ROBUST STRIPED SKINK
Ctenotus robustus
&
SPALDINGS SKINK
(Straight-browed Ctenotus or Eastern Striped Skink)
Ctenotus spaldingi

STATUS UNCERTAIN

Note that skinks previously known as Ctenotus borealis are now considered to be Ctenotus robustus.

The South Australian Museum no longer recognises Ctenotus robustus as occurring in South Australia

Some authors do not accept the recent name changes. It is possible that at some stage in the future the name Ctenotus josephinae may be be used for some skinks in this complex


The Robust Striped Skink (Ctenotus robustus or Ctenotus spaldingi) above was photographed at Greenhill Recreation Park near Adelaide, SA

 

APPROXIMATE DISTRIBUTION ONLY
Note that this WAS an old distribution map for Ctenotus robustus and should be used with care it is likely to be changed in the future

Note that the holotype of Ctenotus robustus is from a locality where Robust Striped Skinks do not occur

DNA testing has shown that specimens from NSW, Victoria or Southern Qld as well as SA are actually Ctenotus spaldingi which would make all the photos on this page Ctenotus spaldingi. Another name for Ctenotus spaldingi is the Straight-browed Ctenotus however that common name may no longer remain in use!
  
Robust Striped Skink (Ctenotus robustus or Ctenotus spaldingi)

The adult Robust Striped Skink (Ctenotus robustus or Ctenotus spaldingi) above was photographed at the Pinnacle Nature Reserve ACT.
Skinks in the Ctenotus genus are commonly called 'comb-eared skinks' because of the row of small scales on the front edge of their ears, clearly visible in the photo above.

The subadult Robust Striped Skink (Ctenotus robustus or Ctenotus spaldingi) above was photographed at Murray Bridge, South Australia

The Robust Striped Skink (Ctenotus robustus or Ctenotus spaldingi) is a very common and widespread species often found under rocks where it digs a burrow. Extremely fast runner in warm weather.



The Robust Striped Skink (Ctenotus robustus or Ctenotus spaldingi) above was photographed at Greenhill Recreation Park near Adelaide, SA 



The Robust Striped Skink (Ctenotus robustus or Ctenotus spaldingi) above was photographed at Greenhill Recreation Park near Adelaide, SA 


The Robust Striped Skink (Ctenotus robustus or Ctenotus spaldingi) above was photographed at Greenhill Recreation Park near Adelaide, SA 


Robust Striped Skink (Ctenotus robustus or Ctenotus spaldingi)


The Robust Striped Skink (Ctenotus robustus or Ctenotus spaldingi) above is from Brisbane, Qld.

Note that the Arcane Ctenotus (Ctenotus arcanus) found in South-east Qld also looks very similar to the photos above!