Species › Reptiles & Amphibians › Western Skink

Western Skink

Plestiodon skiltonianus

CommonReptile & Amphibian
Illustration of Western Skink (Plestiodon skiltonianus)

The Western Skink is a secretive, smooth-scaled lizard of western North America. Like other skinks, juveniles have brilliant blue tails. It shelters under rocks, logs, and debris.

Habitat
Grasslands, chaparral, and open woodlands
Diet
Insects, spiders, and small invertebrates
How common
Common

Best time to see a Western Skink

The best time to see a Western Skink is February–May, when about 61% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 10,373 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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

Recent Western Skink sightings near you

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

Spotted a Western Skink?

Point Huck at any plant, bird, or animal and know for sure - plus a live map of where it is being spotted near you.

Get Huck - free
5,300+species
63national parks
50states

More reptiles & amphibians

Western Slimy Salamander
Western Slimy Salamander
Plethodon albagula
Western Spadefoot
Western Spadefoot
Spea hammondii
Western Spiny-tailed Iguana
Western Spiny-tailed Iguana
Ctenosaura pectinata
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake
Western Terrestrial Garter Snake
Thamnophis elegans
Western Threadsnake
Western Threadsnake
Rena humilis
Western Tiger Salamander
Western Tiger Salamander
Ambystoma mavortium
Western Toad
Western Toad
Anaxyrus boreas
Western Whiptail
Western Whiptail
Aspidoscelis tigris