BROAD-HEADED SKINK
Plestiodon laticeps
DESCRIPTION
Broad-headed Skink (Plestiodon laticeps) is a large, robust lizard known for its distinctive broad head and vibrant coloration, which can range from olive to brown with lighter stripes. This species is primarily terrestrial and is often found basking on rocks or logs in its natural habitat. They are known for their agility and can quickly escape predators by darting into crevices or burrows.
FUN FACTS
- Broad-headed Skinks are known for their impressive ability to change color slightly based on their environment, which helps them blend in and avoid predators
- | These skinks are also quite social during the breeding season, with males often engaging in displays of dominance to attract females
QUICK INFO
Lifespan5-10 years in the wild, up to 15 years in captivit
Average Length7-10 inches
Diet TypeInsectivore
Social Structuresolitary, with males often displaying territorial behavior
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonSpring (April-June)
- Habitat
- These skinks prefer wooded areas, particularly in moist environments where they can find ample cover and basking spots. They are often found in leaf litter, under logs, or among rocks.
- Biomes
- Temperate Forest, Deciduous Forest
- Native Range
- The Broad-headed Skink is native to the southeastern United States, particularly in regions from North Carolina to Louisiana.
- Continent
- North America
- Countries
- United States
- Diet
- Broad-headed Skinks are primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of insects and other small invertebrates. They may also consume small vertebrates on occasion.
- Diet Type
- Insectivore
- Favorite Food
- insects, small invertebrates
- Social Structure
- solitary, with males often displaying territorial behavior
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 1-2
- Territorial
- 1
VU
LC
7-10 inches
Length
- Coloration
- Typically olive or brown with lighter stripes and a broad head
- Sexual Dimorphism
- Males tend to have larger heads and more vibrant coloration compared to females.
- Lifespan
- 5-10 years in the wild, up to 15 years in captivit
- Offspring per Birth
- 3-10
- Sexual Maturity
- 2-3 years
- Breeding Season
- Spring (April-June)
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population is currently stable, but habitat loss poses a potential threat.
- Wild Population Estimate
- unknown
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat destruction due to urban development and logging. Additionally, they may be affected by pesticide use, which can reduce their food sources.
- Predators
- Birds of prey, snakes, and larger mammals are known to prey on Broad-headed Skinks.
- Defense Mechanisms
- They can drop their tails to escape predators, which can later regenerate.
- Found in Zoos
- Uncommon