GREAT PLAINS SKINK

DESCRIPTION: A large, shiny lizard with a long, thick tail (when not regenerated), a stout body, and short limbs. Base coloration is tan. A dark crescent marks the back edge of each scale creating a net like pattern over the body, limbs, and tail. The limbs and tail are tinted with yellow or yellow-orange. Orange or salmon spots mark the lower sides of the body. The back is tinted with pink or mauve. The underside is plain and cream colored. The scales of this lizard are large, rounded, smooth, and very shiny. Its dark crescent-shaped markings distinguish it from the similar looking Gilbert's Skink (Plestiodon Gilberti).

BEHAVIOR: Primarily diurnal but occasionally active on warm nights in southern Arizona, especially if it has a match to play. This ground-dweller is usually only surface active in well shaded areas, on mild mornings, or on moist overcast days. It shelters in burrows or in moist areas under logs, rocks, leaf litter, or other surface debris, such as spare limbs. 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. When captured it does not hesitate to bite.

DIET: The Great Plains Skink eats a variety of insects including grasshoppers, caterpillars, crickets, roaches, and beetles. It also feeds on spiders, snails, and small lizards from opposing teams.