[2] Tropidoscincus variabilis is a medium-sized, long-limbed and long-tailed skink with strong ontogenetic change in coloration.

Mature males and females are roughly the same size, but females have longer bodies, shorter heads and limbs, and a less brightly orange venter.

More than one year of growth is required to attain maturity.

They eat a large variety of invertebrates, particularly spiders and crickets.

Juveniles eat more spiders, bugs and isopods than adults.