Species Reptiles & AmphibiansBroad-headed Skink

Broad-headed Skink

Plestiodon laticeps

CommonReptile & Amphibian
Illustration of Broad-headed Skink (Plestiodon laticeps)

The Broad-headed Skink is the largest skink in eastern North America. Breeding males have enormous, bright orange-red heads. It is an agile climber often seen high in tree canopies, where it raids bird nests.

Habitat
Moist deciduous forests and forest edges with large trees
Diet
Insects, spiders, small lizards, and bird eggs
How common
Common

Best time to see a Broad-headed Skink

The best time to see a Broad-headed Skink is April–May, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 11,863 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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

Recent Broad-headed Skink sightings near you

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

Spot a Broad-headed 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 Broad-headed 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

Brown Anole
Brown Anole
Anolis sagrei
Brown Vine Snake
Brown Vine Snake
Oxybelis aeneus
Brown Watersnake
Brown Watersnake
Nerodia taxispilota
Bullsnake
Bullsnake
Pituophis catenifer sayi
Burmese Python
Burmese Python
Python bivittatus
Butler's Garter Snake
Butler's Garter Snake
Thamnophis butleri
California Kingsnake
California Kingsnake
Lampropeltis californiae
California Newt
California Newt
Taricha torosa