Western Skink
Plestiodon skiltonianus
![[Western Skink]](/images/115ds.jpg)
Description
Distribution Range
General range map taken from CWHR.
Museum records taken from following institutions: CAS-SUR, MVZ Herps.
Typical Elevation
Based on records in our database, in Shasta County the Western Skink is typically found at all elevations up to 1006m (3301ft). Maximum elevation we have a record for is 1129m (3702ft).
Taxonomy
The subspecies that occurs in our area is Skilton’s Skink (Plestiodon skiltonianus skiltonianus).
Taxonomic Etymology
Taxonomy Notes
Historically this species was classified in the genus Eumeces. Some literature may still refer to this species using that genus.
Additional Information
Images
Unless otherwise noted, all images are of wild specimens in Shasta County.
Please be kind, do not hotlink images and do not use images without permission of the copyright owner.
![[Western Skink]](/images/115sm.jpg)
![[Western Skink]](/images/114sm.jpg)
©Michael A. Peters
Notice that this skink has lost it's tail multiple times. Western Skinks are very good at twitching their tails so that predators that key in on motion go for the tail allowing the skink to escape. Redding, CA.
Habitat Shots
Unless otherwise noted, these habitat shots are from within Shasta County where this species is known to occur.
![[Western Skink habitat]](/images/37sm.jpg)
![[Sponsor ShastaHerps.org]](/images/SherpBanner2.png)
