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.
Key Facts
- ›A subspecies of the four-lined skink (Plestiodon tetragrammus).
- ›Distinguished by darker coloration and stripes that end before the forelegs.
- ›Juveniles possess a distinctive blue tail that fades with age.
- ›Adults reach a maximum SVL of approximately 7.5 cm and a total length of about 18 cm.
- ›Inhabits lightly wooded areas, with a preference for rocky terrains.
- ›Females lay 5 to 12 eggs annually and brood them.
Short-Lined Skink
Northern Mexico, Mexican Gulf Coast, Western Texas, Central Texas
- Darker In Color Compared To the Long-Lined Skink.
- Stripes Extend From the Eyes But End Before the Forelegs.
- Juveniles Have A Blue Tail, Which Fades With Age.
- Adults Reach A Maximum Svl of Approximately 7.5 cm.
- Adults Reach A Maximum Tl of Approximately 18 cm.
- Males Develop Orange Head Coloration During the Breeding Season.
Insects, Other Small Invertebrates
- Females Brood Their Eggs.
- Males Exhibit Seasonal Color Changes On Their Heads.
About Plestiodon tetragrammus brevilineatus
Plestiodon tetragrammus brevilineatus: The Short-Lined Skink
The short-lined skink, scientifically known as Plestiodon tetragrammus brevilineatus, is a subspecies of the four-lined skink, a reptile native to North America. This medium-sized lizard is distinguished from its relatives by its darker coloration and the characteristic pattern of its stripes, which terminate before reaching the forelegs.
Description and Identification
Adult short-lined skinks are notably darker than the long-lined skink subspecies. Their stripes, originating from the eyes, are shorter and do not extend past the forelegs. A striking feature of juvenile skinks, common to many Plestiodon species, is a vibrant blue tail. This vivid hue gradually diminishes as the lizard matures. Adult specimens typically measure up to approximately 7.5 centimeters in snout-vent length (SVL), with a total length reaching up to about 18 centimeters (TL).
Habitat and Distribution
This subspecies is found in a geographical range that includes northern Mexico, the Mexican Gulf coast, and extends into western and central Texas. The preferred habitat for Plestiodon tetragrammus brevilineatus consists of lightly wooded areas, with a particular affinity for rocky terrains. This preference helps distinguish its ecological niche within the broader distribution of the four-lined skink.
Reproduction and Behavior
The reproductive cycle of the short-lined skink involves annual egg-laying by the female, who produces clutches of about 5 to 12 eggs. The female exhibits parental care by brooding her eggs. During the breeding season, a notable behavioral and physical change occurs in males, who develop a distinct orange coloration on their heads, likely playing a role in courtship or territorial displays.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the distinguishing features of the short-lined skink?
The short-lined skink, Plestiodon tetragrammus brevilineatus, is identifiable by its darker body color compared to the long-lined skink. Its stripes also differ, typically ending before the forelegs, whereas the long-lined skink's stripes extend further.
Where is the short-lined skink found?
This subspecies is found in North America, specifically in northern Mexico and along the Mexican Gulf coast, as well as in western and central Texas. They prefer lightly wooded areas, often favoring rocky environments.
What is the typical size of an adult short-lined skink?
Adult short-lined skinks reach a maximum snout-vent length (SVL) of about 7.5 centimeters (approximately 3 inches). Their total length, including the tail, can reach up to about 18 centimeters (7.1 inches).
Do juvenile short-lined skinks have any unique characteristics?
Yes, like many other Plestiodon species, juvenile short-lined skinks are characterized by a bright blue tail. This vibrant coloration gradually fades as the lizard matures into adulthood.
How do short-lined skinks reproduce?
During the breeding season, males of the short-lined skink develop orange coloration on their heads. The female lays approximately 5 to 12 eggs once a year and provides care for them by brooding.
Related Lizards
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.
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.