Table 1.
Comparison of the morphology, life history, and ecology of the delicate skink (L. delicata) and the garden skink (L. guichenoti). The information was sourced from: Clarke (1965), Joss and Minard (1985), Simbotwe (1985), Greer (1989), Lunney et al. (1989), Kutt (1993), Wilson and Swan (2010)
| Trait/characteristic | Delicate skink L. delicata | Garden skink L. guichenoti |
|---|---|---|
| Adult SVL (range) | 35–55 mm | 35–55 mm |
| Age at maturity | 1 year | 1 year |
| Lifespan | 2–4 years | 2–4 years |
| Reproductive mode | Oviparous | Oviparous |
| Clutch size (mean) | 1–6 (∼3) | 1–5 (∼3) |
| Communal nesting | Yes | Yes |
| Activity | Diurnal heliotherm | Diurnal heliotherm |
| Habitat preferences | Leaf litter and ground debris in rainforest, wet/dry sclerophyll forest, woodlands, heaths | Leaf litter and ground debris in wet/dry sclerophyll forest, woodlands, heaths |
| Microhabitat preferences | Sheltered | Open |
| Abundant in urban environments? | Yes | Yes |
| Latitudinal range | 26° (16–42 °S) | 12° (26–38 °S) |
| Diet | Invertebrate generalist | Invertebrate generalist |