Mountain skink
A species of Skinks Scientific name : Plestiodon callicephalus Genus : Skinks
Mountain skink, A species of Skinks
Scientific name: Plestiodon callicephalus
Genus: Skinks
Content
Description General Info
Photo By rbrausse , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
Plestiodon callicephalus, commonly known as the mountain skink, is a species of lizard, a medium-sized member of the Plestiodon skinks, endemic to North America.
General Info
Lifespan
5-8 years
Diet
The primary food of mountain skink is small invertebrates which it actively hunts for. The lizard species specializes in consuming insects such as spiders, beetles, and centipedes, demonstrating particular predilection for arachnids.
Appearance
Mountain skink is a medium-sized reptile with a slender, elongated body covered in smooth, overlapping scales. Its vibrant coloration features a black body topped with a mosaic of bright red-orange spots. The underbelly is muted blue-gray. The creature lacks distinct features such as wings or horns. Males can be distinguished from females by their broader heads and larger red patches.
Behavior
Mountain skink is a solitary lizard known for day-time foraging in leaf litter and on tree trunks, exhibiting a preference for insects and spiders. It uses distinctive colorations for camouflage in its forest habitat. Males exhibit territorial behavior during breeding season, defending their areas from rivals through physical displays and combat.
Population
Stable
Photo By rbrausse , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Skinks Genus
Skinks Species
Mountain skink