Eulamprus heatwolei

Yellow-bellied Water Skink at Wandella, NSW

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Identification history

Eulamprus heatwolei	20 Oct 2018	PatrickCampbell
Eulamprus heatwolei	13 Oct 2018	PatrickCampbell
Eulamprus quoyii	12 Oct 2018	RobParnell

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3 comments

PatrickCampbell wrote:

13 Oct 2018

I don't think it's Eulamprus quoyii, as there's no indication of a pale, anterior, dorsolateral stripe.
I'm leaning towards Yellow-bellied Water Skink (E. heatwolei) for a few reasons i.e an indication of yellow undersides (as seen on the hands, wrists and feet), heavily speckled dorsum and tail.
A better look at the head from above, below and sides would help Identify it. Do you have any more shots that you could add?

RobParnell wrote:

14 Oct 2018

I don't have any better shots than the second photo now which shows a slightly turned head. If I come across another one I'll be sure to photograph the head from all sides.

PatrickCampbell wrote:

20 Oct 2018

Thanks for the additional pic Rob. It gives us enough to positively ID it as a Yellow-bellied Water Skink i.e pale temporal markings and a bit more of an indication of higher density, dark spotting on the top of the head. There also seems to be a dark anterior edge to the tympanum.

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Location information

Coordinates 149.870156 -36.320732
Places Wandella, NSW

Sighting information

At least 1 Abundance
12 Oct 2018 03:47 PM Recorded on
RobParnell Recorded by
Collections
RobParnell South Coast NatureMapr Eulamprus heatwolei Skinks Reptiles and Frogs

Species information

Eulamprus heatwolei Scientific name
Yellow-bellied Water Skink Common name
Not Sensitive
Local native
Non-invasive or negligible
Up to 1619.1m Recorded at altitude