ExploreReptiles

Broad-headed Skink

Plestiodon laticeps

The Broad-headed Skink is a colorful lizard with a big head and shiny scales. It loves to bask in the sun and can be found climbing trees or hiding under rocks.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Broad-headed Skink has a robust body and a distinctly wide, triangular head, especially in males. Males display a vibrant orange or reddish head during breeding season, contrasting with olive-brown bodies. Juveniles are striking with five light stripes down their black bodies and a bright blue tail.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassSquamataOrderLacertiliaFamilyScincidaeGenusPlestiodon
Broad-headed Skink
solitary trait badgearboreal trait badgecolorful trait badgeinsectivorous trait badge
Broad-headed Skink

Category

Reptiles

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

10

Interesting facts

Mothers guard their eggs until they hatch, which is rare!

Their unique wide head gives them their common name!

They use their fork-shaped tongue to "smell" the world.

Young skinks have five golden stripes and a flashy blue tail!

Special abilities

Ability

Tail Drop Defense

Broad-headed Skink can drop its tail to confuse predators, giving it a quick chance to escape!

Ability

Expert Climber

Broad-headed Skink has strong claws that help them scale trees and rocks with great speed.

Ability

Color Flash

Broad-headed Skink males display a bright orange-red head during mating to attract partners.

Ability

Egg Guardian

Broad-headed Skink mothers fiercely protect their eggs from danger until they hatch.

Measurements & details

Length
15-30 cm
Weight
0.005-0.05 kg
Lifespan
5-10 years
Top Speed
18 km/h
Clutch Size
8-20
Incubation
30-50 days

Diet & Feeding

These speedy hunters love to eat insects and spiders they find in trees!

Primary Foods

  • Crickets
  • Grasshoppers
  • Spiders
  • Beetles
  • Caterpillars

Foraging Method

  • Pursuit

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always watch from a distance and don't try to catch lizards; they are best left in nature.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to identify Broad-headed Skink?

The easiest way to identify Broad-headed Skink is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.

How long is Broad-headed Skink?

15-30 cm

How much does Broad-headed Skink weigh?

0.005-0.05 kg

How long does Broad-headed Skink live?

5-10 years

How fast can Broad-headed Skink move?

18 km/h

What does Broad-headed Skink eat?

These speedy hunters love to eat insects and spiders they find in trees!

Where is Broad-headed Skink usually found?

Forests

How does Broad-headed Skink hunt?

Pursuit

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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