Southeastern Five-Lined Skink

Scientific Name: Plestiodon inexpectatus

Photo Credit: Todd Pierson

The southeastern five-lined skink (Plestiodon inexpectatus) is a small, diurnal lizard measuring between 5.5 and 8.5 inches in length. Juveniles exhibit a glossy black body adorned with five narrow yellow or orange stripes and a vivid blue tail. As they mature, their coloration becomes more subdued, with adults often displaying a brown or olive hue. Notably, adult males may develop an orange-brown head during the spring breeding season. A distinguishing feature of this species is the uniform size of the scales on the underside of their tails, setting them apart from similar skinks in the region.

Southeastern five-lined skinks primarily feed on a variety of invertebrates, including spiders, insects, and other arthropods. These skinks are adept climbers and are often found in dry, sandy environments, including pine-oak sandhill habitats and maritime forests. They are commonly observed on fallen trees, limbs, stumps, logs, fences, and rock piles, and will occasionally climb trees when threatened.

Reproduction typically occurs in the spring, with females laying 3 to 10 eggs under rotting logs, stumps, rocks, or leaf litter. The incubation period ranges from 2 to 8 weeks, during which the female often remains with the eggs to protect them from predators. Upon hatching, the young skinks are independent and begin to forage immediately.

Southeastern five-lined skinks can shed their tails when threatened. This tail loss serves as a defense mechanism, allowing the skink to escape while the detached tail distracts potential predators. The tail regenerates over time, though it may differ in appearance from the original.

Explore the full species profile, including their habitat, diet, and behavior on Herps of NC.