Sandskink Lindworm
Basic Information
Anatomy
The sandskink lindworm is a small basal species of lindworm, still retaining its front limbs but carrying other characteristics that define the clade: reduced limbs, a long body, short triangular head, and near vestigial wings. The sandskink can glide for short durations, but is incapable of powered flight, mostly using its wings for communication, mating displays, and threat displays.
Genetics and Reproduction
Sandskinks mate in early spring, burying their eggs in soft clays, sands, and silty soil underground. They use their minimal flame capabilities to heat stones to keep their burrows warm and eggs incubated. The eggs will hatch in early to mid summer, depending on latitude, for the beginning of the hottest months. Sandskinks have no parental care, their hatchlings dispersing from their birthplace as quickly as possible, and can feed themselves immediately after birth.
Ecology and Habitats
Sandskinks prefer dry grassland and desert habitats, being most active at dawn and dusk.
Dietary Needs and Habits
Sandskink lindworms hunt in the early morning after they use the first boughts of daylight to warm themselves, feeding on insects, small lizards, frogs, and small mammals such as mice, chipmunks, moles, and shrews. Earthworms and ants make up a significant portion of their diets, as do other underground dwelling animals.
Behaviour
Unlike many lindworms, sandskinks do not posses a potent venom. Instead it is thought they use the reputation of lindworms being venomous to deter predators, as well as their vibrant tongues and underwings to act dangerous. Sandskinks have a particular defense mechanism, in which they arch their bodies like a cat, spread their wings to show their coloring, and open their mouths wide to display their brightly colored tongues and hiss loudly, scaring off predators such as coyotes, foxes, and badgers. Sandskinks have been observed using this mechanism on birds of prey as well, with also rattling their tails like a rattlesnake, in order to get birds in flight to drop them, at which they will glide down to safety.
Additional Information
Social Structure
Solitary, aside from mating season.
Uses, Products & Exploitation
Although not domesticated, Sandskinks can be be kept as pets, provided they are given proper enclosures and a proper diet. They require a large space with a loose substrate to dig and burrow in, with at least two hiding spaces. A diet of worms, small mammals, and amphibians supplemented with insects such as crickets and roaches is ideal. Captive sandskinks can live up to 30 years, far longer than their wild counterparts, as long as they do not become obese or have a poor diet. Numerous color variations from differing locals have been bred in captivity into different morphs, as they are easy to breed in captivity.
Genetic Ancestor(s)
Origin/Ancestry
natural / dragonkin
Lifespan
10-12 years
Conservation Status
Least Concern
Average Length
2-3 feet
Body Tint, Colouring and Marking
Brown, Tan, Copper, vibrant markings depending on region
Geographic Distribution
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