Identification
The Great Plains Skink is the largest skink in the eastern or central US. Unlike
other skinks, the scales on the sides of this species are not arranged in parallel
rows, but rather in oblique (diagonal) rows. The base color of the Great Plains
Skink is light tan to light grey, and nearly every scale is bordered in dark
brown or black, which sometimes create longitudinal stripes. Juveniles are black
with a blue tail, and have orange and white spots on the head.
Distribution and Status
The Great Plains Skink can be found from southern Nebraska and extreme western
Missouri, south through much of Texas, west to central Arizona, and south to
northeast Mexico (US
distribution map). In the Midwest, the Great Plains Skink occurs in Missouri,
and in Iowa, where it is listed as State Endangered.
Ecology
Preferring to hide a majority of the time, Great Plains Skinks use burrows or
hide under rocks. In more arid areas, they can be found near permanent or semipermanant
bodies of water.
Resources
General reference guides and websites.
Links to more information on the Great Plains Skink outside the Herp Center
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