The Western Skink has a shiny appearance due to its smooth, glossy, rounded scales. It is brown with golden-yellow or cream stripes extending from its nose to its tail. Younger individuals have brilliant blue tails that become dull as they age.

Western Skinks readily autotomize (lose) their tails and the bright blue coloration found on juveniles may add to the wriggling tail’s distraction as the reptile makes an escape. They aren’t very large lizards, typically being 5 to 6 inches in total length.

Females exhibit parental care for their eggs. The skink will stay with the eggs, protecting them against predators, repairing the nest and possibly providing additional heat by basking and then returning to the nest.

They avoid can be found in a variety of habitats, including dry oak woodlands, on mountains with southern rock outcroppings and open grasslands where there is ample cover like rocks and logs.

Western Skinks can eat a wide variety of foods, including crickets, beetles, flies, grasshoppers, spiders and earthworms.

It is always a joy to come across one of these small wonders; and I frequently do when visiting the Golden State.

Third Eye Herp
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