Scientific Name: Eumeces anthracinus
Size: 5-7 inches (13-18 cm) in length
PA Status: Species of special concern

Habitat Type:
Open habitat with rock or log cover, highway right-of-ways, Powerline clear-cuts.

Colorations:

• Coloration can vary with sex and age.
• The dorsal has a broad light tan to olive brown stripe that extends from the top of the head to the dorsal surface of the tail.
• The dorsal stripe is bordered on both sides by a white to yellow line that extends from the posterior margin of the eye to the anterior region of the tail. A series of black dots may occur along the medial sides of these lines.
• A second pair of lines runs along the ventral lateral margins of the body that extend from the posterior margins of the ear to the anterior portion of the tail.
• A broad bark brown to black stripe occupied the space between the dorsal and ventral lateral lines. These stripes extend from the head and onto the tail.
• The ventral color from the chin to the tip of the tail is blueish grey to grey.
• The limbs are similar in color to the dorsal stripe.
• Neonates have a more intense color with black limbs and a cobalt blue tail. The blue is lost once they mature.
• Males will have a orange-red color on the sides of the head during mating season.
• Melanistic individuals have been recorded.

Characteristics:

• Medium-sized species.
• Postmental scale is undivided.
• The scales are smooth and have a polished, glossy look.
• 6-7 supralabials.

Confused with:

• Five-lined Skink
• Broadhead Skink

Coloration/Pattern Photos:
Adults



Juveniles

Range Map:

References:

• Hulse, C. and McCoy C. J. and Ellen Censky ,1998. Amphibians and Reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast. 248-251pp.

Photo Credits:

• Tom Diez
• Billy Brown
• Nicholas Sly