The Western Skink

The western skink, Plestiodon skiltonianus, is a fossorial species. They spend most of their time under bark, logs, and other objects but primarily rocks where they have extensive tunnels. They’re typically active dawn to dusk and forage for spiders and slow moving insects. Parental care in lizards is rare however the females of this species do guard their eggs till they hatch.

Juvenile western skinks have a blue tail that gradually fades as they age. It is hypothesized that the blue tail is a form of antipredation. The blue would entice the predator to attack the tail instead of the head.

When attacked the lizard can drop its tail and hopefully escape with its life.

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