Western Skink
(Eumeces skiltonianus)
Western skinks are slender and very smooth lizards with brown bodies and light dorsal stripes running along the back and sides of the body. They often have brightly colored blue tails. Skinks occur in riparian, submontane and montane habitats. Although found in drier areas as well, they prefer rocky, well-vegetated areas by streams. This secretive species is insectivorous and diurnal, active at air temperatures of 87-93°F. They remain fossorial during dry periods. Breeding occurs from May to June, after which 2 to 6 eggs are laid. Females tend the eggs and hatching occurs from July to August.
