Ground Skink

Scincella lateralis

When this lizard closes its eyes, it can still see because it has a transparent window in its lower eyelid. This protects the eye while the lizard is burrowing in the ground. This is one of the only North American skinks in which the females do not remain with the eggs until they hatch. A female Ground Skink may lay eggs as many as five times each year during spring and summer.

Look For : A small, short-legged, tan to reddish-brown skink with a dark stripe on each side from nose to tail.

Length : 3-5 1/2".

Habitat : Woodlands, rocky hillsides, fields, gardens, trash heaps.

Range : New Jersey to Nebraska, south to Texas and Florida.