Virginia Native Herp Trivia For May 1-May 6

What native species of lizard is this?
Bonus question: how do you differentiate this species from another similar species that also lives in Virginia?

I believe it a broad- head skink. The bonus I don't know. The one around here tend to have a redder head. And I've cought a few and been bit by them, they have a good bit.

That would be a Common Five-lined Skink- Plestiodon fasciatus


Bonus question: how do you differentiate this species from another similar species that also lives in Virginia?

Answer: The Common Five-lined Skink- Plestiodon fasciatus has four upper labial scales where the Broad headed Skink- Plestiodon laticeps has five upper labial scales.

Rats, I got it backwards again?

This is a slightly better photo of the same animal pictured above.

And therefore... a broad head skink. BTW Larry, these little trivia things are awesome!

MADKATTER wrote:

And therefore... a broad head skink. BTW Larry, these little trivia things are awesome!

So yes. This is in fact a Broad Headed skink: Plastiodon laticeps. The Broad heads have 5 upper labial scales as opposed to the 5-lined skinks, which have only 4.