Skinks at the Dismal Swamp!
Five Lined Skink
Recently visitors and staff have seen numerous sightings of lizards at the Dismal Swamp Welcome Center. At least three different lizards were spotted on a morning walk through the Nature Trail. The size and coloring of these reptiles peeked staff interests and the idea for a new blog!
Broadhead and Five lined Skinks are some of the largest lizards in the Southeast Region. These large lizards have short legs and a sleek body. The body is usually gray, brown, or black with five white or yellowish stripes (two on each side and one down the center of the back). Adult skinks often fade to gray or brown and mature males develop enlarged orange heads.
Broadhead Skink
The wooded areas and trails of the Dismal Swamp provide the perfect home for this lizard species. Skinks can be found throughout the Southeastern United States, but are most common in the Coastal Plains. Adult males tend to be more tree dwellers and can often be seen sunning on exposed branches. Younger skinks prefer fallen trees or hidden locations under bark and debris. When pursued, broadhead skinks generally run for the nearest tree or log for protection. Skinks, like many other lizards, will break off their tails when restrained, distracting the predator and allowing them to escape. Skinks prey on insects, spiders and other invertebrates. Adult skinks, larger in size, will occasionally prey on small lizards or mammals with their more powerful jaws.
Female skinks lay up to 22 eggs in moist soil or rotten wood during summer months and tend to the eggs until hatched. Young, blue tailed skinks are often referred to as “scorpions” and falsely believed to have a venomous sting.
Broadhead Skink
Images featured are of skinks found along the Dismal Swamp Canal Nature Trail, May 2018.
Source: