Little Brown Skink
Family:
Scincidae (skinks) in the order Squamata (lizards and snakes)
Description:
Little brown skinks are Missouri's smallest species of lizard, and they are brown! These ground-dwellers also have dark brown or black stripes and speckling along their sides. When walking along a forest trail, hikers may hear the sound of small lizards scurrying through dead leaves, but they seldom see them.
Size:
Average total length is 4 inches.
Habitat and conservation:
Little brown skinks--formerly called ground skinks--live on the forest floor and spend much of their time in dead leaves or under flat rocks. They do not climb trees like the other forest-dwelling skinks.
Foods:
A variety of small insects, spiders and earthworms.
Distribution in Missouri:
Statewide, except for a few counties in the northwestern corner.
Ecosystem connections:
Because of their small size and ground-dwelling behavior, they can fall prey to a variety of predators: snakes, other species of lizards, birds and mammals such as shrews, skunks and armadillos. Even bluebirds have been recorded feeding these skinks to their nestlings. MDC's Mission, Vision, Priorities
MDC protects and manages Missouri's fish, forest, and wildlife resources.
We also facilitate your participation in resource-management activities, and we provide opportunities for you to use, enjoy and learn about nature.
Shortened URL
http://mdc.mo.gov/node/6688
