One evening my husband and I sat on the back patio with cool drinks. We were joined by an unlikely pair of Blue Tailed Skinks. For those of you who don’t know, they are lizards. Small fast moving insect eaters. I’ve always liked them and watched them, whenever they would let me. Most bask in the sun and sprint away at the first hint of movement on your part.
This time it was different; they watched us, but didn’t seem to mind the company, or the photography. He was very thin, alert, and protective of the fatter female. She rested while he looked out for her, occasionally patting her on the back with great care and affection. We noted later her tail was missing, this happens now and again; it is a survival tool they have in case of predator attack. She got away, and he was quite glad she did. She would regrow the tail, it’s where they store fat. His overall concern and care for the female was touching. How odd I thought that this little lizard would cherish his mate so much, folks you could learn from this.
We felt spoiled to be allowed to see inside their little lives. They “knew” we were there and “allowed” us to photograph them.
Ah, to be trusted by a lizard. Nothing like it.
