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A diurnal, but elusive,
resident of lowland primary and secondary forests. It is characterised by a
greenish-yellow underside and a series of dark bands across the medium brown
dorsum.
In juveniles the
patterning comprises a series of dark spots on the head, yellow and brown
bands across the dorsum, and a mainly yellow tail with minor brown bands.
Members of the genus are similar in proportion to the Eutropis genus,
such as the Many-lined Sun Skink.
Aquatic behaviour has been
observed in captivity; this skink will plunge into ponds in search of small
fish or aquatic insects.
The species ranges from Peninsular Malaysia to Borneo, Sumatra and the
Philippines. In 1994 the species was found for the first time in Singapore,
and has since been confirmed as uncommon but widespread in the central
forests.
Fig 1 : This specimen was spotted regularly on the same tree
trunk, in tall secondary forest, for more than a year.
Fig 2 : The same specimen catches the last rays of the afternoon
sun
Fig 3 : Another specimen peering out from a hiding hole in a rotten tree.
Fig 4 : This specimen prefers to hide in a crevice in a rotten tree stump.
All photos taken in Singapore.
Family : SCINCIDAE
Species : Dasia grisea
Size (snout to vent) : 13 cm
Size (total length) : 28 cm
References : H1, H3
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