Florida Sand Skink

Range

Narrow range down the middle of central Florida.

Habitats

This species prefers sandy substrate in Florida scrub habitats. It is often found in the moist area beneath leaf litter near associated growth of Florida rosemary and sand pine, or longleaf pine and American turkey oak.

Identification

A very small skink that only reaches 4-5 inches in length and has extremely small legs with only 1 toe on each front foot and 2 toes on each hind foot. It often folds these tiny legs into the lateral grooves on its sides, allowing it to slither through loose sand like a snake. Its tail is about the same length as its body, and it has a small torpedo-shaped head. Its body is pale tan to grey, sometimes with black flecks, and it has a black streak down each side of its face.

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