Four-lined skink facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Four-lined skink |
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| Plestiodon t. tetragrammus, municipality of Aldama, Tamaulipas, Mexico | |
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Plestiodon
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tetragrammus
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The four-lined skink (Plestiodon tetragrammus) is a cool type of lizard. It lives only in North America. This skink is a medium-sized member of the Plestiodon family of skinks.
Contents
What are Four-Lined Skinks?
Scientists recognize at least two main types, or subspecies, of the four-lined skink. These are like different versions of the same animal.
Meet the Skink Subspecies
- The Long-lined skink, known as P. t. tetragrammus.
- The Short-lined skink, known as P. t. brevilineatus.
How to Spot a Four-Lined Skink
You can tell the two subspecies apart by their colors and the stripes on their bodies.
Colors and Stripes
The long-lined skink is usually gray or light brown. It has light stripes that start near its eyes and go past its front legs. The short-lined skink is darker. Its stripes are shorter and stop before its front legs.
Blue Tails on Young Skinks
Young skinks of both types have bright blue tails. This is common for many Plestiodon skinks. As they get older, this blue color fades away.
Size of Adult Skinks
Adult four-lined skinks can grow to about 7.5 centimeters (about 3 inches) long, not counting their tail. Their total length, including the tail, can be around 18 centimeters (about 7 inches).
Where Do Four-Lined Skinks Live?
Plestiodon tetragrammus lives in northern Mexico. You can also find them along the Mexican Gulf coast. In the United States, they live in western and central Texas.
Skink Homes and Habitats
Both types of four-lined skinks prefer to live in areas with some trees.
Preferred Living Areas
The short-lined skink likes rocky places. The long-lined skink can also be found in grassy areas, as well as lightly wooded spots.
Reproduction and Life Cycle
Female four-lined skinks lay eggs once a year. They take care of their eggs until they hatch.
Breeding Season Changes
A female skink usually lays about 5 to 12 eggs. During the breeding season, male skinks change color. Male short-lined skinks get orange heads. Male long-lined skinks develop red heads.
