NATURAL HISTORY OF THE GROUND SKINK (Scincella lateralis)

Today we will be discussing the natural history of the Ground Skink (Scincella lateralis), also known as the "Little Brown Skink". I came upon the one featured in the pictures below during our class field trip out to CawCaw Nature Center. It was scurrying on the bottom of the forest floor, caught it in the corner of my eye as it weaved through the fallen pine needles, and quietly approached to eventually catch it. The key features that were used to identify it were its brownish/coppery color with dark dorsolateral stripes. Its belly was documented as a faded or pale yellow and its head was blunt, important for their fossorial habits.

Photo by Madison Cantrell

In sexing the skink, it was rather difficult. Initial observations were that the body was quite short when comparing it to other skinks, but its head was very boxy. Thus, according to Shanell Piercy with AnimalDiversity.org, these characteristics point toward being female. The skink was determined to be an adult, due to juveniles possessing black spots on their bellies, which this one lacked.  Although it may be noted that the tail is quite short, therefore it may have either dropped in the past or is a younger adult. Once observations were complete and the skink was released, it scurried off quickly and buried itself into the pine straw underbrush. The Ground Skink (Scincella lateralis) is such a beautiful creature, especially when the golden brown tones glisten in the sunlight. Thoroughly grateful to be able to spot, catch, observe, and release one. 

Photo by Madison Cantrell

Sources:

1. Peterson Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central North America, Fourth Edition

2. https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Scincella_lateralis/