The Coal Skink (Plestiodon anthracinus) is a North-American lizard that grows to 13 to 18 cm (5 - 7 inches) in length with a maximum snout to vent length of 7 cm (2.75 inches). It is a four-lined skink whose light stripes extend onto the tail. The broad dark lateral stripe is 4 - 4.5 scales wide and there are no light lines on top of the head. The dorsolateral light stripe is on the edges of the 3rd and 4th scale rows, counting from midline of back. One postmental scale is present.
Ten Facts about Coal Skink
- This species is known from a single locality in Pickens County, South Carolina; thus, destruction of habitat could eliminate the lizard in the state.
- The Coal Skink has a patchy, discontinuous range. It is found in central New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Kentucky, northeastern Georgia and adjacent North and South Carolina, the Florida panhandle, Alabama, Arkansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Kansas, and eastern Texas.
- Mating occurs in the spring, with egg deposition in late spring or summer. The female attends the nest until hatching.
- The diet of the Coal Skink consists of small invertebrates, primarily insects and spiders.
- Laying a clutch of 8 or 9 eggs.
- The young hatch after four to five weeks and are about 5 cm (2 in) long.
- Life span is short for vc's from 5-8 years.
- There are 26 or more rows of scales around the middle of the body.
- They will not hesitate to take refuge in shallow water, going to the bottom and hiding under stones or debris.
- Skinks, particularly young with blue tails, are often called "scorpions.
