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    Lampropholis – Sunskinks

    Often have a subtle metallic shimmer that catches the sunlight as they dart across your garden path

    A group of small, smooth-scaled lizards found primarily in Australia and nearby regions. These reptiles are named for their habit of basking in the sun—a behavior they use to regulate body temperature—and their shiny, metallic-like scales, which reflect light and give them a sleek, polished appearance. Sunskinks are quiet, fast-moving, and often overlooked, but they play an important role in their ecosystems and are a familiar sight in Australian gardens, parks, and forests.

    Sunskinks are small to medium-sized lizards, usually ranging from 4 to 10 centimeters (1.5 to 4 inches) in body length, with tails that can double their total size. They are slender and agile, with smooth, shiny scales that come in various shades of brown, bronze, olive, or gray, often with subtle stripes or flecks. Their streamlined shape and glossy skin make them appear almost wet in the sunlight, and their appearance has earned them nicknames like “garden skinks” or “common skinks” in some parts of Australia.

    These lizards are diurnal (active during the day) and heliothermic, meaning they rely on the sun to warm up and become active. You’ll often see them basking on rocks, garden walls, logs, or warm pavement, especially in the morning or late afternoon. They are insectivorous, feeding on a wide variety of insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates, which they hunt with quick, darting movements and excellent vision.

    Sunskinks are highly adaptable and thrive in a range of habitats—from rainforests and woodlands to urban yards and suburban gardens. Some species, like the garden skink (Lampropholis guichenoti), are incredibly common and have become one of the most frequently seen reptiles in Australian backyards. Their secret to success lies in their shyness, speed, and ability to squeeze into tiny hiding spots when threatened.