Mole Skink
Plestiodon egregius
A small, slender skink reaching 3.5-6 inches in total length. It has smooth, glossy scales and skinny legs set far apart. Its tail is slightly longer than its cylindrical…
How to identify
A small, slender skink reaching 3.5-6 inches in total length. It has smooth, glossy scales and skinny legs set far apart. Its tail is slightly longer than its cylindrical body, and colored blue on juveniles and pinkish orange on adults. Its head and body are medium to dark greyish brown. Its ventrum is pale and unmarked.
Range
Ranges throughout most of Florida, southern Georgia, and southeastern into central Alabama.
Habitat
Spends most of its time underground, slithering through sandy substrate in hot, dry habitats. It comes to the surface to hunt under leaf litter, logs, or other ground debris. It is common in coastal dune and sandy scrub regions, and found on coastal islands.
Variations
Some have single or double light lateral lines, while others lack any pattern. There are 5 subspecies.
Similar species
Most likely to be confused with the southeastern five-lined skink (*Plestiodon inexpectatus*).
Name and etymology
Egregius: Latin meaning exceptional or uncommon
More illustrations
Bluetail Mole Skink
At a glance
Range
Ranges throughout most of Florida, southern Georgia, and southeastern into central Alabama.
Habitat
Spends most of its time underground, slithering through sandy substrate in hot, dry habitats. It comes to the surface to hunt…
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap