Mountain Skink

Range

Extreme southeastern Arizona and southwestern New Mexico, stretching down through the mountains of western Mexico.

Habitats

Occupies a wide variety of habitats within its narrow range. Despite its name, it is not restricted to mountain habitats. It prefers woodlands, grasslands, riparian corridors, and rocky canyons with abundant moist leaf litter, and can often be found under rocks or logs.

Identification

A mid-sized skink reaching about 3 inches in snout to vent length. It is distinguished by its blue tail which is retained into adulthood, whereas most other skinks lose the blue coloration with age. It also has a unique pair of light lines on the top of its head which come together on the neck, forming an elongated "Y" shape. It has a wide black lateral stripe down each side, bordered anteriorly by light lines. Its back is tan to brown. It has relatively robust legs for a skink, and the typical smooth, shiny scales and pointed face.

Learn more with Schechter Natural History's Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians