Chalcides sexlineatus Steindachner, 1891

Common Name & General Body Form

Chalcides sexlineatus, commonly called the Gran Canaria skink, has a flattened body and a wide head.

Leg Morphology

Its legs are strong, and the northern subspecies has longer legs than the southern subspecies.

Scale Variation

The southern subspecies has one phrenocular scale, while the northern subspecies usually has two.

Total Body Length

The average total body length of the species is around 150 mm (6 inches) including the tail, and females are on average a few millimeters longer than males.

Geographic Size Variation

Individuals from the southern part of the range are slightly smaller than those from the north.

Nominate Subspecies Coloration

In the northeast, the nominate subspecies C. s. sexlineatus has a distinct bright blue tail and a light bluish belly. It has a black dorsolateral band, which is separated from the side by a whitish or yellowish line, and four yellowish brown lines run along its back.

Southwest Subspecies Coloration

In the southwest, the subspecies C. s. bistriatus has a brown tail and a white to yellowish belly. Its back is brown with white spots arranged in a line down the body, and a narrow light band runs along each side of its back.

Intermediate Form Coloration

Populations that are intermediate between northern and southern forms have green tails.

Species Distribution

This species is endemic to the island of Gran Canaria and the small islet Roque de Gando, which are part of the Canary Islands, Spain, and has also been introduced to the island of La Palma.

Altitudinal Range

It occupies a wide altitudinal range, from the coast up to 1,850 meters above sea level.

Morphological Difference Origin

Researchers have attributed the distinct morphological differences between the subspecies to volcanic activity on Gran Canaria over the past 2.8 million years.

Common Habitats

This skink is abundant in nearly all habitats across Gran Canaria, including coastal areas, temperate forests, grasslands, rocky peaks, and agricultural areas.

Rarer Habitats

It is rarer in pine forests and the drier areas of southern Gran Canaria.

Reproductive Mode

Chalcides sexlineatus is ovoviviparous.

Breeding & Offspring

Breeding takes place in July and August, and females give birth to between 2 and 7 offspring starting in September.

Behavioral Trait

These skinks are elusive and can be difficult to spot.

Diet

They feed mainly on insect larvae and other small invertebrates.