Scientific Name: Eumeces anthracinus
Size: 5-7 inches (13-18 cm) in length
PA Status: Abundant

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

Colorations:

• The dorsal background is black with five longitudinal stripes.
• The vertebral strip is yellow or white and extends the length of the body and halfway down the tail. At the posterior margin of the head the vertebral stripe divides in two, and run along the top of the head and then connects again at the snout.
• The dorsal lateral strips are yellowish white and start at the supracilliary scales just above the eyes and extends to the middle of the tail
• The ventral lateral stripes are white and extend from the anterior supralabials to the middle of the tail.
• The distal half of the tail is brown.
• The ventral surface of the chin and throat are beige and the rest of the ventral is bluish grey.
• Neonates and juveniles are an intense black with a bright cobalt blue tail. The body color fades and the blue is lost once they mature.
• Older females become brown in color and the longitudinal stripes become less distinct.
• Older males become brownish tan in color and the longituninal stripes disappear.
• During breeding season the head of the male becomes bright orange-red.

Characteristics:

• Medium-sized species.
• Postmental scale is divided.
• The scales are smooth and have a polished, glossy look.
• 4 supralabials before the subocular scale.

Confused with:

• Coal 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. 256-259pp.

Photo Credits:

• Tom Diez
• Bob Hamilton
• Brandon Curtis