Mar 25, 2009

Crocodile Skink Softens Heart

Jelo is an avowed herpe-phobe. He just can't find any affection in his heart for our slimier and scalier brothers and sisters. That is, until he found the red-eyed crocodile skink, tribolonotus gracilis. Upon seeing this wee creature, his heart grew three sizes bigger.

When seen from above, you get a sense of its armored and reptilian self. You're aware that you've got a mobile pine cone underfoot, and that you'd best step clear of it.





















But when viewed from almost any other angle, it's hard not to love it.















They are native to New Guinea and the surrounding islands, where they can be found on coconut plantations and in tropical forests. Here's one striking a coy pose for the camera. Tease.



















They are for sale as pets, but it looks like they aren't for beginner lizard keepers, and most for sale are wild-caught. I'll pass on owning crocodile skin, but I'll still covet it.






















Thanks, Jelo. Glad you could find a place in your heart for this diminutive lizard.

13 comments:

niner said...

Once you go herp you never go back. How cute is that little guy?!

Vanessa said...

Adorable!

Dana said...

AWWW! he looks like a pokemon lol i want one

W. A. Whipple said...

totally anerable, esp. in the #3 pic :D

Jack Ruttan said...

Looks like a baby Anklyosaurus, but without the "Thagomizer" (big ugly club thing -- see "The Far Side") on the tail.

booge said...

Not ugly. Plus skink is one of the best words in the in English language. So fun to say.

My favorite is the second picture. There should be a web up in the corner of his tank that says, "SOME SKINK."

Laura said...

yay! i'm glad these made it to your blog. :D

Cat said...

So cute!

LisaL said...

Very cute! It's like a Lizard puppy!

Denita TwoDragons said...

Awww! It's all stylin' in its fancy yellow eyeliner!

--TwoDragons

Anonymous said...

he's not ugly!
he's so cute! <3

Anonymous said...

that is really bizare, but also awesome

Anonymous said...

I own one. His name is Goomba. We're getting him a female, whom we will name Yoshi. They are the cutest little guys and very handleable. Very sweet. Love pic 2. Looks like Goomba!!