Common five-lined skinks live among rocks, under dead logs, around farm buildings, and in forests statewide. For more on this lovely lizard, scurry over to mdc.mo.gov/field-guide.
Colorful Kiddos
A young skink is shiny black with five yellow stripes and a bright blue tail.
Dull Adults
As it grows up, a skink’s body turns brown or tan, and its bright stripes and tail become less obvious.
Tail Trickery
When a predator grabs a skink’s tail, the little lizard leaves its behind behind. While the detached tail twitches, the skink slinks to safety. A new tail grows back, but it’s shorter than the original.
Protective Parent
Most reptiles lay eggs and leave. Mama skinks guard their eggs until they hatch.
Bug Bagger
Skinks eat a variety of insects, spiders, snails, and smaller lizards.
Also In This Issue
Forget about desert islands and pirate chests filled with gold. A much sweeter treasure is ripe for the taking, right here in Missouri.
When summer’s sizzle makes you fizzle, it’s time to raft a cool, clear river.
And More...
This Issue's Staff
Photographer – Noppadol Paothong
Photographer – David Stonner
Designer – Marci Porter
Art Director – Cliff White
Editor – Matt Seek
Subscriptions – Marcia Hale
Magazine Manager – Stephanie Thurber