Variegated skink

Introduction: There are 2 races of Variegated skink (Mabuya variegata). Both subspecies (M.v punctulata) and (M.v. Variegata) can be found in Namibia and the name reflects the varied habitats of desert, karroid, savannah, mountain grassland, coastal bush and thicket. (M.v punctulata) live on sandy soils, sheltering in burrows under logs and rocks. (M.v. Variegata) prefer the more arid regions of the country, emphasizing the difference between the races.

Distribution: (M.v. Variegata) hog the western regions of Namibia such as the Namib Desert, Sossusvlei, Fish River Canyon, the Orange River, Swakopmund and Luderitz. (M.v punctulata) occupy the rest of the country such as the Kalahari Desert, Etosha National Park, although the range extends north-west to Epupa Falls.

Diet: Spiders and beetles for both races.

Colouring: Colouration is varied. The upper body is light grey to dark brown with pale side stripes and the belly is plain white.

Breeding: Both races give birth to small litters of around 2 to 4 babies.

Size: (M.v. Variegata) are slightly larger and grow to a max SVL of 57mm.