Plestiodon septentrionalis Baird, 1858

Species Identification and Size

The prairie skink (scientific name Plestiodon septentrionalis Baird, 1858) is a small lizard that grows to a total combined body and tail length of approximately 13 to 22 cm (5 to nearly 9 inches).

Adult Coloration

Adult prairie skinks have brown or tan dorsal coloration, darker sides, and multiple thin lighter stripes running along their back and sides.

Juvenile Coloration

Juveniles have bright blue tails, and this blue color fades as the lizards reach maturity.

General Habitat

Prairie skinks inhabit sandy areas or open grasslands with loose soil.

Habitat Preferences

They prefer sites that include some rocks for shelter and sun basking, and are located close to water sources.

Subspecies Range Overview

The two recognized subspecies of Plestiodon septentrionalis have separated, non-overlapping ranges.

Northern Subspecies Core Range

The northern subspecies ranges from eastern North Dakota and Minnesota southward to central Kansas.

Northern Subspecies Isolated Population

A small isolated population of the northern subspecies lives in southwestern Manitoba, Canada; this population is the only lizard found in Manitoba, and the species is one of only seven lizard species that occur in Canada, where the northern prairie skink is a protected taxon.

Southern Subspecies Range

The southern subspecies is found in Oklahoma and Texas.

Hibernation Period

Prairie skinks hibernate from around September to late April each year.

Breeding Season Male Traits

When they emerge in spring, males develop bright orange coloration on their jaws and throat to mark the start of the breeding season.

Reproduction: Gestation and Egg Laying

After a gestation period of roughly 40 days, females lay between eight and ten eggs.

Hatching Details

The eggs hatch in August, and hatchlings measure approximately 5 cm (2.0 inches) long.

Sexual Maturity

Prairie skinks reach sexual maturity in their third year of life.