Range
Most of central and southern California, southern Nevada, west central Arizona, and northern Baja Peninsula.
Habitats
Occupies a wide variety of habitats within its range, including open woodlands, chaparral, grasslands, salt flats, and high desert. It prefers open rocky areas in the vicinity of permanent water sources.
Identification
A medium-sized skink reaching 3-4.5 inches in snout to vent length. It has smooth shiny scales and a long, heavy body. Juveniles start out with a dark body adorned with 4 longitudinal light stripes from the tip of the snout to the base of the tail. Their tail and legs are unmarked and pinkish orange. With age, the stripes fade away and the colors change to a solid greyish tan body and tail, with solid orange on the head and neck.
Learn more with Schechter Natural History's Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians