Sandfish Skink
Scincus officinalis (Scincus scincus)
Where is it found?
Deserts
Diet and foraging method
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Sandfish skinks can detect vibrations made by insects close by, and either burrow or 'swims' through the sand in pursuit of prey, or dives just below the surface to catch unsuspecting insects.
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Key adaptations
Sandfish skinks have a streamlined body, smooth skin, pointed snout and reduced ears and nose for burrowing under the sand. Its thin legs and fringed toes allow it to run on shifting sand dunes.
Social organisation and mating system
N/A
Did you know that...?
Sandfish skinks have developed a unique adaptation to allow them to escape the desert heat and predators. It dives into the sand and 'swims' through it with great efficiency and speed.
Taxonomy
Picture credits:
Maps from: http://species.mol.org/species/
"Sandfish skink 2" by FinnHK - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sandfish_skink_2.JPG#/media/File:Sandfish_skink_2.JPG
"Sandfish skink" by FinnHK - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sandfish_skink.JPG#/media/File:Sandfish_skink.JPG
"Sandfish skink 4" by FinnHK - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sandfish_skink_4.JPG#/media/File:Sandfish_skink_4.JPG
"Sandfish skink 2" by FinnHK - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sandfish_skink_2.JPG#/media/File:Sandfish_skink_2.JPG
"Sandfish skink" by FinnHK - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sandfish_skink.JPG#/media/File:Sandfish_skink.JPG
"Sandfish skink 4" by FinnHK - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons - https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Sandfish_skink_4.JPG#/media/File:Sandfish_skink_4.JPG
