Range
Usually found in Egypt and southern Africa, they can be found in only two parts of America: Florida and Los Angeles – California as an invasive species.
Habitats
They found in rocky or grassy terrains. Most use trees to make their homes and nests but can also used improvised man-made structure for the same purpose. The five-lined skink is mostly insectivorous and may feed on millipedes, grasshoppers, termites but also can be found eating invertebrates like snails and vertebrates such as frogs and baby mice. The female lays 6 - 10 eggs in summer. The young hatch after 61 - 62 days. It is possible that 2 clutches are laid per season, particularly in the northern populations.
Identification
The average size is a length of about 8 inches. It has a basic olive-brown color or sometimes dark brown. Can appear with whitish spots and brown stripes that run from its head to the blue tail. Colors vary depending on age and gender factors. It has glossy scales, with metallic reflections. On the head is a pointed snout and at the sides are ear holes with black spots behind them. The legs are strong and dark brown and the under belly is white.
Learn more with Schechter Natural History's Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians