Pink tongue skinks are a type of lizard that are known for their unique coloration and behavior. They are native to the rainforests of West Africa and are popular among reptile enthusiasts due to their friendly nature and relatively low-maintenance care. In this article, we will explore the different pink tongue skink morphs and learn more about their distinct physical and behavioral characteristics.
What are Pink Tongue Skinks?
Pink tongue skinks (Scincidae Hemisphaeriodon gerrardii) are a type of lizard that belong to the Scincidae family. They are found in the rainforests of West Africa and are known for their distinctive pink tongues, which they use to scent the air and communicate with other skinks. They are medium-sized lizards that grow to be between 10-16 inches in length and are generally quite docile and friendly.
Different Pink Tongue Skink Morphs
There are several different morphs of pink tongue skinks, each with their own unique physical and behavioral characteristics. Here are some of the most common pink tongue skink morphs:
1. Northern Pink Tongue Skink
The Northern pink tongue skink is one of the most common morphs of pink tongue skinks. They are typically gray or brown in color with a pink tongue and a white belly. They are known for their docile nature and are popular among reptile enthusiasts due to their friendly temperament.
2. Merauke Pink Tongue Skink
The Merauke pink tongue skink is a popular morph of pink tongue skink that is found in the southern part of New Guinea. They are typically brown or gray in color with a pink tongue and a white belly. They are known for their curious and active behavior and are popular among reptile enthusiasts due to their unique appearance.
3. Irian Jaya Pink Tongue Skink
The Irian Jaya pink tongue skink is a rare morph of pink tongue skink that is found in the western part of New Guinea. They are typically brown or gray in color with a pink tongue and a white belly. They are known for their unique coloration and are popular among reptile enthusiasts due to their rarity.
4. Halmahera Pink Tongue Skink
The Halmahera pink tongue skink is a rare morph of pink tongue skink that is found on the island of Halmahera in Indonesia. They are typically brown or gray in color with a pink tongue and a white belly. They are known for their unique coloration and are popular among reptile enthusiasts due to their rarity.
5. Tanimbar Pink Tongue Skink
The Tanimbar pink tongue skink is a rare morph of pink tongue skink that is found on the Tanimbar Islands in Indonesia. They are typically brown or gray in color with a pink tongue and a white belly. They are known for their unique coloration and are popular among reptile enthusiasts due to their rarity.
Physical Characteristics of Pink Tongue Skink Morphs
Pink tongue skinks are generally medium-sized lizards that grow to be between 10-16 inches in length. They are known for their distinctive pink tongues and their docile nature. Here are some of the physical characteristics of pink tongue skink morphs:
Coloration
Pink tongue skinks are typically gray or brown in color with a pink tongue and a white belly. However, there are several different morphs of pink tongue skinks, each with their own unique coloration. The Northern pink tongue skink is typically gray or brown in color, while the Merauke pink tongue skink is typically brown or gray in color with a darker stripe down their back. The Irian Jaya pink tongue skink is typically dark brown or black with yellow or orange markings, while the Halmahera and Tanimbar pink tongue skinks are typically gray or brown with a pattern of lighter spots or stripes.
Size
Pink tongue skinks are medium-sized lizards that grow to be between 10-16 inches in length. They have a long, slender body with a long tail and small legs.
Scale Texture
Pink tongue skinks have smooth, shiny scales that are tightly packed together. The scales on their back and sides are larger than the scales on their belly, giving them a slightly bumpy texture.
Body Shape
Pink tongue skinks have a long, slender body with a long tail and small legs. They have a triangular-shaped head and a short snout with a wide mouth. Their eyes are large and round, with a distinctive black pupil.
Behavioral Characteristics of Pink Tongue Skink Morphs
Pink tongue skinks are known for their docile nature and friendly temperament. They are active during the day and enjoy basking in the sun. Here are some of the behavioral characteristics of pink tongue skink morphs:
Temperament
Pink tongue skinks are generally very friendly and docile. They are known for their curious and active behavior, and they enjoy interacting with their owners. They are not aggressive and rarely bite, making them a good choice for beginners.
Activity Level
Pink tongue skinks are active during the day and enjoy basking in the sun. They require a warm basking spot and a cooler area to regulate their body temperature. They also enjoy exploring their enclosure and climbing on branches or other objects.
Diet
Pink tongue skinks are omnivores, which means they eat both plant and animal matter. They require a varied diet that includes insects, fruits, and vegetables. Some of their favorite foods include crickets, mealworms, strawberries, and kale.
Communication
Pink tongue skinks use their sense of smell to communicate with other skinks. They have a distinctive pink tongue that they use to scent the air and pick up on the scents of other skinks. They also use body language, such as head-bobbing or tail-wagging, to communicate with each other.
Caring for Pink Tongue Skinks
Pink tongue skinks are relatively low-maintenance pets, but they do require some specific care to keep them healthy and happy. Here are some tips for caring for pink tongue skinks:
Housing
Pink tongue skinks require a large, secure enclosure with plenty of hiding places and climbing opportunities. They should have a warm basking spot and a cooler area to regulate their body temperature. The enclosure should be cleaned regularly to prevent the buildup of bacteria and other harmful substances.
Lighting and Heating
Pink tongue skinks require a heat source to regulate their body temperature. They also require UVB lighting to help them produce vitamin D3, which is essential for their health. The heat source and lighting should be set up according to the specific needs of the skink.
Diet
Pink tongue skinks require a varied diet that includes both animal and plant matter. They should be fed a combination of insects, fruits, and vegetables, and their diet should be supplemented with calcium and vitamin D3 to prevent nutritional deficiencies.
Handling
Pink tongue skinks are generally very friendly and enjoy interacting with their owners. However, they should be handled gently and with care to prevent injury. They should also be allowed to rest and recover after handling to prevent stress.
Conclusion
Pink tongue skinks are a unique and fascinating species of lizard that are popular among reptile enthusiasts. They come in several different morphs, each with their own unique physical and behavioral characteristics. Understanding the different morphs can help you choose the right pet for your lifestyle and preferences. By providing proper care, you can enjoy the company of these friendly and fascinating creatures for many years to come.
