Lamprolepis smaragdina (Lesson, 1830)
Emerald Tree Skink, ~20cm typical size

Marshallese: green "kilij," black "aoeb"

Although I do not remember them from my Kwajalein tours in the 1960s and 1970s, Emerald Tree Skinks are now common on the island. This skink is relatively large and can vary its own color from green to brown, depending on its background. It is reported to eat insects, although we have also seen them apparently licking sap from flowers. They seem most often to be seen on the trunks of coconut palms, and if approached by a person they will circle around to keep on the opposite side of the tree, spiraling upward to get out of reach.

Created 21 February 2018

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