Variable skink

Introduction: The medium-sized Variable skinks (Mabuya varia) can be found on grassland, dry and savannah type habitats. They forage on broken ground, climbing on the bases of trees and rocks in search of food, which is ambushed when they dash from under cover.

Distribution: North-eastern Namibia such as Tsumkwe, Otjiwarongo and Grootfontein areas. The northern range stops around the Rundu area.

Diet: Insects such as grasshoppers, caterpillars and termites. Spiders and at times lizards are preyed upon.

Colouring: Variable colours (hence the name) such as black, olive, pale brown or red-brown. At times the back has black spots although there is always a distinct, while lateral stripe down the backbone and on the upper sides. The belly is bluish-white.

Breeding: Females give birth to small broods of between 2 to 4 babies. Some mothers have given birth to up to 10 young though. Incubation periods are around 60 days. Females also live longer than males.

Size: Max SVL 65mm.