Coal Skink Plestiodon anthracinus
Identification
This skink has a dark body with two light stripes on each side. Its coloration is more subdued than other skinks.
Location
Rare in Ohio
Size
5 to 7 inches
Diet
It feeds on insects spiders and small invertebrates.
Habitat
It occurs in moist forests and rocky slopes.
Activity Period
April to September
Behavior
It is secretive and often found under rocks and logs near streams. It is most active in warm months.
Lifecycle
Breeding occurs in spring and females guard their eggs.
Population
The population is small and localized.
History
It has always been rare in Ohio.
Human Interactions
It is harmless and seldom seen.
Facts
It is one of the least observed skinks in Ohio.
Sources
ODNR NatureServe
Insects spiders small invertebrates | Moist forests rocky slopes streamsides | Southern and eastern Ohio