Nature Field Guide
Cherrie’s Ground Skink
- Spanish name
- Eslaboncillo pardo / Escinco de Cherrie
- Scientific name
- Scincella cherriei
What Do Pico & Tati Think?
Pico: “What clues help us recognize this reptile?”
Tati: “Let’s notice its shape, markings and habitat from a respectful distance.”
Species overview
About the Cherrie’s Ground Skink
Cherrie’s ground skink is a small lizard with a smooth, shiny-looking body, short legs and a long tail. A darker stripe along the side contrasts with the bronze-brown back. It can disappear quickly among fallen leaves.
A skink’s glossy appearance is a useful visual clue, but do not touch it to test the texture. Photograph an animal where it appears and leave rocks, logs and leaf litter in place. Several small ground lizards require expert comparison.
Identification
Key Features of the Cherrie’s Ground Skink
Smooth glossy-looking scales
Dark lateral stripe
Short legs and a tapering tail
Habitat & range
Pacific-slope forest floor and wooded edges, including southwestern Costa Rica and the Monteverde foothill area.
Local observations
Native reptile recorded in Costa Rica. Presence varies with suitable habitat and locality.
When to observe
Visibility varies with weather, habitat and the animal’s activity. Observe on an appropriate guided outing; never disturb a hiding animal to obtain a sighting.
Conservation & care
Observe with an adult from permitted paths. Do not catch, chase, touch or feed reptiles. Leave bark, logs, rocks and leaf litter in place. Keep pets away and allow animals an open escape route.
Threats & pressures
Protect habitat connections and natural shelters. Avoid road mortality, collection and deliberate killing. Leave reptiles in their habitat rather than keeping or relocating them.
Observation activity
Draw the skink beside an anole and compare the length of their legs.
Explore by location
Central Highlands · Central Pacific · Puntarenas & the Gulf Islands · South Pacific · Puntarenas · San José