The Three-toed Skink is so named because it has only three small toes on each limb. It is overall one of the most unusual species of lizard frequently encountered in the Sydney region. It is a burrowing species characterised by a very elongate body, small limbs, and long tail. Because of its long slender body, apparent lack of legs, and sinuous way it moves to escape when uncovered, it is frequently mistaken for a small snake. The species was probably widespread over much of the Sydney Harbour area and still persists in bushland gullies and gardens which are moist and have plenty of litter, particularly in suburbs on the northern shores. It is commonly uncovered in mulch and compost heaps or sheltering under piles of boards or debris. It has an unusual mode of reproduction in that it lays several oval-shaped eggs that hatch only a few days later (most lizard eggs incubate for a number of weeks before hatching).