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Western Skink

Plestiodon skiltonianus

The Western Skink is a shiny, blue-tailed lizard that loves to bask in the sun! They are quick and can often be seen darting through grass and rocks.

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Western Skink has a sleek, shiny body with a pointed snout. Adults are brown or gray with two light stripes down their back, while juveniles often boast a striking bright blue tail. These features help distinguish them from other lizards.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassSquamataOrderLacertiliaFamilyScincidaeGenusPlestiodon
Western Skink
solitary trait badgecamouflaged trait badgecolorful trait badgegrassland trait badge
Western Skink

Category

Reptiles

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

A mother skink wraps her body around her eggs to keep them safe!

Baby skinks have super shiny blue tails that alert predators to stay away!

Skinks can shed their entire skin in one big piece, like a stretchy sock!

They use their tongues to 'taste' the air and understand their surroundings!

Special abilities

Ability

Egg Guarding

Western Skink has attentive parenting because the mother guards her eggs to protect them from predators until they hatch.

Ability

Striped Camouflage

Western Skink has excellent camouflage with stripes because it helps them blend into rocky and grassy environments to hide from danger.

Measurements & details

Length
13-22 cm
Weight
0.002-0.01 kg
Lifespan
6-10 years
Top Speed
12 km/h
Clutch Size
2-10
Incubation
28-56 days

Diet & Feeding

These little lizards hunt and eat all sorts of small bugs and spiders.

Primary Foods

  • Crickets
  • Grasshoppers
  • Beetles
  • Spiders
  • Moths
  • Caterpillars

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

If you see a skink, watch it from a distance and don't try to catch it.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Western Skink?

13-22 cm

How much does Western Skink weigh?

0.002-0.01 kg

How long does Western Skink live?

6-10 years

How fast can Western Skink move?

12 km/h

What does Western Skink eat?

These little lizards hunt and eat all sorts of small bugs and spiders.

Where is Western Skink usually found?

Grasslands

How does Western Skink hunt?

Foraging

How many eggs does Western Skink lay?

2-10

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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