Identification
Both subspecies of the Coal Skink, Eumeces anthracinus, the Southern Coal Skink
and the Northern Coal Skink, are similar in appearance with four light lines
and a broad stripe on their sides. The Southern can be differentiated from the
Northern as it has 26 or more rows of scales at the middle of the body, whereas
the Northern has 25 rows or fewer. The scales surrounding the mouth are usually
light in the center and dark at the edges, giving a spotted appearance. Juveniles
are black and may have light stripes or whitish spots around the mouth. Southern
Coal Skinks may also have a reddish color around the mouth and snout, and the
tail is bright blue.
Distribution and Status
The Southern Coal Skink can be found from east Kansas and Missouri to eastern
Texas through northwest Louisiana (US
distribution map; Midwest
distribution map). Disjunct populations are also found in Kentucky,
Tennessee, Mississippi, Louisiana, Alabama, Georgia, and Florida. In scattered
areas throughout the Southeast, this species intergrades with the Northern Coal
Skink. The only Midwestern state that is home to this skink is Missouri.
Ecology
Southern Coal Skinks can be found hiding in leaf litter, logs, boards, bark
or rocks in damp forested areas. They also occur in more dry conditions on rocky
hillsides, or in dead trees, and spend time basking in the sun.
Resources
General reference guides and websites
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