Great Plains skink
The Great Plains skink is a large North American lizard, recognized by its light gray or beige coloration with black-edged dorsal scales and a yellow belly. It inhabits open plains and foothills, often near water sources. This species is notable for its relatively large size within its genus and the distinctive blue tail of its juveniles.
Key Facts
- ›It is one of the largest skinks in the genus Plestiodon.
- ›Adults measure 9 to 13 cm snout-to-vent, with a total length up to nearly 34 cm.
- ›Juveniles are black with white spots and a blue tail, changing coloration as they mature.
- ›Found across the Great Plains from southeastern Wyoming and Nebraska south to Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and into Mexico.
- ›Mating occurs in April or may, with females laying 5 to 32 eggs guarded until hatching in late summer.
Great Plains Skink
North America, United States, Mexico
- Light Gray Or Beige Coloration.
- Dorsal Scales Have Black Or Dark Brown Edges.
- Scales On the Sides Run Diagonally.
- Yellow Belly.
- Juveniles Are Black With White Spots On Lips and Head.
- Juveniles Have A Blue Or Bluish Tail.
- Length: 9-13 cm Snout-To-Vent .
- Total Length Up To Nearly 34 cm.
- Juveniles Possess A Blue Tail As A Distinguishing Feature.
- Females Guard Their Eggs Until Hatching.
About Great Plains skink
The Great Plains skink (Plestiodon obsoletus) is a distinct species of lizard native to North America, particularly well-known for its presence across the Great Plains region.
Description and Characteristics
This skink is one of the largest within the genus Plestiodon. Adult specimens typically measure between 9 to 13 centimeters from snout to vent, with their total length, including the tail, potentially reaching up to nearly 34 centimeters. The lizard's coloration is generally light gray or beige, distinguished by dorsal scales that feature black or dark brown edges, and scales on its sides that are arranged diagonally. Its belly is a contrasting yellow. A notable difference is observed in the juveniles, which are black with white spots on their lips and head, and possess a striking blue or bluish tail, a feature that changes as they mature.
Habitat and Distribution
The geographic range of the Great Plains skink is extensive, covering the Great Plains from southeastern Wyoming and Nebraska, extending southward through eastern Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and into Mexico. They are commonly found in open plains habitats and the eastern foothills of the Rocky Mountains. These lizards often prefer areas situated near water, such as irrigation ditches.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
The mating season for the Great Plains skink occurs in April or May. Following mating, the female lays a clutch of eggs, numbering between 5 and 32, with an average of about 12. This occurs in early summer, and the female exhibits parental care by guarding the eggs until they hatch in late summer.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average size of a Great Plains skink?
Adult Great Plains skinks typically measure between 9 to 13 cm from snout to vent. Including their tail, their total length can reach up to nearly 34 cm.
What color are Great Plains skinks?
Adults are generally light gray or beige with black or dark brown edges on their dorsal scales, and their bellies are yellow. Juveniles are black with white spots and a blue tail.
Where does the Great Plains skink live?
This species is found on the Great Plains, extending from southeastern Wyoming and Nebraska southward to eastern Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and parts of Mexico. They prefer open plains or foothills near water.
When do Great Plains skinks reproduce?
The mating season for Great Plains skinks is in April or May. Females lay their eggs in early summer, and these hatch in late summer. The female guards the eggs until they hatch.
How many eggs does a Great Plains skink lay?
A female Great Plains skink can lay between 5 and 32 eggs per clutch. The average number of eggs laid is about 12.
Related Lizards
Plestiodon obsoletus
The Great Plains skink (Plestiodon obsoletus) is a large North American skink found across the Great Plains region. It is characterized by its light gray or beige coloration with black-edged dorsal scales, a yellow belly, and a long tail. This species is known to guard its eggs until they hatch.
Eremias persica
The Aralo-Caspian racerunner (Eremias persica) is a lizard species found across Iran, southern Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and western Pakistan. It is characterized by continuous dorsolateral black stripes, which contrast strongly with its base pattern, and juveniles display four dark stripes on their backs. This species inhabits open plains and slopes with low vegetation and gravel surfaces.
Aaron Bauer's house gecko
Aaron Bauer's house gecko is a species of lizard found in the Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India. It is notable for its relatively large size within its genus, reaching up to 13 cm in snout-to-vent length. This species prefers rocky outcrops within forested areas as its natural habitat.