Fauna
Reptile

Broad-headed Skink

Plestiodon laticeps

Also known as Broadhead Skink

Broad-headed Skinks are large, smooth-scaled lizards with powerful jaws and short limbs. Adult males develop broad reddish heads during breeding season, while young animals show pale body stripes and bright blue tails.

skinkwoodlandtree climber
Broad-headed Skink reference1 / 7
Ryan Somma / CC BY-SA 2.0 · cc-by-sa
—observations
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Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Key facts
Diet & preyBeetles, spiders, snails
Predators
  • snakes
  • hawks
  • raccoons
ThreatsForest clearing, removal of dead wood, road mortality, pesticides, and collection
HabitatsMature woodlands, wooded edges, hollow trees, and fallen logs
Life spanCommonly several years, with captive individuals sometimes living beyond eight years
Classification
  1. FamilyScincidae
  2. GenusPlestiodon
  3. SpeciesPlestiodon laticeps
Range & activity
Range data is not available yet.
Safe observation
Interaction riskLow
  1. Low
  2. Moderate
  3. High
  4. Very high
Why interaction risk is low
A captured skink may deliver a strong defensive bite and shed its tail.
Why it is dangerous
Broad-headed Skinks have strong jaws and can bite firmly when restrained or cornered.
How to recognize a risky encounter
Look for a large robust skink; breeding males show an enlarged orange-red head.
What to do
Do not grab the lizard or tail, and clean any accidental bite that breaks skin.
Responsible observation
  • Watch: Scan sunny trunks, logs, and tree cavities without blocking escape routes.
  • Identify: Separate adults from similar skinks by their robust build and broad head.
Related species

Related species have not been added yet.

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