the common sun skink

the skink is a rather shy creature. it will slink away, as though it has done something wrong, the moment it encounters humans or sense the presence of humans. i was able to capture this one as it was on a leaf at kent ridge park. if it had been on the ground, it would have been very wary of my approach. the moment you move too near to one, it will disappear into the leaf litter.

skinks belong to the lizard family but they are never found indoors. a skink has a smooth, supple body with small legs and over-lapping scales covering the body, legs and tail. they are active in the day and they enjoy basking in the sun.

during my spider catching days, i often came across them, usually on the ground. i have never like them because of their slimy appearance. however, they are harmless; some species are even kept as pets. skinks feed on insects, earthworms, snails and slugs.