#scincidae

Western Skink (Plestiodon skiltonianus), juvenile, family Scincidae, California, USA

[Miralles et al. 2026 CC BY-NC 4.0]

A few weeks ago, friends and colleagues of mine (I was not involved) published this incredible new species of legless skink that makes distinctive zig-zag markings in the sand as it 'swims' through it.

[Miralles et al. 2026 CC BY-NC 4.0]

So they called it Zig zag.

ZIG ZAG, CORAL!

A shingleback skink (Tiliqua rugosa) flashes its blue tongue in a defensive posture in Gundabooka National Park, NSW, Australia

Aotearoa (aka New Zealand) is home to a wonderfully diverse array of animals-- and one that mustn't be overlooked in the slightest is the slight skink! As Aotearoa's smallest skink species, they can reach a maximum length of only 5.1 cm (2 in) including the tail.

Short-limbed Snake-skink Ophioscincus truncatus

A species of burrowing short-limbed snake-skink that is endemic to the coastal areas and islands of New South Wales and Queensland, in Australia.

Least Concern

I have a wonderfull pet-

Common Five-lined Skink (Plestiodon fasciatus). Family Scincidae, order Squamata.