Great plains skink
A species of Skinks Scientific name : Plestiodon obsoletus Genus : Skinks
Great plains skink, A species of Skinks
Scientific name: Plestiodon obsoletus
Genus: Skinks
Content
Description General Info
Photo By jacobogre , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The Great Plains skink (Plestiodon obsoletus) is a species of lizard endemic to North America.
General Info
Lifespan
6-8 years
Diet
Great plains skink is an insectivorous species, with ants, termites, and beetles being its primary food. Highly versatile, it also feasts on other smaller invertebrates and occasional soft fruits to supplement its diet.
Appearance
Great plains skink is a fairly large skink with a cylindrical, elongated body and rough, scaly skin. Predominantly a dull-blue color, it also features a lighter, almost grey-blue underbelly. Its most distinctive feature is its bright blue tail, which contrasts sharply with the rest of its body coloration. There are minimal differences in appearance between genders and age groups.
Behavior
Great plains skink is known for its noticeably crimped, slightly coiling behavior while at rest. It is primarily nocturnal, often foraging for insects after dusk. It displays solitary tendencies and is largely territorial. Great plains skink marks its territory by leaving scent trails through its fecal plug. This reptile possesses an adept ability to burrow underground for hibernation during colder months, a survival behavior for its natural habitat.
Population
Stable
Photo By jacobogre , used under CC-BY-SA-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Skinks Genus
Skinks Species
Great plains skink