Its colour is pale grey to chocolate brown with a series of thin stripes along the body. Belly is cream to bright yellow and is the only species with three fingers and toes. Snout-vent length: 60 mm. The Three-toed Skink is often abundant in areas that are shady and damp, especially on the southern-facing slopes and gullies of the ranges. During summer months they become scarce and are difficult to detect, and probably spend most of the time deep within the soil layer, beneath embedded logs or leaf litter. This species is often found co-inhabiting with small black ants which are known to be its preferred food. Many species that burrow in loose soil and leaf litter have elongated bodies, a trait that enables them to move through friable soil with apparent ease. When disturbed, the Three-toed Skink will quickly burrow into the soil. Its bright yellow belly may serve to startle predators.
Hemiergis talbingoensis is listed in the following regions:
Canberra & Southern Tablelands | Albury, Wodonga
Synonyms
Hemiergis decresiensis Hemiergis decresiensis talbingoensis