Five Lined Skink Plestiodon fasciatus

Identification
This lizard has five light stripes on a dark body and juveniles have bright blue tails. Adults may lose the striping.

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 across Ohio.

Activity Period
April to September

Behavior
It is agile and often climbs logs and rocks. Males develop orange coloration on the head during breeding season. It is most active in warm sunny weather.

Lifecycle
Breeding occurs in spring and females guard their eggs.

Population
The population is stable statewide.

History
It has long been widespread in Ohio.

Human Interactions
It is harmless and quick to flee.

Facts
It is one of the most frequently observed lizards in Ohio.

Sources
ODNR academic sources

Insects spiders small invertebrates | Forests woodlands rocky areas | Statewide