Five-lined Skink

If you pay a visit to the Sanctuary on a sunny day, keep an eye out for these colorful lizards among the boulders. A pair of adult Five-lined Skinks (Plestiodon fasciatus) were spotted sunning themselves at South Lookout, bright orange heads standing out from the pale gray rocks. Adults are approximately 5-8 inches in length with faintly striped brown bodies and vibrant orange heads and necks. The juvenile skinks are often more recognizable due to their black and yellow contrasting striped bodies and electric blue tails. If threatened, five-lined skinks can detach their tail as a distraction to would-be predators. They hibernate throughout the winter and are most active during the day from April to October. 

Photo by Bill Moses.