Bluetail skink7/11/2023 ![]() Perhaps some people called all lizards "scorpions," or perhaps the bright blue tail of juvenile skinks was especially conspicuous, especially since it often wiggles for a while after it detaches. The curled, waving tail of these lizards kind of resembles the infamous, venom-delivering tail of an actual scorpion. This is a defensive behavior that fools a predator into attacking the detachable, expendable tail rather than aiming at the lizard's indispensable head. It's not clear how these lizards came to be called "scorpions," but it may have to do with several other types of lizards that typically curl their tail and waggle it around when threatened. Folklore studies is a branch of anthropology that records and studies the traditional understandings of our many human cultures across the globe. It's amusing to note that Ozark folklorist Vance Randolph reported that true scorpions were often referred to as "stingin' lizards" in Ozark dialect. But that colorful nickname indicates that Missourians have long been intrigued by these fascinating and harmless lizards. ![]() Old-time Ozarkers called skinks "scorpions," but these lizards are completely unrelated to those spider-like creatures and are certainly not venomous. (It is generally larger than the common five-lined skink).ĭomestic cats are known to prey extensively on lizards and small snakes. Has a maximum snout-to-vent length more than 3¼ inches.Lacks or has only 1 or 2 small postlabial scales (these are either absent or quite small). ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |