About Carinascincus ocellatus (Gray, 1845)
The spotted skink, scientifically named Carinascincus ocellatus, is sometimes referred to as the ocellated cool-skink or ocellated skink. This species of skink is endemic to Tasmania, Australia. It is a ground-dwelling, viviparous species that typically inhabits rocky environments. It is widespread across northern and eastern Tasmania, and also occurs on the eastern Bass Strait islands. It is frequently encountered at Arthurs Lake in Tasmania’s Central Highlands. Populations of spotted skink are distributed along an altitudinal gradient, and differences in thermal conditions across this gradient impact the species’ body temperature regulation and reproductive activity. Spotted skinks at low to mid altitudes can reach their optimal body temperature throughout the year. For these individuals, vitellogenesis and ovulation mostly occur in spring, and gestation takes place in summer. By contrast, spotted skinks living at higher, subalpine altitudes have difficulty maintaining their preferred body temperature during autumn, and these skinks typically undergo ovulation and parturition one month later than other members of the species.
