Eulamprus heatwolei

Yellow-bellied Water Skink at Paddys River, ACT

Eulamprus heatwolei at Paddys River, ACT - 3 Jan 2018
Eulamprus heatwolei at Paddys River, ACT - 3 Jan 2018
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Identification history

Eulamprus heatwolei 5 Jan 2018 WillO
Eulamprus tympanum 5 Jan 2018 Deanoe

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User's notes

Saw at least seven individuals at various spots around the Tidbinbilla Wetlands. A volunteer said he believed they were Southern Water Skinks which are apparently very common there.

5 comments

WillO wrote:
   6 Jan 2018
The two water skinks that you photographed are E. heatwolei.
Deanoe wrote:
   7 Jan 2018
I’d like to learn how to differentiate between them.
WillO wrote:
   8 Jan 2018
I will draft a few points that should help. However these two species (tympanum and heatwolei) are very difficult to separate - it took me a few years of field work down at Kosciusko to get it sorted. Back then they were known as warm temperate and cool temperate forms of the same species. Even now if i don't do some practice with my binoculars (or specimens in hand) I find them hard to tell apart. Leave it with me and i will post a comment on identifying them in the next day or so. Others might like to add their suggestions as well. Fortunately the two species very rarely occur at the same site and that helps. For example at Coree Flats heatwolei occurs throughout the woodland and forest and tympanum occurs only out in the open wet tussock grassland - wet heathland areas on the "flats" . However at the edge of the "bog" I have seen the two species within a few metres of each other. WillO
   8 Jan 2018
Will, this would be good. I have tried to distinguish them by reading whatever literature I was able to find - you will find this in the descriptions. It would be good if you can think about this before coming up with something new. Geoff
Deanoe wrote:
   8 Jan 2018
Many thanks for this. Until recently I didn’t realise that there was more than one species of water skink.

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Nearby sightings

Page 1 of 2 - image sightings only

Chelodina longicollis (Eastern Long-necked Turtle) at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve - 25 Mar 2024 by RodDeb
Antechinus agilis (Agile Antechinus) at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve - 17 Mar 2024 by rhyshardy
Isoodon obesulus obesulus (Southern Brown Bandicoot) at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve - 17 Mar 2024 by JohnBundock
Phalacrocorax carbo (Great Cormorant) at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve - 29 Jan 2024 by RodDeb
Senecio campylocarpus at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve - 26 Dec 2023 by Tapirlord
Baeckea utilis (Mountain Baeckea) at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve - 26 Dec 2023 by Tapirlord
Anas superciliosa (Pacific Black Duck) at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve - 12 Dec 2023 by lbradley
Antechinus mimetes mimetes (Dusky Antechinus) at Paddys River, ACT - 29 Oct 2023 by JohnBundock
Hydromys chrysogaster (Rakali or Water Rat) at Paddys River, ACT - 23 Sep 2023 by JohnBundock
Antechinus mimetes mimetes (Dusky Antechinus) at Paddys River, ACT - 10 Sep 2023 by regeraghty
Hirundo neoxena (Welcome Swallow) at Paddys River, ACT - 4 Sep 2023 by Christine
Leptospermum lanigerum (Woolly Teatree) at Paddys River, ACT - 5 Aug 2023 by Tapirlord
Strepera versicolor (Grey Currawong) at Paddys River, ACT - 25 Jun 2023 by JohnBundock
Oreixenica kershawi (Striped Xenica) at Paddys River, ACT - 8 Mar 2023 by Christine
Synthemis eustalacta (Swamp Tigertail) at Paddys River, ACT - 24 Feb 2023 by JohnBundock
Lythrum salicaria (Purple Loosestrife) at Paddys River, ACT - 2 Jan 2023 by Tapirlord
Geitoneura acantha (Ringed Xenica) at Paddys River, ACT - 2 Jan 2023 by sbelardi
Myiagra cyanoleuca (Satin Flycatcher) at Paddys River, ACT - 10 Dec 2022 by KorinneM
Chelodina longicollis (Eastern Long-necked Turtle) at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve - 4 Dec 2022 by KorinneM
Austrolestes leda (Wandering Ringtail) at Paddys River, ACT - 25 Oct 2022 by JohnBundock
Phalacrocorax sulcirostris (Little Black Cormorant) at Paddys River, ACT - 7 Aug 2022 by JohnBundock
Biziura lobata (Musk Duck) at Paddys River, ACT - 17 Jul 2022 by Mavis
Phaulacridium vittatum (Wingless Grasshopper) at Paddys River, ACT - 3 Apr 2022 by JohnBundock
Geitoneura acantha (Ringed Xenica) at Paddys River, ACT - 20 Mar 2022 by Miranda
Cordulephya pygmaea (Common Shutwing) at Paddys River, ACT - 6 Mar 2022 by JohnBundock
Austrolestes annulosus (Blue Ringtail) at Paddys River, ACT - 6 Mar 2022 by JohnBundock
Biziura lobata (Musk Duck) at Paddys River, ACT - 5 Mar 2022 by TomW
Hirundo neoxena (Welcome Swallow) at Paddys River, ACT - 15 Feb 2022 by TimL
Austrogomphus guerini (Yellow-striped Hunter) at Paddys River, ACT - 9 Feb 2022 by SimoneC
Ecnolagria grandis (Honeybrown beetle) at Paddys River, ACT - 8 Feb 2022 by RodDeb
Pachycephala rufiventris (Rufous Whistler) at Paddys River, ACT - 8 Feb 2022 by RodDeb
Chelodina longicollis (Eastern Long-necked Turtle) at Paddys River, ACT - 1 Feb 2022 by TimL
Chelodina longicollis (Eastern Long-necked Turtle) at Paddys River, ACT - 14 Jan 2022 by Margo
Chelodina longicollis (Eastern Long-necked Turtle) at Paddys River, ACT - 10 Jan 2022 by RobParnell
Amenia sp. (genus) (Yellow-headed Blowfly) at Paddys River, ACT - 6 Dec 2021 by RodDeb
Phalaenoides tristifica (Willow-herb Day-moth) at Paddys River, ACT - 6 Dec 2021 by RodDeb
Delias harpalyce (Imperial Jezebel) at Paddys River, ACT - 6 Dec 2021 by RodDeb
Callistemon pallidus (Lemon Bottlebrush) at Paddys River, ACT - 6 Dec 2021 by RodDeb
Myiagra cyanoleuca (Satin Flycatcher) at Paddys River, ACT - 28 Nov 2021 by JohnBundock
Nesoptilotis leucotis (White-eared Honeyeater) at Paddys River, ACT - 27 Jul 2021 by RodDeb
Ornithorhynchus anatinus (Platypus) at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve - 23 Jul 2021 by Waterwatch
Ornithorhynchus anatinus (Platypus) at Paddys River, ACT - 22 Jul 2021 by Christine
Hippotion scrofa (Coprosma Hawk Moth) at Paddys River, ACT - 28 Mar 2021 by JohnBundock
Vanessa kershawi (Australian Painted Lady) at Paddys River, ACT - 15 Mar 2021 by RodDeb
Chelodina longicollis (Eastern Long-necked Turtle) at Paddys River, ACT - 15 Mar 2021 by RodDeb
Austroagrion watsoni (Eastern Billabongfly) at Paddys River, ACT - 15 Mar 2021 by RodDeb
Hirundo neoxena (Welcome Swallow) at Paddys River, ACT - 15 Mar 2021 by RodDeb
Xanthagrion erythroneurum (Red & Blue Damsel) at Paddys River, ACT - 15 Mar 2021 by RodDeb
Aquarius antigone (Water strider, pond skater) at Paddys River, ACT - 15 Mar 2021 by RodDeb
Intellagama lesueurii howittii (Gippsland Water Dragon) at Paddys River, ACT - 15 Mar 2021 by RodDeb
Ephemeroptera (order) (Unidentified Mayfly) at Paddys River, ACT - 23 Feb 2021 by RodDeb
Phalaenoides tristifica (Willow-herb Day-moth) at Paddys River, ACT - 17 Feb 2021 by JohnBundock
Xanthagrion erythroneurum (Red & Blue Damsel) at Paddys River, ACT - 19 Jan 2021 by roymcd
Austroagrion watsoni (Eastern Billabongfly) at Paddys River, ACT - 19 Jan 2021 by RodDeb
Xanthagrion erythroneurum (Red & Blue Damsel) at Paddys River, ACT - 19 Jan 2021 by RodDeb
Adversaeschna brevistyla (Blue-spotted Hawker) at Paddys River, ACT - 17 Jan 2021 by Christine
Litoria peronii (Peron's Tree Frog, Emerald Spotted Tree Frog) at Paddys River, ACT - 17 Jan 2021 by Christine
Biziura lobata (Musk Duck) at Paddys River, ACT - 30 Dec 2020 by Rixon
Delias aganippe (Spotted Jezebel) at Paddys River, ACT - 28 Dec 2020 by JohnBundock
Perginae sp. (subfamily) (Unidentified pergine sawfly) at Paddys River, ACT - 26 Dec 2020 by JohnBundock
Oryctolagus cuniculus (European Rabbit) at Paddys River, ACT - 21 Dec 2020 by RodDeb
Austrogomphus guerini (Yellow-striped Hunter) at Paddys River, ACT - 19 Dec 2020 by JohnBundock
Lamprima aurata (Golden stag beetle) at Paddys River, ACT - 27 Nov 2020 by JohnBundock
Austrolestes leda (Wandering Ringtail) at Paddys River, ACT - 9 Nov 2020 by RodDeb
Xanthagrion erythroneurum (Red & Blue Damsel) at Paddys River, ACT - 9 Nov 2020 by RodDeb
Tetragnatha sp. (genus) (Long-jawed spider) at Paddys River, ACT - 9 Nov 2020 by RodDeb
Chelodina longicollis (Eastern Long-necked Turtle) at Paddys River, ACT - 3 Oct 2020 by AaronClausen
Melangyna sp. (genus) (Hover Fly) at Paddys River, ACT - 21 Sep 2020 by ClubFED
Biziura lobata (Musk Duck) at Paddys River, ACT - 21 Sep 2020 by ClubFED
Isoodon obesulus obesulus (Southern Brown Bandicoot) at Paddys River, ACT - 23 Aug 2020 by lydialuc
Biziura lobata (Musk Duck) at Paddys River, ACT - 23 Aug 2020 by lydialuc
Cygnus atratus (Black Swan) at Paddys River, ACT - 4 Jul 2020 by Cpiiroinen
Anas superciliosa (Pacific Black Duck) at Paddys River, ACT - 13 Jun 2020 by Bernadette
Armillaria luteobubalina (Australian Honey Fungus) at Paddys River, ACT - 2 Jun 2020 by RodDeb
Anas superciliosa (Pacific Black Duck) at Paddys River, ACT - 2 Jun 2020 by RodDeb
Biziura lobata (Musk Duck) at Paddys River, ACT - 30 May 2020 by JackyF
Anseranas semipalmata (Magpie Goose) at Paddys River, ACT - 30 May 2020 by JackyF
Pelecanus conspicillatus (Australian Pelican) at Paddys River, ACT - 30 May 2020 by JackyF
Castiarina flavopicta (Flavopicta jewel beetle) at Paddys River, ACT - 7 Dec 2019 by DPRees125
Ornithorhynchus anatinus (Platypus) at Paddys River, ACT - 18 Nov 2019 by RodDeb
Chrysococcyx basalis (Horsfield's Bronze-Cuckoo) at Paddys River, ACT - 18 Nov 2019 by RodDeb
Belenois java (Caper White) at Paddys River, ACT - 18 Nov 2019 by RodDeb
Litoria peronii (Peron's Tree Frog, Emerald Spotted Tree Frog) at Paddys River, ACT - 17 Nov 2019 by JohnBundock
Wallabia bicolor (Swamp Wallaby) at Paddys River, ACT - 7 Sep 2019 by JimL
Ornithorhynchus anatinus (Platypus) at Paddys River, ACT - 28 Aug 2019 by RodDeb
Ornithorhynchus anatinus (Platypus) at Paddys River, ACT - 25 Aug 2019 by jbromilow50
Biziura lobata (Musk Duck) at Paddys River, ACT - 25 Aug 2019 by jbromilow50
Ptilonorhynchus violaceus (Satin Bowerbird) at Paddys River, ACT - 8 Apr 2019 by RodDeb
Phaulacridium vittatum (Wingless Grasshopper) at Paddys River, ACT - 7 Mar 2019 by RodDeb
Hemicordulia australiae (Australian Emerald) at Paddys River, ACT - 19 Feb 2019 by roymcd
Biziura lobata (Musk Duck) at Paddys River, ACT - 23 Jan 2019 by frostydog
Chelodina longicollis (Eastern Long-necked Turtle) at Paddys River, ACT - 23 Jan 2019 by frostydog
Carphurus sp. (genus) (Soft-winged flower beetle) at Paddys River, ACT - 7 Jan 2019 by JudithRoach
Acrocephalus australis (Australian Reed-Warbler) at Paddys River, ACT - 7 Jan 2019 by RodDeb
Ornithorhynchus anatinus (Platypus) at Paddys River, ACT - 7 Jan 2019 by RodDeb
Oryctolagus cuniculus (European Rabbit) at Paddys River, ACT - 7 Jan 2019 by RodDeb
Phalaenoides tristifica (Willow-herb Day-moth) at Paddys River, ACT - 7 Jan 2019 by RodDeb
Threskiornis molucca (Australian White Ibis) at Paddys River, ACT - 13 Dec 2018 by Alison Milton
Phalacrocorax sulcirostris (Little Black Cormorant) at Paddys River, ACT - 13 Dec 2018 by Alison Milton
Phalaenoides tristifica (Willow-herb Day-moth) at Paddys River, ACT - 11 Dec 2018 by RodDeb

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Location information

Sighting information

  • 7 Abundance
  • 3 Jan 2018 12:33 PM Recorded on
  • Deanoe Recorded by

Species information

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  • Confirmed by an expert moderator
  • Nearby sighting(s) of same species
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