Species Reptiles & AmphibiansWestern 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.

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Recent Western Skink sightings near you

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

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