A medium-sized smooth-scaled lizard with longitudinal stripes and a brilliant blue tail in juveniles. Among the most colorful North American lizards.
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
The western skink is a species of small, smooth-scaled lizard with relatively small limbs. It measures about 100 to 210 mm in total length. It is one of seven species of lizards in Canada. They spend much of their day basking in the sun. Their diet ranges widely, including spiders and beetles. Western skinks will bite if grasped and will flee if they feel threatened. It is a common but secretive species whose range extends from southern British Columbia and throughout Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming and into western Montana and northern Arizona and Missouri. They can also live in some areas of Texas It is widespread in northern California but primarily restricted to the coast in central and southern California. Found in a variety of habitats, this lizard is most common in early successional stages or open areas of late successional stages. Heavy brush and densely forested areas are generally avoided. Western skinks are found from sea level to at least 2,130 m (7,000 ft). This diurnal reptile is active during the warm seasons.
Source: Wikipedia — Western skink Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Small smooth-scaled lizard; brown body with pale dorsolateral stripes; bright blue tail in juveniles.
Similar species. Common Five-lined Skink (eastern range; different stripe count).
Voice. N/A.
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. Insects, spiders.
Behavior. Common skink of western North America. Juveniles have brilliant electric-blue tails. Burrows in loose soil; sometimes called "skunk skink" for the musky odor produced when handled.
§ Range
Pacific coast and Great Basin
§ Habitat
Open coniferous forests, oak woodlands, sagebrush
§ Threats
Habitat loss, outdoor cat predation, garden pesticides.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the western skink is currently classified as Least Concern.
§ What helps
Maintain debris piles and rocky areas. Keep cats indoors. Skip pesticides.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Western skink
- www.nwf.org — authoritative profile of Plestiodon skiltonianus
- IUCN Red List · taxon 64236
- iNaturalist · taxon 36622
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Plestiodon skiltonianus
§ Sources cited
- Davidson College Department of Biology
- Oregon State University
- IUCN Red List 2007
