About Plestiodon tetragrammus Baird, 1859
Subspecies Identification Basis
Plestiodon tetragrammus (the four-lined skink) has two subspecies that can be told apart by their coloration and stripe patterns.
Long-lined Subspecies Coloration
The long-lined subspecies ranges from gray to light brown, and has light stripes that run from the eyes past the forelegs.
Short-lined Subspecies Coloration
The short-lined subspecies is darker overall, and its stripes end before the forelegs.
Juvenile Tail Coloration
Like juveniles of many other Plestiodon species, juveniles of both subspecies of Plestiodon tetragrammus have a blue tail; this blue color fades as the individual ages.
Adult Size
Adult Plestiodon tetragrammus reach a maximum snout-vent length of approximately 7.5 cm (3 inches), and a maximum total length of about 18 cm (7.1 inches).
Species Distribution
Plestiodon tetragrammus is found in northern Mexico, along the Mexican Gulf coast, and in western and central Texas.
General Habitat
Both subspecies live in lightly wooded areas.
Subspecies Habitat Differences
The short-lined skink prefers rocky habitats, while the long-lined skink can also be found in grasslands.
Reproduction
Each year, female Plestiodon tetragrammus lay a single clutch of 5 to 12 eggs, which the female broods.
Breeding Season Male Traits
During the breeding season, males develop colored head pigmentation: orange for the short-lined skink, and red for the long-lined skink.
