SNAKE-EYED SKINK
In Europe, skinks are largely restricted to the Southern half of the continent. Here on Kefalonia, we have just the one species, the snake-eyed skink, (sounds like an evil character in a western). They look like a short slow worm with tiny legs. They can grow to be 120 to 150mm in length. The snake-eyed skink is a beautiful bronze colour, with dark sides. They often have 2 or 4 faint black lines running down their backs. Their legs and toes are small and widely spaced. Their eyelids cannot close, giving them a snakelike gaze.
These shy lizards prefer dry habitats with low vegetation or leaf litter to hide themselves. They are found in meadows, grassy slopes and gardens, but they are always seen on the ground as they cannot climb. They are also quite partial to my shed. They can be found all year round if warm enough and can often be found hiding under logs and stones. Mating takes place from April to May, with the female laying 2 to 4 eggs between June and August, in loose soil and beneath logs and stones.
