Plestiodon multivirgatus Hallowell, 1857

Common Name and General Size Classification

Plestiodon multivirgatus, commonly known as the many-lined skink, is a medium-sized skink. It reaches a maximum snout-to-vent length (SVL) of about 7.5 cm (3.0 in) and a total length of roughly 19 cm (7.5 in).

Base Body Coloration

Its body is colored olive to brown.

Subspecific Pattern Variation

The nominate subspecies P. m. multivirgatus has black stripes along its body and tail, while P. m. epipleurotus has two white stripes with black borders.

Nominate Subspecies Range

For the nominate subspecies P. m. multivirgatus, its geographic range in the north covers southern South Dakota, Nebraska, and Wyoming, extending south to the Arkansas River in Colorado.

Nominate Subspecies Habitat

This subspecies prefers sandy soil and lives in habitats below 1,675 m (5,495 ft) in elevation.

P. m. epipleurotus Range

P. m. epipleurotus occurs from southeastern Utah and southern Colorado through Arizona, New Mexico, and western Texas.

P. m. epipleurotus Habitat

It inhabits rocky habitats at elevations up to 2,600 m (8,500 ft).

Reproduction

Plestiodon multivirgatus is oviparous, and females deposit their eggs under rocks.