Western skink

Western skink
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Scincidae
Genus: Plestiodon
Species:
P. skiltonianus
Binomial name
Plestiodon skiltonianus
Baird & Girard, 1852
Synonyms[2]
  • Plestiodon skiltonianum
    Baird & Girard, 1852
  • Eumeces skiltonianus
    — Cope, 1875
  • Plestiodon skiltonianus
    — Schmitz et al., 2004

The western skink (Plestiodon skiltonianus) is a species of small, smooth-scaled lizard with relatively small limbs. It measures about 100 to 210 mm (about 4 to 8.25 inches) in total length (body + tail). It is one of seven species of lizards in Canada. They spend much of their day basking in the sun. Their diet ranges widely, including spiders and beetles. Western skinks will bite if grasped and will flee if they feel threatened. It is a common but secretive species whose range extends from southern British Columbia and throughout Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming and into western Montana and northern Arizona and Missouri. They can also live in some areas of Texas[3] It is widespread in northern California but primarily restricted to the coast in central and southern California. Found in a variety of habitats, this lizard is most common in early successional stages or open areas of late successional stages. Heavy brush and densely forested areas are generally avoided.[4] Western skinks are found from sea level to at least 2,130 m (7,000 ft).[5] This diurnal reptile is active during the warm seasons.[4]

  1. ^ Hammerson, G.A.; Hollingsworth, B. (2007). "Plestiodon skiltonianus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2007: e.T64240A12757706. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2007.RLTS.T64240A12757706.en. Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. ^ Plestiodon skiltonianus at the Reptarium.cz Reptile Database. Accessed 12 March 2017.
  3. ^ Stebbins RC (1985). A Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians, Second Edition, Revised. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. 336 pp.
  4. ^ a b Tanner, W. W. (1957). "A taxonomic and ecological study of the western skink (Eumeces skiltonianus)". Great Basin Naturalist. 17: 59–94. doi:10.5962/bhl.part.6229.
  5. ^ Zeiner DC, Laudenslayer WF Jr, Mayer KE, White M (editors) (1988). California's Wildlife. Vol. 1. Amphibians and Reptiles. Sacramento: California Department of Fish and Game. 272 pp.