Gilbert's Skink (Plestiodon gilberti) is a heavy-bodied medium-sized lizard of the family of skinks living in the south-western United States. Plestiodon gilberti was first described by Van Denburgh in 1896. It was named in honor of Van Denburgh's teacher, Dr. Charles H. Gilbert. Gilbert's Skink occurs in habitat ranging from sea level to elevations of about 2200 m (7300 ft). Found in a wide variety of habitats, this lizard is commonest in early successional stages or open areas within habitats in which it occurs, which ranges from grassland to open chaparral or open pine forests. Heavy brush and densely forested areas are generally avoided.
Ten Facts about Gilbert's Skink
- It's size is 7 1/8-12 7/8" (18.1-32.6 cm).
- Adults: Coloration plain brownish or olive above with some small dark spotting, but virtually no stripes. Tail becomes brick red with age. Underside of the jaw and neck may be red.
- Juveniles: Coloration is dark with a pair of narrow light longitudinal stripes on the sides and a broad tan stripe down the middle of the back. Tail pink or blue. As the animal matures, the tail becomes reddish.
- Open grassy areas, especially where rocks provide ready retreats. Also found in sunny woodlands and around streams and springs.
- Gilbert's Skink occurs mainly in California. It is found in the northern San Joaquin Valley, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada from Butte County southward.
- It is a good burrower and often constructs its own shelter by burrowing under surface objects such as rocks or rotting logs.
- Clutch of 5-9 eggs is laid in midsummer in burrows or rotting logs.
- Predators of these lizards are Fox, Hawks, Snakes e.t.c.
- The life span is about 8-10 years.
- They are little harmful to humans.
