The five-lined skink is a curious animal this far north. The blue tail of a juvenile male seems slightly out of step, and yet a much-welcomed participant in the colour wheel here.

This one has been living around the canvas shelter on the plateau behind the house. Every so often it appears. I try to picture the tracks in the dust this little fella would make, along with the tail scuffing over the ground behind him. Its nearest companion here would be the salamander. -Chad