Common Five Lined Skink Plestiodon fasciatus

Identification
This species has five stripes and a blue tailed juvenile stage. Adults may become more uniformly colored.

Location
Common statewide

Size
5 to 8 inches

Diet
It feeds on insects spiders and small invertebrates.

Habitat
It occurs in forests and rocky habitats statewide.

Activity Period
April to September

Behavior
It is agile and frequently climbs logs and rocks. It is most active in warm weather.

Lifecycle
Breeding occurs in spring and females guard their eggs.

Population
The population is stable statewide.

History
It has long been common in Ohio.

Human Interactions
It is harmless and quick to flee.

Facts
It is often confused with the Broad Headed Skink.

Sources
ODNR academic sources

Insects spiders small invertebrates | Forests woodlands rocky areas | Statewide