Prehensile-tailed Skink
Regenstein Small Mammal-Reptile House
Did You Know?
- Prehensile-tailed skinks spend most of their time in trees. Their prehensile tail helps them balance and grasp branches. It will not regenerate if it is lost, however.
- They are the only skink species that is entirely herbivorous.
- Unlike most reptiles, prehensile-tailed skinks live in family groups that may include bonded adult pairs and their offspring.
Don’t See the Animals?
Why aren’t animals visible at all times? To promote positive animal welfare, we provide animals with choices. They can choose to spend time in areas that are out of public view.
Take an Animal Home with You
Overview
Scientific Name: Corucia zebrata
Class: Reptiles
Diet: Leaves, flowers, and fruit
Range: Solomon Islands
Endangered Status: Not Listed
More Information
Also known as monkey skinks, prehensile-tailed skinks can grow to 32 inches long, including their tail. They weigh around 2 pounds and are generally olive green with scattered black scales on their back and legs. They have long tails that help them climb.
During the day, these slow-moving reptiles hide in branches and tree hollows. They are ovoviviparous; females hatch eggs inside their body and give birth to one live offspring at a time. Their young stay with their family groups until they move on to form their own groups.
