Waxonians (Skinks) and Other Life Forms of Waxon

Waxonians are the intelligent skink-like beings native to Waxon, a world much warmer than the planets Earth or Panjandrum. Silver scales reflected the heat and their three-foot stature meant their surface-to-volume ratio was large enough to maintain a proper body temperature with little trouble. (The Centaurian Bud Vase)

They evolved from reptile-like ancestors and resemble what we would call "skinks" more so than "lizards." The blue on males' tails gives them an additional resemblance to the Southeastern five-lined skink which is native to the United States. The similarity to terrestrial skinks stops there. Nonetheless, Waxonians are usually referred to as "skinks" (to which they show no objection).

Skinks mature about 15 years after hatching and may live over 200 years.

The tip of the tail of the male skink is blue. The tail of the female skink (skinqui) also has a blue tip, plus two additional blue bands. (The Centaurian Bud Vase)

Eyes are black. (The Duck and Doughnut)

Ears are simply holes in the sides of the head. (Teasing the Geese). Tapping the right ear hole is a traditional sign of greeting. (The Duck and Doughnut)

They have a flap of skin above their eyes which they can raise much like humans raise their eyebrows. (Teasing the Geese)

Their silver or blue "frills" are a pair of "capes" attached to their heads just behind each ear. The leading edge of one or both frills can be extended forward so that they peer over the top with the side of their face hidden - one way in which opposite sexes may flirt.

A skink's frills flare and the entire tail flushes blue at the time of an insight (a Eureka! or Aha! moment), much like our face responds by opening the eyes wide and dropping the jaw. (Grimace)

They have a blue tongue that can be extended from their mouth to taste the air for scents. (Superb Owl Sunday)

Skinks' fingers end in claws instead of having fingernails. (Superb Owl Sunday)

When they blush they flush a deep blue. (The Blue Bird of Harpiness)

Juveniles (skinkits or kits) can taste methane (at least those on Svajone). Adults can taste carbon dioxide. (Down the Rushy Glen) (The Blue Bird of Harpiness)

Skinks from Belgeum are of the silver-blue variety. (Superb Owl Sunday)

Skinks tend to wear robes with cowls, trousers and boots. (The Centaurian Bud Vase). Milda preferred a jumpsuit. (The Butler Did It)

They eat insects and insect grubs. (The Tartian Egg, The Centaurian Bud Vase and Superb Owl Sunday)

They have no fear of heights. (The Blue Bird of Harpiness)

The scales of elderly skinks tend to become gray. (Superb Owl Sunday)

Because of political unrest on Waxon, many skinks emigrated. Some went to work on the plantations of Panjandrum.

Other life forms from Waxon include:

Elzbieta (Elizabeth): A rose-like flowering plant. (The Butler Did It) Blue flowers are especially rare, and blue buds are considered to be good luck when displayed over the fireplace. (Don't Cross the Ls in Tortilla) Because of their rarity, they are often used to form the crowns worn by the bride and groom to hold their veils in Waxonian wedding ceremonies.

Kiaule: A pig-like creature. Kiaule is Lithuanian for "pig." (Split Personality)

Punkin grubs: Sweet larvae eaten by skinks. (The Centaurian Bud Vase)

Page updated: 31 August 2020
Page created: 18 January 2012