About Egernia kingii (Gray, 1838)
General Appearance
King's skink (Egernia kingii) is a large, heavy-bodied black skink.
Size and Weight
It can reach a total length of 55 centimetres (22 inches) including the tail, and a body mass of 220 grams (8 ounces).
Native Distribution
This species is native to coastal regions of south-western Australia.
Habitat
It is common on Rottnest Island, Penguin Island, and some coastal areas with open forest and open heath.
Reproductive Mode
Like many other skinks, King's skink is viviparous.
Reproduction Details
After a gestation period of 20 to 22 weeks, it gives birth to litters of 2 to 8 young, each typically weighing 7 grams (0.25 ounces).
Life History Traits
Juvenile mortality is high, and growth to adult size is slow, so mature King's skinks can be quite long lived.
