Four-lined Skink
Plestiodon tetragrammus
A mid-sized skink that grows to a length of 5-7 inches. It has relatively long but slender legs, and a long thick tail. It is named for the 4 longitudinal lines down its…
How to identify
A mid-sized skink that grows to a length of 5-7 inches. It has relatively long but slender legs, and a long thick tail. It is named for the 4 longitudinal lines down its body; 2 on each side. The dorsal lines start behind each eye and the ventral lines start behind each ear. Between the pairs of lines, the scales are usually darker than the scales on the back. In one subspecies, the patterning fades past the shoulder region and the rest of the body is often solid grey-brown with minimal pattern. In the other subspecies, the pattern continues down the sides to the hind legs. Juveniles have bright blue tails that fade to brown or grey with age.
Range
Ranges through central, western, and southern Texas across the border into northwest Mexico.
Habitat
These skinks prefer sparsely wooded habitats or grasslands with lots of rocky areas. They like to hide in leaf litter.
Variations
Breeding males develop an orange or red coloration on their face and throat.
Similar species
This species shares numerous similarities with other lined skinks, including the mountain skink (*Plestiodon callicephalus*), western skink (*Plestiodon skiltonianus*), southeastern five-lined skink (*Plestiodon inexpectatus*), and prairie skink (*Plestiodon septentrionalis*).
Name and etymology
Tetragrammus: Greek for four (tetra) lines (gramme), referencing its yellow side stripes.
More illustrations
Short-lined Skink
Juvenile
At a glance
Range
Ranges through central, western, and southern Texas across the border into northwest Mexico.
Habitat
These skinks prefer sparsely wooded habitats or grasslands with lots of rocky areas. They like to hide in leaf litter.
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap