Little Brown Skink

Range

Large range throughout the southeastern United States, from central Texas to the Atlantic coast, with northern borders from northeast Kansas to central New Jersey.

Habitats

Like most skinks, this species likes to slither through ground debris and leaf litter. It can be found in forests, hedgerows, and riparian areas.

Identification

A very small skink that resembles a salamander in size and shape. It only reaches 3-5.5 inches in total length and has a small head with a short pointed snout. Its legs are moderately long for a skink, but they are scrawny. It has 2 distinct dark lateral lines running from the tip of the snout, through the eyes, down the body, and part of the tail. The wide dorsal stripe between the lines is typically some shade of brown with dark speckles, while the sides of the body below the lines is greyish. Its ventrum is pale and unmarked.

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