Broad-headed Skink

Eumeces laticeps

This is the only North American skink that is frequently found climbing trees (most skinks are strict ground-dwellers). This lizard sometimes attacks wasp nests; apparently the stings of the wasps cannot penetrate its close fitting scales. The picture shows an adult male with the orange facial colors that are found on adult male skinks of many species.

Look For : A tree-climbing skink very similar to the Five-lined but larger. Stripes and blue tail fade with age, and male develops orange head with swollen cheeks.

Length : 6 1/2-12".

Habitat : Forests with logs, stumps, and tree holes.

Range : Pennsylvania to Kansas, south to Texas and Florida.