Common Five-lined Skink (Plestiodon fasciatus)

On a dirt road at a moist mixed forest edge. Only allowed me one photo before it ran quickly into the undergrowth!

comments (10)

Ernst

Lion

Lost its tail I guess? Posted 4 years ago
1. Flown Kimmerling
  
  Lion
  
  Yes! Although I am not sure how! :) Posted 4 years ago

Ferdy Christant

Lion

Does the blue have any meaning? Male? Posted 4 years ago
1. Flown Kimmerling
  
  Lion
  
  It may be a male, yes. Young males have bright blue tails. See here:
  https://srelherp.uga.edu/lizards/eumfas.htm Posted 4 years ago
2. 1. Ferdy Christant
    
    Lion
    
    Thanks! Posted 4 years ago

Christine Young

Lion

Looks like it has a wound on its side too? Cool find! I love the blue stub. Posted 4 years ago
1. Flown Kimmerling
  
  Lion
  
  Yes! I'm wondering if something attacked it! Posted 4 years ago
2. 1. Christine Young
    
    Lion
    
    At least it got away and seems to be healing/healed! Posted 4 years ago

Calbost Niel

Lion

It's my understanding that skinks can detach/shed a tail which continues to wriggle and attract the predator whilst the skink gets to safety Posted 4 years ago
1. Flown Kimmerling
  
  Lion
  
  That is accurate! :) Posted 4 years ago

The Common Five-lined Skink

The five-lined skink is a species of lizard endemic to North America. It is one of the most common lizards in the eastern U.S. and one of the seven native species of lizards in Canada.

Info 3 0

Similar species: Snakes And Lizards

Species identified by Flown Kimmerling