Pseudemoia entrecasteauxii (Woodland Tussock-skink)

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Common name: Woodland Tussock-skink. SVL 50mm; Total Length 125mm

Woodland Tussock-skink is one of six species belonging to the genus Pseudemonia, often referred to as cool skinks, which in turn belongs Eugongylus Group of skinks. There are four of the six species of the genus in the Canberra region. At least in P. entrecasteauxii, P. pagenstecheri, and P. spenceri, a placenta-like structure is formed during pregnancy to pass nutrients to the developing offspring which are born live (not hatched from eggs). Similar mammal-like adaptations also occur in other skink genera, although not in the Canberra region.

Southern Grass skinks is a highly variable in both colour and pattern making it difficult to distinguish from other skinks. This species usually has a dark mid-vertebral stripe and a dark dorso-lateral stripe sometimes edged in white. Woodland Grass Skink lack the glossy sheen of other members of this group. The belly, throat and forward portion of the lower lateral stripe becomes flushed with red or orange in breeding males. (Male Tussock skinks only have orange or red on the lateral stripe). The transparent disk in the lower eyelid is so large the whole eye can be seen when the eyelid is closed. It is found in a variety of habitats where it tends to forage amongst dense ground cover or grasses and bask on rocks and logs.

Distribution: Relatively common in region but tends to live at higher elevations.

Pseudemoia entrecasteauxii is listed in the following regions:

Canberra & Southern Tablelands