Southeastern Five-Lined
Skink
(Eumeces inexpectatus) |
 |
DESCRIPTION: 5-8 1/16" (12.7-20.5
cm). Black or brown with 5 broad light stripes, including
dorsolateral stripe along 3rd and 4th scale rows counting from
middle of back. Stripes fade with age; adults may be uniform
brown. Tail blue to gray. Wide lengthwise row of scales under
tail. Breeding males usually have red-orange head. Juveniles
have brilliant striping, bright blue tail.
STATUS:
RANGE: South New England to north Florida,
west to east Texas, north to Kansas, Wisconsin and south
Ontario.
HABITAT: Humid woodlands with decaying leaf
litter, stumps, logs. May be seen in gardens and around houses.
SPECIAL HABITAT:
FOOD: Insects and their larvae, spiders,
earthworms, crustaceans, lizards, even small mice. |
