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Home > Skinks > Western Skink

Western Skink

Western skink is a small to medium sized species of lizard found in North America. The species is known to be very swift and secretive. There are three recognized subspecies of this species. The skink is diurnal.



    Kingdom Animalia
    Phylum Chordata
    Subphylum Vertebrata
    Class Reptilia
    Order Squamata
    Suborder Lacertilia
    Infraorder Scincomorpha
    Family Scincidae
    Genus Plestiodon
    Scientific Name Plestiodon skiltonianus


    Size 4 to 8.25 in
    Color Brown with four white or beige stripes – one on each side and two down the back; side of the head, chin and underside exhibit reddish or orange color during the breeding season
    Distribution Washington, Oregon, Utah, Nevada, Wyoming, western Montana, northern Arizona, southern British Columbia
    Habitat Woodlands, grasslands, forested areas, prefers moist environment, but also found in  dry hillsides
    Diet Crickets, beetles, grasshoppers, flies, spiders, earthworms
    Hibernation Fact Undergoes hibernation
    Breeding Season Spring
    Mode of Reproduction Oviparous (egg laying)
    Clutch Size 2 to 6 eggs
    Reproductive Age 2 to 3 years of age
    Average Lifespan Can live up to 10 years
    IUCN Conservation Status Least Concern

    Western Skink Pictures Gallery

    Published on November 14th 2016 by under Skinks. Article was last reviewed on 7th June 2019.

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