Broadhead Skink
(Eumeces laticeps) |
 |
DESCRIPTION: 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.
STATUS:
RANGE: 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. In the Midwest, the Broadhead
Skink is found in Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa and Missouri.
HABITAT: 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.
SPECIAL HABITAT:
FOOD: |
