Five-Lined Skink
While staying at Bennet Springs State Park in Missouri, I encountered several young Five-Lined Skinks. I never suspected that Missouri would have such a diverse collection of lizards since it is such a temperate climate, but I learned that there are thirteen (13) species of lizards living in Missouri. Among those is the Western Slender Glass Lizard which sports no legs (it is a lizard because, unlike snakes, it has an outer ear opening and has eyelids).
The Five-Lined Skink is beautiful as a juvenile. At that age, they sport a brilliant blue tail. I photographed four different skinks hovering near our campsite. Because of their blue tails, they were easy to spot when basking on trees in early morning sunlight.
More Missouri Lizard Information:
- Related Topics

Photo of the Five-Lined Skink, a blue-tailed lizard in Missouri, United States. The lizard was basking in morning sunlight.

Photo of the Five-Lined Skink, a blue-tailed lizard in Missouri, United States. The lizard was basking in morning sunlight.

Photo of the Five-Lined Skink, a blue-tailed lizard in Missouri, United States. The lizard was basking in morning sunlight.
Jamie Nichols
May 4, 2008
Reply