What is a fire skink?

The fire skink, Mochlus fernandi, is a smooth-scaled lizard native to Western Africa. The species is commonly found along the edges of open grasslands, woodlands and rain forests.

Beautiful color patterns make the lizard a popular pet among reptile enthusiasts. The skink bears a golden back with black, red and silver fire-like patterns along the sides and black and white bars along the throat. The fire skink has short legs and a long tail with black and white markings. The species is mostly carnivorous, using sharp claws to feed on beetles, centipedes, frogs, mice, small lizards, snails and, sometimes, fruit.