Broad-banded Sand-swimmer
Scientific Name: Eremiascincus richardsonii
Size: 105mm SVL (Snout-Vent Length)
What does it look like?
The Broad-banded Sand-swimmer is a glossy scaled, moderately robust skink, with long, thickened, tapering tail and movable scaly lower eyelids. Pale yellow to golden-brown above, with numerous darker brown transverse bands on body and tail, which can be either strong or obscure, and are narrower on tail than on body. Bands number 8–14 between nape and hips, and 19–32 on tail. Flanks and underparts whitish.
Where is it found?
Central and western inland Australia, from coastal western WA, through NT and SA, to western Qld, western NSW and north-western Vic. Absent from southern and northern coasts.
What are its habitats & habits?
The Broad-banded Sand-swimmer is found in a range of drier habitats, including woodland, shrubland and grassland, with sandy or loamy soils and areas of harder or rocky ground. Forages at night for invertebrates, including beetles, grasshoppers and spiders, and occasionally small lizards, including geckos, skinks and blind snakes. Oviparous, laying around 4 eggs in a clutch, between October and February.
This species features in my book A Naturalist’s Guide to the Reptiles of Australia
