A medium-sized smooth-scaled lizard. Males in breeding season develop bright orange-red head. Among the larger US skinks.

Native status: Native to southeastern US

§ Quick facts

SizeTotal length 16–34 cm
Weight20–60 g
LifespanWild 8–12 years
OrderSquamata
FamilyScincidae

§ Encyclopedia

The broad-headed skink or broadhead skink is species of lizard, endemic to the southeastern United States. The broadhead skink occurs in sympatry with the five-lined skink and Southeastern five-lined skink in forest of the Southeastern United States. All three species are phenotypically similar throughout much of their development and were considered a single species prior to the mid-1930s.

Source: Wikipedia — Plestiodon laticeps Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0

§ Identification

Field marks. Large smooth-scaled lizard; brown body with five pale stripes in juveniles; males with bright orange head in breeding.

Similar species. Common Five-lined Skink (smaller; juveniles have blue tails).

Voice. Hisses defensively.

§ Diet & behavior

Diet. Insects, spiders, small lizards, occasional small frogs.

Behavior. Among the largest US skinks. Males develop brilliant orange head during breeding season. Lives in mature deciduous forests.

§ Range

Southeastern US

§ Habitat

Mature deciduous forests, oak hammocks

§ Threats

Forest loss, habitat fragmentation.

§ Conservation status

According to the IUCN Red List, the broad-headed skink is currently classified as Least Concern.

§ What helps

Support southern hardwood forest conservation.

Support our work More ways to help

§ Further reading

§ Sources cited

  • Davidson College Department of Biology
  • IUCN Red List 2007