Identification
Broadhead
Skinks, or “red-headed scorpions” as they are sometimes called,
are the second largest skink in the eastern US. Olive-brown in color, the males
are set apart with their large spectacular red-orange heads that maintain their
color intensity until they fade in early summer. Young Broadhead Skinks possess
a bright blue tail and hatchlings may show seven light stripes in the eastern
portion of the skink’s range. Broadhead Skinks are easily confused with
Five-lined Skinks, but a distinguishing feature that separates these two species
is the presence of 30-32 rows of scales along the back of the Broadhead Skink.
In addition, the middle row of scales under the tail of the Broadhead Skink
is wider when compared to other skinks.
Distribution and Status
The natural range for this species is from extreme southeastern Pennsylvania
south to central Florida, west through east Kansas and northwestern Illinois,
and south through east central Texas (US
distribution map; Midwest
distribution map). In the Midwest, the Broadhead Skink is found in
Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa and Missouri.
Ecology
The Broadhead Skink is an inhabitant of woodland environs. This solitary species
is an excellent climber and as such it leads a semi-arboreal lifestyle living
in holes or crevices of trees. Their diet is comprised of mostly insects, but
they have also been known to eat other reptiles. The Broadhead Skink prefers
drier areas, and has been documented to live on the ground, under rocks, or
in buildings.
Resources
General reference guides and websites.
Links to information on the Broadhead Skink outside of the Herp Center
Illinois Natual History Survey
Bruce Kingsbury, Director
Center for Reptile and Amphibian Conservation and Management
Science Building
Indiana-Purdue University
2101 East Coliseum Blvd.
Fort Wayne, IN 46805-1499