Four-lined skink
The four-lined skink (Plestiodon tetragrammus) is a medium-sized lizard native to North America, specifically found in northern Mexico and parts of Texas. It is characterized by its stripes, which vary in length and prominence between its two recognized subspecies, and juveniles are notable for their blue tails that fade with age. This species inhabits lightly wooded areas, with a preference for rocky terrains in some subspecies, and is a terrestrial lizard.
Key Facts
- ›Endemic to North America, found in northern Mexico and western/central Texas.
- ›Two recognized subspecies: the long-lined skink and the short-lined skink.
- ›Juveniles possess a blue tail which darkens to match the adult coloration as they mature.
- ›Adults reach a maximum snout-vent length of approximately 7.5 cm and a total length of about 18 cm.
- ›Females lay 5 to 12 eggs annually and brood them.
- ›Males develop vibrant head coloration during the breeding season, ranging from orange to red depending on the subspecies.
Four-Lined Skink
Northern Mexico, Mexican Gulf Coast, Western Texas, Central Texas
- Medium-Sized Skink.
- Adults Reach A Maximum Svl of Approximately 7.5 cm and A Tl of About 18 cm .
- Coloration Ranges From Gray To Light Brown.
- Features Light Stripes Extending From the Eyes, Varying In Length Between Subspecies.
- Juveniles Have A Blue Tail That Fades With Age.
- Males Develop Orange To Red Head Coloration During the Breeding Season.
Broods Eggs., Males Display Seasonal Head Coloration.
About Four-lined skink
The four-lined skink, scientifically known as Plestiodon tetragrammus, is a medium-sized lizard species native to North America. Its range encompasses northern Mexico, the Mexican Gulf coast, and extends into western and central Texas. This species is a member of the Plestiodon genus, a group of skinks recognized for their distinct characteristics.
Description and Subspecies
This skink is distinguished by its stripes, which vary in prominence and length between its two recognized subspecies: the long-lined skink (P. t. tetragrammus) and the short-lined skink (P. t. brevilineatus). The long-lined skink typically exhibits a gray to light brown coloration with stripes that extend beyond its forelegs, while the short-lined skink is darker and its stripes end before the forelegs. A notable feature across both subspecies is the vibrant blue tail of juveniles, which gradually fades as they mature into adults. Adult four-lined skinks typically reach a maximum snout-vent length of around 7.5 cm, with a total length of approximately 18 cm. During the breeding season, males undergo a striking color transformation, developing orange heads in the short-lined skink and red heads in the long-lined skink.
Habitat and Reproduction
The four-lined skink inhabits lightly wooded environments. The short-lined skink shows a particular affinity for rocky areas, whereas the long-lined skink can also be found in grasslands. Reproduction is oviparous, with females laying between 5 to 12 eggs annually, which they then brood. The specific ecological roles and interactions within their habitats are areas of ongoing observation for this species.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the different subspecies of the four-lined skink?
Two subspecies are recognized: the long-lined skink (P. t. tetragrammus) and the short-lined skink (P. t. brevilineatus). Some herpetologists also consider the mountain skink (Plestiodon callicephalus) a subspecies, though this is not universally accepted due to distinct morphological and geographical differences.
How can I distinguish between the long-lined and short-lined skinks?
The subspecies can be differentiated by their coloration and stripe patterns. The long-lined skink is typically gray to light brown with stripes extending beyond the forelegs, while the short-lined skink is darker with stripes that terminate before the forelegs.
What is the typical size of a four-lined skink?
Adult four-lined skinks are medium-sized lizards, reaching a maximum snout-vent length of about 7.5 cm (approximately 3 inches). Their total length, including the tail, can reach up to about 18 cm (7.1 inches).
Where does the four-lined skink live?
The four-lined skink is found in northern Mexico and along the Mexican Gulf coast, as well as in western and central Texas. They inhabit lightly wooded areas, with the short-lined skink showing a preference for rocky environments, while the long-lined skink is also found in grasslands.
What do juvenile four-lined skinks look like?
Juvenile four-lined skinks, similar to many other Plestiodon species, are distinguished by their bright blue tails. This vibrant coloration is temporary and fades as the lizard matures into adulthood.
How do male four-lined skinks change during breeding season?
During the breeding season, male four-lined skinks exhibit a notable change in head coloration. Depending on the subspecies, their heads can develop orange hues in the short-lined skink or red coloration in the long-lined skink, likely playing a role in courtship displays.
Related Lizards
Plestiodon tetragrammus brevilineatus
The short-lined skink (Plestiodon tetragrammus brevilineatus) is a subspecies of the four-lined skink, a medium-sized lizard native to North America. This subspecies is distinguished by its darker coloration and shorter stripes compared to its counterpart, the long-lined skink. It inhabits lightly wooded areas, often preferring rocky environments, and exhibits a reproductive cycle where females lay eggs annually.
Ablepharus
Ablepharus, commonly known as snake-eyed skinks, are small lizards distinguished by fused eyelids that prevent blinking, similar to snakes. They inhabit dry fields, hills, and rocky areas, often concealed within leaf litter. These skinks possess shiny, bronze scales and a characteristic dark stripe along their sides, feeding primarily on small insects and mollusks.
Podarcis siculus
The Italian wall lizard, or Podarcis siculus, is a common lizard species native to southern and southeastern Europe, known for its adaptability to various environments, from natural habitats to human-modified landscapes. It exhibits significant subspecies variation, often displaying a green or brown back with a white or green belly, and males can be distinguished by larger heads and stronger jaws. This species is oviparous, laying multiple clutches of eggs annually, and its generalized diet contributes to its widespread distribution and success.