that are seasonally wet, as long as some native vegetation remains present in the habitat.

Basking Behavior

It frequently basks in sunny spots in the early morning.

Foraging and Activity Pattern

All of its foraging activity, in which it seeks small insect prey, takes place during the day; it switches between feeding and basking depending on weather conditions.

Detailed Distribution Range

Its distribution range stretches from Israelite Bay to Gingin in southwestern Australia, and it also occurs on the offshore Rottnest Island.

Population Abundance

It is considered common across its entire range, and is regularly recorded in reptile fauna surveys.

Conservation Status

In 2017, the IUCN Red List assessed this species as least concern.