Pseudemoia pagenstecheri (Grassland Tussock-skink)

Common name: Grassland Tussock-skink. SVL 50mm; Total length 115mm

Grassland Tussock-skink is one of six species belonging to the genus Pseudemonia, often referred to as cool skinks, which in turn belongs Eugongylus Group of skinks. There are four of the six species of the genus in the Canberra region. At least in P. entrecasteauxii, P. pagenstecheri, and P. spenceri, a placenta-like structure is formed during pregnancy to pass nutrients to the developing offspring which are born live (not hatched from eggs). Similar mammal-like adaptations also occur in other skink genera, although not in the Canberra region.

Grassland Tussock-skink has a very distinctive pattern of stripes, including a reddish orange lateral stripe, that make it relatively easy to identify.

Distribution: Grassland Tussock-skink is found in Canberra and the Monaro from lowland to montane regions and may overlap with Glossy Tussock-skink.