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Southeastern Five-lined Skink

Eumeces inexpectatus

Photo by Musicwolf
Published on Project Noah
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34.4877, -79.1958

Field Notes

Description:

Breeding male, much smaller (about 6") than other Broadhead Skinks that I've seen in this area, leading me to conclude that this is the Southeastern Five-lined Skink. It could also be a Common Five-lined skink, but there is no way to be sure without examination of the underside of the tail.

Habitat:

Back porch - surrounded by mixed forest.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (6)
Musicwolf
Ugh . . . lol - - you are quite right.
AshleyT
Breeding males of all 3 species don't have blue on the tail :) Skinks aren't very much fun to ID, especially when you're in range for all 3 of them haha
Musicwolf
Just the lack of blue on the tail. There are plenty of E. fasciatus in the area, so I guess I can't definitively rule it out.
AshleyT
The fact that it's smaller and is in breeding condition is a good indication it isn't a broadhead skink, but curious how you ruled out E. fasciatus?
Musicwolf
Thanks Ashley, I updated the description. I was thinking female just because it wasn't as big as the male Broadheads I've seen, and thought they could have red as well. I didn't get to study this guy much at all, so I didn't get any good tail shots to examine either.
AshleyT
You can't tell the difference in photos, you have to examine the scales on the under side of the tail. And this isn't a female, it is a breeding male. The red chin is a dead give away to that.

Spotted for Missions

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Reptiles of the World
Mission
Animals of North Carolina
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National Geographic's Great Nature Project
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Wildlife of Robeson County, NC

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Photographed
PublishedMay 11, 2014

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