Autecology and mating behaviour of the spotted forest skink, Sphenomorphus maculatus (Blyth, 1853) in the monsoon forest of Cat Tien National Park, southern Vietnam

The autecology of the spotted forest skink Sphenomorphus maculatus (Blyth, 1853) is described for the first time. Individually marked animals within a chosen study site in a deciduous mixed forest in Cat Tien National Park, Dong Nai Province, southern Vietnam were observed in two adjacent years. Sphenomorphus maculatus is a diurnal, small terrestrial skink with a short lifespan of about one year, and an accordingly high growth rate. Shuttling is the main behavioural feature to maintain a body temperature of 31–32°C. These insectivorous skinks primarily demonstrate an actively foraging mode, feeding on active and immobile prey measuring 5–40 mm in size. The reproductive period starts in April, at the onset of the rainy season, and continues until May and June when females oviposit. Courtship and mating behaviour is strictly ritualized. Juveniles emerge at the end of the rainy season (August–September).