ID of skinks

[skeetersmom]

I was wondering how do you ID your skink (northern, eastern etc) - by color or other distinguishing characteristics?

[Richard.C]

color,pattern some can be tricky,but you normally see certain traits in the species and sub species

[Jeff]

If you post a picture of a skink (even a picture you find on the forum somewhere), it would be easier to point out a list of things about that particular that identify it as what it is. Otherwise, it is hard to be very specific.

[Fatal_S]

Practice. Practice, practice, practice. Then more practice

viewtopic.php?f=4&t=16120 Scroll down and have a look at some ID tips.

[skeetersmom]

Guess it will need to be a pic. I was told my "guy" was a common eastern (like I would know the difference)...but by comparing him to pics he looks like an IJ

Looks like I could have asked "how to you get to Carnegie Hall"...practice practice practice

[Jeff]

Well, easterns are sometimes refered to as "commmon blue-tongue lizard" in Australia where they are numerous, but they are not nearly as common in the U.S. Without seeing you skink at all, I can say there is a good chance that it is I.J. as you suspect because I.J.'s are more common here in the U.S. I.J.'s and easterns are both very variable though, and they can look extremely similar, especially in pictures. It is very possible that you do actually have an eastern. I am interested to see it now!

[Edward]

[Richard.C]

lol edward and hello there

[skeetersmom]

Alright, according to pic #3 of the I.J. pics here Skeeter is an I.J.! Except for the coloration and "heftyness" of the one in the pic, that is Skeeter - definately. So, this is a common guy in the U.S? Dosen't matter - love him anyways And here in WI - he is definately uncommon. But fret not my friends, as soon as I get my digital camera (and figure it out) a friend here has told me I can send them to her and she will post them for me.

Hopefully I am right in the ID

[skeetersmom]

Skeeter has been positively identified as an I.J. Just wish I would procounce it! If any one would like to see the pics - they are titled "Say hello to Skeeter". If anyone has an idea if Skeeter is a male or female - not sure if you can tell just by looking - please let me know. He is 12" from nose to vent (if that helps). I would just like to say "he" or "she" and be correct.

[Katrina]

In order to have a guess at sexing we would need a birds-eye picture looking straight down and Skeeter showing the entire body and tail. If you can get a pic or two that show that we should be able to give a decent idea. Some are almost impossible to visually sex and some are quite easy.