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.
Key Facts
- ›Largest skink in the genus Plestiodon, alongside the broad-headed skink.
- ›Reaches up to 34 cm in total length.
- ›Adults are light gray or beige with black-edged dorsal scales and a yellow belly.
- ›Juveniles are black with white spots and a blue tail.
- ›Found on the Great Plains from Wyoming and Iowa southward into Mexico.
- ›Mating occurs in April or may, with females laying and guarding 5-32 eggs.
Great Plains Skink
Wyoming, Nebraska, Iowa, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Mexico
Plains, Open Plains Habitat, Eastern Foothills of the Rocky Mountains, Areas Near Water, Irrigation Ditches
- Largest Skink of the Genus Plestiodon, Along With the Broad-Headed Skink.
- Adult Length: 9-13 cm Snout-To-Vent ; Up To Nearly 34 cm Total Length.
- Coloration: Light Gray Or Beige.
- Dorsal Scales Have Black Or Dark Brown Edges.
- Scales On the Sides Run Diagonally.
- Belly Is Yellow.
- Juveniles Are Black With White Spots On Lips and Head.
- Juveniles Have A Blue Or Bluish Tail.
Females Guard Their Eggs Until Hatching.
About Plestiodon obsoletus
The Great Plains Skink (Plestiodon obsoletus)
The Great Plains skink, scientifically known as Plestiodon obsoletus, is a notable species of lizard found across the North American prairie landscape. It shares the distinction of being the largest skink within the Plestiodon genus, alongside the broad-headed skink.
Description and Appearance
Adult Great Plains skinks typically exhibit a light gray or beige coloration. A distinguishing feature is the black or dark brown edging on their dorsal scales, which run diagonally along their sides. The ventral side, or belly, is usually a bright yellow. In contrast, juveniles present a striking appearance, being black with white spots adorning their lips and head, and possessing a distinctive blue or bluish tail. In terms of size, adults commonly measure between 9 to 13 cm from snout to vent (SVL), and can reach a total length of up to nearly 34 cm when the tail is included.
Geographic Range and Habitat
This species is widely distributed across the Great Plains of North America. Its natural range extends from southeastern Wyoming and Nebraska, and includes Fremont County in Iowa, southward through eastern Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, continuing into Mexico. The Great Plains skink prefers open plains habitats and the eastern foothills of the Rocky Mountains. They are often found in proximity to water sources, such as irrigation ditches, indicating a reliance on these environments.
Reproduction
The mating season for the Great Plains skink occurs during 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 scientific name for the Great Plains skink?
The scientific name for the Great Plains skink is Plestiodon obsoletus. It has also been referred to by the scientific name Eumeces obsoletus in older literature.
What does the Great Plains skink look like?
Adult Great Plains skinks are typically light gray or beige with dark-edged dorsal scales and a yellow belly. Juveniles are distinctively black with white spots on their head and lips, and possess a blue or bluish tail.
Where can the Great Plains skink be found?
This species is endemic to North America and is commonly found on the Great Plains. Its range extends from southeastern Wyoming and Nebraska southward to eastern Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and into Mexico.
What kind of habitat does the Great Plains skink prefer?
The Great Plains skink inhabits open plains and the eastern foothills of the Rocky Mountains. They are often found in areas near water sources, such as irrigation ditches.
How do Great Plains skinks reproduce?
Mating takes place in April or May. The female lays between 5 and 32 eggs in early summer and guards them until they hatch in late summer.
What is the size of a Great Plains skink?
Great Plains skinks are among the largest skinks in their genus. Adults can reach a snout-to-vent length of 9 to 13 cm, with a total length of up to nearly 34 cm including the tail.
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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.
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