Great Plains Skink
Scientific Name: Plestiodon obsoletus
(Formerly: Eumeces obsoletus)
Family: Scincidae
Description
Description and 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
Diet
- Terrestrial arthropods
- Small lizards
- Small snakes
- Lizard eggs
Life History and Range
Range
Most common range within the last 50 years and does not include outliers. For more info email dferraro1@unl.edu.
Life History
- Diurnal
- Active season: March – October
- Breeding season: Late Spring – June
- Lays eggs
- 7-24 eggs per female
Habitat
- Tallgrass prairies
- Rocky outcrops
- Loose soils