Species Reptiles & AmphibiansFive-lined Skink

Five-lined Skink

Plestiodon fasciatus

CommonReptile & Amphibian
Illustration of Five-lined Skink (Plestiodon fasciatus)

The Five-lined Skink is the most widespread skink in eastern North America. Juveniles have brilliant blue tails that distract predators; adults are more uniformly brown. They lose and regenerate their tails.

Habitat
Moist deciduous forests, rocky hillsides, and suburban gardens
Diet
Insects, spiders, earthworms, and small lizards
How common
Common

Best time to see a Five-lined Skink

The best time to see a Five-lined Skink is March–June, when about 64% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 36,211 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D

Recent Five-lined Skink sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Five-lined Skink? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal for an instant ID, its rarity, and a live map of where it is being seen near you.

Get Huck

Get an alert when a Five-lined Skink is spotted

Pick a park, state, or city and we’ll email you when one turns up there. One check a day, only when there’s something new.

Free. Unsubscribe from any email. See our Privacy Policy.

Love reptiles & amphibians? Get Huck field notes

Spotting tips, new species, and the best of what people are finding in the wild - straight to your inbox.

By subscribing you agree to receive Huck emails. No spam, unsubscribe anytime. See our Privacy Policy.

More reptiles & amphibians

Flathead Snake
Flathead Snake
Tantilla gracilis
Florida Cooter
Florida Cooter
Pseudemys floridana
Florida Sand Skink
Florida Sand Skink
Neoseps reynoldsi
Florida Softshell Turtle
Florida Softshell Turtle
Apalone ferox
Four-toed Salamander
Four-toed Salamander
Hemidactylium scutatum
Fowler's Toad
Fowler's Toad
Anaxyrus fowleri
Gila Monster
Gila Monster
Heloderma suspectum
Glossy Snake
Glossy Snake
Arizona elegans