Great Plains Skink

Eumeces obsoletus

This is the largest North American skink. Look for this species under rocks and other objects on the ground. Female skinks of most species are seldom encountered in early summer as they remain deep underground with their eggs until they hatch. These females do not keep the eggs warm, as birds do, but they sometimes moisten them while they develop. Once the eggs hatch, both females and blue-tailed newborns can again be found at the surface hunting for insects.

Look For : A large skink with black-edged brown scales. Scales on sides in diagonal rows. Young are black with blue tail, white spots around mouth.

Length : 6 1/2-13".

Habitat : Grasslands, woodlands; usually near rivers in dry prairies and deserts.

Range : Southern Nebraska to Arizona and southern Texas.