Great Plains Skink

GreatPlainsSkink

Great Plains Skink

Scientific Name: Plestiodon obsoletus
(Formerly: Eumeces obsoletus)
Family: Scincidae
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Description & Size


  • Smooth scales
  • Short fore and hind limbs
  • Total length: 16.5-34.9 cm (6.5-13.7 inches)
  • Base color: light brown to light grey
    • Each scale has a dark spot on it
    • Males: red to orange heads, necks, and fore limbs during breeding season

Habitat


  • Tallgrass prairies
  • Rocky outcrops
  • Loose soils

Diet


  • Terrestrial arthropods
  • Small lizards
  • Small snakes
  • Lizard eggs

Life History


  • Diurnal
  • Active season: March – October
  • Breeding season: Late Spring – June
  • Lays eggs
  • 7-24 eggs per female
GreatPlainsSkink range