Skink

A skink is a type of lizard belonging to the family Scincidae. They are found on every continent except Antarctica and are one of the most diverse lizard families, with over 1,500 different species.

Skinks are generally small to medium-sized lizards with a smooth, glossy, and cylindrical body. Their legs are often very short and, in some species, are absent, giving them a snake-like appearance. Their scales are typically smooth and overlapping, which gives them a shiny appearance. Many skinks have a colorful or iridescent tail, which they can shed to distract predators.

Skinks are highly adaptable and are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, deserts, and suburban gardens. They are often secretive and are found foraging for food on the ground, under logs, or in leaf litter. They are carnivores, with a diet that consists mainly of insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates.

Skinks are known for their ability to shed their tail, a defense mechanism called autotomy. The detached tail will continue to twitch, distracting a predator while the skink makes its escape. The tail will eventually grow back, though it may be a different color.