About Ctenotus taeniolatus (White, 1790)
Ctenotus taeniolatus (White, 1790), commonly known as the copper-tailed ctenotus or copper-tailed skink, is a species of medium-sized skink. It is common along Australia's eastern seaboard, and also occurs throughout the country more generally. This species (also referred to as striped skink in this description) inhabits open bushland, heathland, rocky areas, and sandy areas. It grows to a maximum length of 30 cm. The upper body is olive brown, with dark brown and white stripes running the full length from the head to the tail. It has a black vertebral band with white edges, and a white dorsolateral band edged in black. Its sides are dark brown and marked with white spots. Like most skinks, it feeds mainly on small invertebrates such as insects and worms. It seeks out sunny basking spots that have nearby cover, which allows it to dart away quickly from predators.
