Descriptive
Information
- Field
marks: Slender, long, and
cylindrical. Scales are very smooth giving a sleek look. Legs and
phalanges very thin. Adult is brownish with 4-5 thin, yellow stripes.
Median narrow stripe is a pale yellow. Breeding male has a red face
and throat. Young is darker with the golden stripes turning into
a dark bright blue.
- Size:
Approximate 5 inches long from nose to tail but can grow up to 7Ó
- General
habitat: Woods, grassy areas,
barrier islands
- Geographic
range: All Florida including
Dry Tortugas
- Field
Observations: Found resting on 9Õ
Mahogany stump, in between decaying bark scales and trunk, sunning
itself. Skittish, and was scared away numerous times when picture
was trying to be taken, however, it returned to the same spot/perch
repeatedly. All field marks initially observed, especially dark
earmarks. When it was moving, it was quick, and sleek, note that
it was very serpentine in its movements. After returning to perch,
sticks out its tongue 1-2 times every ten seconds. This is to sense
chemical and temperature changes in its immediate environment (so
it was making sure that it was sage!). Respiration through its nostrils
was approx. 34 times in a minute, however, it was very punctuated,
with no apparent pattern. It was observed next to brown anole, and
was much more tame.
- Other
information: Skinks are very poisonous if ingested by
household pets.
- References:
National Audubon Society: Field Guide to Florida. Peter Alden, Rich
Cech, Gil Nelson. Chanticleer Press, Inc: Alfred A. Knopf, New York.
1998
- Video
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