Ground Skink
(Scincella
lateralis) |
 |
DESCRIPTION: The Ground Skink is a
small brownish, bronze, or blackish lizard. A broad dark stripe,
about 1.5 scales wide, runs down each side, extending from the
nostril through the eye and down the length of the body to the
tail. The sides of the head and body can be grey flecked with
dark markings. The ventral surface is pale yellowish, becoming
bluish grey on the tail. The Ground Skink is sometimes mistaken
for a salamander, but unlike a salamander it has scales.
STATUS:
RANGE: The Ground Skink ranges from
southern New Jersey south to the Florida Keys, west through
eastern Kansas, and central and southern Texas. They are absent
from the Appalachians. In the Midwest, the Ground Skink can be
found in Ohio, Illinois, Indiana and Missouri.
HABITAT: Ground Skinks prefer dry, sparse
woodland areas where they can be found hiding under rotten logs,
rocks, or garbage. They do not generally climb, but will enter
the water from time to time.
SPECIAL HABITAT:
FOOD: |
