Great Plains Skink
ExploreReptiles
Great Plains Skink
Plestiodon obsoletus
The Great Plains Skink is a shiny lizard with smooth scales and a long body. They love to bask in the sun and can be found hiding under rocks or logs in the grasslands.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Great Plains Skink is a medium-sized lizard with a sleek, glossy body. Adults are typically gray or tan with dark spots forming faint lines along their sides. Juveniles boast a striking dark body with light stripes and a brilliant blue tail, which fades with age.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassSquamataOrderLacertiliaFamilyScincidaeGenusPlestiodon
Category
ReptilesRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Baby skinks sport dazzling blue tails that fade as they grow up!
Mother skinks guard their eggs fiercely, even turning them to keep them healthy!
Their super smooth, shiny scales make them look like living jewels!
They dig their own underground burrows, cozy homes safe from danger!
Special abilities
Ability
Tail Breakaway
Great Plains Skink can shed its tail if caught, because the wriggling tail distracts predators while they escape.
Ability
Egg Nurturing
Great Plains Skink has strong maternal instincts that help them protect and care for their developing eggs.
Ability
Expert Digger
Great Plains Skink can dig intricate burrows because of its strong claws, which helps them create safe havens.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 13-35 cm
- Weight
- 0.01-0.03 kg
- Lifespan
- 6-10 years
- Top Speed
- 7 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 6-20
- Incubation
- 30-52 days
Diet & Feeding
These skinks are insect-eating champions, munching on bugs and tiny critters!
Primary Foods
- crickets
- grasshoppers
- beetles
- spiders
- small lizards
- snails
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Western Ratsnake
Pantherophis obsoletus
A common predator in its range.
eaten by
Red-tailed Hawk
Buteo jamaicensis
Hunts small reptiles in open habitats.
eats
Striped Sand Grasshopper
Schistocerca lineata
A common insect prey found in its habitat.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Arboreal
Arboreal animals live primarily in trees, utilizing them for shelter, food, and protection from predators.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Regenerative
Regenerative organisms possess the ability to regrow lost or damaged body parts, tissues, or organs.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always watch where you step in nature, and don't touch wild animals without asking an adult.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Great Plains Skink?
13-35 cm
How much does Great Plains Skink weigh?
0.01-0.03 kg
How long does Great Plains Skink live?
6-10 years
How fast can Great Plains Skink move?
7 km/h
What does Great Plains Skink eat?
These skinks are insect-eating champions, munching on bugs and tiny critters!
Where is Great Plains Skink usually found?
Grasslands
How does Great Plains Skink hunt?
Foraging
How many eggs does Great Plains Skink lay?
6-20
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