However there has been little study as to preferences of habitat or micro-habitat between the two species where they occur together. In the Tootgarook swamp both lizards were found in close proximity in identical circumstances. There is clearly a need for investigation to see whether these species directly compete for resources or occupy somewhat different ecological niches where they occur together. The presence of reptile mites Ophionyssus natricus on the T. scincoides is notable. RV has observed reptiles in several Melbourne or near Melbourne locations with these parasites.
All areas are basalt plains and heavily disturbed habitat.
At all sites, RV found T. scincoides with mites and at Rockbank Tiger Snakes Notechis scutatus also had mites. On 26th May 1993, RV found an adult T. scincoides in torpor under a sheet of tin in Plenty, near Greensborough. This was the first reptile found by RV in the north-eastern suburbs to carry mites, even though RV has inspected the area regularly over the preceding 12 years. This find is notable due to it's distance from major population centres such as Melbourne. Furthermore later inspection of photos of one of the E. coventryi found at Tootgarook showed it to have mite infestation.