Ctenotus robustus Storr, 1970

Common Name and Basic Classification

Ctenotus robustus, commonly called the eastern striped skink, is a species of skink that lives across Australia in a wide range of habitats.

Body Size and Proportions

It is a fairly large, long-tailed, fast-moving skink, reaching a maximum total length of about 30 cm; the tail makes up roughly two-thirds of this total length.

Dorsal Coloration

Its base body color is mostly brown, with a black stripe edged in white running the full length of its back and tail.

Lateral Coloration

It has broad brown stripes along its sides, marked with rows of white spots. The sides lighten toward the underside, becoming an off-white color that extends from the groin up to the chin.

Similar Species Distinction

This species is similar in appearance to the spotted-back skink Ctenotus uber orientalis; the main identifying difference is the solid continuous stripe running down C. robustus' back, while C. uber orientalis has a row of dots instead.

General Activity and Habitat Preference

The eastern striped skink is a wary, diurnal species that typically lives in open areas that provide shelter in grass, low shrubs, or rocks.

Shelter Behavior

When seeking shelter, it will burrow under rocks or logs.

Geographic Range

The eastern striped skink has an extensive distribution across Australia, ranging from northern Western Australia and the Northern Territory, through eastern Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria, to the eastern parts of South Australia.

Disturbance Tolerance

It prefers relatively undisturbed areas or areas with low grazing pressure, where there has been less anthropogenic disturbance and human activity.

Occupied Habitat Types

It occupies warmer sections of forests, woodlands, shrublands, and heathlands, as well as warm grassy hillsides in temperate regions.

Surface Activity

C. robustus is diurnal and active on the surface.

Shelter and Burrow Uses

It uses rocks, logs, and ground litter for shelter, and digs burrows under rocks for hibernation and nesting.

Reproductive Trait - Clutch Size

All skinks in the Ctenotus genus are egg layers; female C. robustus lay between 4 and 8 eggs, and larger individuals typically lay more eggs.

Egg Laying and Hatching Period

Eggs are laid in late spring, between October and December, and hatch approximately two months after being laid.

Diet

The eastern striped skink feeds mostly on arthropods, and will occasionally eat other young lizards.

Predators

It is preyed on by snakes and feral cats.

Anti-Predator Behavior

It is very shy and extremely quick, and will retreat into shelter immediately when humans or other larger animals approach. This wariness and speed makes the species difficult to spot in the wild.