Identified with the help of Dennis Ferraro, a herpetologist at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. This skink reaches close to 9 inches long as an adult. It’s distinguishing feature is the thin white line within the broad black band running along the sides of its body. The head is unmarked. The male has orange coloration on his throat.
This species has been rarely seen at either of our locations. Its abundance is unknown, but a local herpetologist said they should be fairly common. They like grassy areas, and they hibernate, starting in September until April. They lay about 10 eggs in June. One was photographed on a large tree trunk in Fontenelle Forest’s wetlands; the other along the Railroad Tracks near Childs Hollow. More recent photos (2016 and 2018) have been taken in the restored butterfly garden in the wetlands.
The content of NatureSearch is provided by dedicated volunteer Naturalists of Fontenelle Forest who strive to provide the most accurate information available. Contributors of the images retain their copyrights. The point of contact for this page is: Loren Padelford.