GILBERT'S SKINK

DESCRIPTION: A medium to large, shiny lizard with a long, thick tail (when not regenerated), a stout body, and short limbs. Coloration is gray-brown. The scales are large, rounded, smooth, and very shiny. Its lack of dark markings distinguish this lizard from the similar-looking Great Plains Skink (Plestiodon Obsoletus).

BEHAVIOR: Active during the day. Most activity occurs under surface cover or on moist overcast days, except on game days when it endures the stadium lights. This secretive ground-dweller shelters under logs, rocks, leaf litter, dying goblins, and other surface debris. When spotted it can be quite difficult to capture as it quickly slides and zigzags through the rocks and surface debris. It is capable of casting off (and regenerating) the tail. Pursuers and tacklers often end up with nothing but a wiggling tail.

DIET: The Gilbert's Skink feeds on a variety of insects and spiders.