# Pacific Bluetail Skink

> Pacific Bluetail Skink (Emoia caeruleocauda). The Pacific bluetail skink can show a blue tail, especially at some ages; colour changes and other skinks also have blue tails.

Source: https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/emoia-caeruleocauda/ · Updated 1 October 2026 · English · Bahasa Indonesia: https://panduanhewan.org/id/spesies/emoia-caeruleocauda/
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**Review status:** This guide was compiled from the listed species sources and observation records; it has not been reviewed by a taxonomic specialist. GBIF records are neither a census nor proof of native range.

## Quick answer

The Pacific Bluetail Skink (*Emoia caeruleocauda*) is a reptile in the family Scincidae. In Indonesia, observation records come mainly from West Papua, Papua, Central Sulawesi. Diet: insect-eater (insectivore); a carnivore. IUCN Red List status: Least Concern.

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | *Emoia caeruleocauda* |
| Group | Reptiles |
| Family | Scincidae |
| Observation records | West Papua, Papua, Central Sulawesi |
| Taxonomic group | Squamata |
| GBIF records | 318 human-observation records, 2016–2026 |
| Data retrieved | 2026-09-23 |
| IUCN status | Least Concern · [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/2463461) · checked 1 October 2026 |
| Diet type | Carnivore (meat-eater) — insect-eater (insectivore) · [hbs.bpbmwebdata.org](https://hbs.bpbmwebdata.org/pubs-online/pdf/wei7.pdf) |
| Reproduction | Laying eggs (oviparous) · [Reptile Database](https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Emoia&species=caeruleocauda) |
| Active | Diurnal (active by day) · [ReptTraits v1-2 (Oskyrko et al. 2024, Scientific Data 11:243), column 'Active time'](https://figshare.com/articles/dataset/ReptTraits_a_comprehensive_database_of_ecological_traits_in_reptiles/24572683) |

## What is the Pacific Bluetail Skink?

Pacific Bluetail Skink refers to Emoia caeruleocauda, in the genus Emoia, family Scincidae, and class Squamata. The scientific name follows the accepted taxon in the GBIF Backbone Taxonomy. Common names can vary between places; the scientific name distinguishes this species from relatives.

Evidence: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon](https://www.gbif.org/species/2463461)

## What is known about the Pacific Bluetail Skink?

The Pacific bluetail skink can show a blue tail, especially at some ages; colour changes and other skinks also have blue tails.

Read that fact alongside the scientific name and species source, not as proof from an unclear photograph. Populations, ages and taxonomic limits can differ; when identification is uncertain, record the broader group.

Evidence: [Species account — background reading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emoia%20caeruleocauda)

## How many Indonesian records name the Pacific Bluetail Skink?

When checked on 2026-09-23, the GBIF search returned 318 human-observation records from Indonesia under this species name for 2016–2026. That is a count of indexed records, not an estimate of population, abundance or unique individuals. Observation effort can vary by location, and the count may change as records are added or identifications revised.

Evidence: [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=2463461&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)

## Where were observations reported?

Place labels appearing in the results include West Papua, Papua, Central Sulawesi. They are labels attached to records, not a complete range map or evidence that the species occurs only there. Some labels may be broad or inconsistent. Check the underlying records before using the location information for field decisions.

Evidence: [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=2463461&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)

## How can you observe the Pacific Bluetail Skink?

A safe-distance photograph can record body, head and tail pattern and locality without handling the animal. Colour alone cannot establish whether a snake is venomous; seek local professional help if there is risk. A well-documented sighting helps others check the identification without turning one encounter into a conservation-status claim.

## Explore related animals

To explore this group further, compare Pacific Bluetail Skink with Emerald Tree Skink, Common Sun Skink, Yellow-lipped Sea Krait. These links reflect a shared genus, family, order, class or catalogue group; taxonomic proximity does not imply identical habitat needs or conservation status.

## Scientific classification of the Pacific Bluetail Skink

| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Reptilia |
| Order | Squamata |
| Family | Scincidae |
| Genus | *Emoia* |
| Species | *Emoia caeruleocauda* |

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Common questions about the Pacific Bluetail Skink

### What is the scientific name of the Pacific Bluetail Skink?

The scientific name of the Pacific Bluetail Skink is *Emoia caeruleocauda*, in the family Scincidae.

### What kind of animal is the Pacific Bluetail Skink?

The Pacific Bluetail Skink is a reptile in the family Scincidae. By diet it is a carnivore (meat-eater): a insect-eater (insectivore).

### Where does the Pacific Bluetail Skink live in Indonesia?

Observation records of the Pacific Bluetail Skink summarised in this guide mainly come from West Papua, Papua, Central Sulawesi. That list is not a complete range map.

### What does the Pacific Bluetail Skink eat?

The Pacific Bluetail Skink is a insect-eater (insectivore). That makes it a carnivore (meat-eater). Source: [hbs.bpbmwebdata.org](https://hbs.bpbmwebdata.org/pubs-online/pdf/wei7.pdf).

### How does the Pacific Bluetail Skink reproduce?

The Pacific Bluetail Skink reproduces by laying eggs (oviparous). Source: [Reptile Database](https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Emoia&species=caeruleocauda).

### Is the Pacific Bluetail Skink nocturnal?

The cited source records the Pacific Bluetail Skink as diurnal (active by day). Source: [ReptTraits v1-2 (Oskyrko et al. 2024, Scientific Data 11:243), column 'Active time'](https://figshare.com/articles/dataset/ReptTraits_a_comprehensive_database_of_ecological_traits_in_reptiles/24572683).

See also [the list of nocturnal and diurnal animals in Indonesia](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/nocturnal-and-diurnal-animals/).

### What is the scientific classification of the Pacific Bluetail Skink?

Scientific classification of the Pacific Bluetail Skink: kingdom Animalia, phylum Chordata, class Reptilia, order Squamata, family Scincidae, genus *Emoia*, species *Emoia caeruleocauda*.

Source: [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c), adjusted to the ranks commonly used in school biology.

### Is the Pacific Bluetail Skink endangered?

No, according to the global IUCN assessment. On the IUCN Red List, the Pacific Bluetail Skink is listed as Least Concern: it does not qualify for a threatened category or for Near Threatened in the global assessment. Source: [IUCN Red List (via GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/species/2463461), checked 1 October 2026.

This global category is separate from legal protection in Indonesia. To check whether the Pacific Bluetail Skink is a protected species, consult the current national list of [protected species](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/protected/) or contact the local [BKSDA](https://panduanhewan.org/en/bksda-offices/) (natural resources conservation office).

## Sources & references

1. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy — accepted taxon](https://www.gbif.org/species/2463461)
2. [GBIF occurrence search — Indonesia, human observations, 2016–2026](https://api.gbif.org/v1/occurrence/search?country=ID&speciesKey=2463461&basisOfRecord=HUMAN_OBSERVATION&year=2016%2C2026&limit=0&facet=stateProvince&facetLimit=7)
3. [iNaturalist — exact species taxon and community observations](https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/38573)
4. [Species account — background reading](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emoia%20caeruleocauda)
5. [hbs.bpbmwebdata.org](https://hbs.bpbmwebdata.org/pubs-online/pdf/wei7.pdf)
6. [Reptile Database](https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Emoia&species=caeruleocauda)
7. [ReptTraits v1-2 (Oskyrko et al. 2024, Scientific Data 11:243), column 'Active time'](https://figshare.com/articles/dataset/ReptTraits_a_comprehensive_database_of_ecological_traits_in_reptiles/24572683)
8. [GBIF Backbone Taxonomy (GBIF)](https://www.gbif.org/dataset/d7dddbf4-2cf0-4f39-9b2a-bb099caae36c)

## Keep exploring

- [Emerald Tree Skink](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/lamprolepis-smaragdina/)
- [Common Sun Skink](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/eutropis-multifasciata/)
- [Yellow-lipped Sea Krait](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/laticauda-colubrina/)
- [Reticulated Python](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/malayopython-reticulatus/)
- [Keeled Slug Snake](https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/pareas-carinatus/)

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Cite: PanduanHewan. (2026). Pacific Bluetail Skink. PanduanHewan.org. https://panduanhewan.org/en/species/emoia-caeruleocauda/