While herping in a Missouri glade last October, I came across a “lifer” lizard. The Southern Coal Skink is secretive and few people know about it. This lizard is small, shiny and brownish-tan with broad, dark stripes down its sides.
This reptile occurs in forests near streams, rivers or sloughs. It is also found in rocky, open glades and seems to prefer open, damp, rock-strewn woods where it takes shelter under logs, leaf litter and rocks.
Southern Coal Skinks eat various arthropods including termites, ant larvae, beetles, crickets and earthworms. Young skinks typically have blue tails (which change color as the lizard ages) and are often called “scorpions,” because they are thought to have a venomous sting. This myth is false (although a large skink can deliver a powerful nip).
Skinks are among many lizards that easily shed their tails and regrow new ones. This self-amputation is called autotomy. Scientists studying the molecular and cellular workings of tail regeneration in lizards may one day help humans overcome spinal cord injuries.
The Southern Coal Skink was a super-cool find while on my autumn adventure.