The prairie skink (Plestiodon septentrionalis) is a species of skink endemic to the prairies east of the Rocky Mountains in North America. It is one of only seven species of lizards that occur in Canada.

Juvenile Prairie Skinks are black with seven thin, yellowish stripes and a bright blue tail. Prairie Skinks are the most commonly encountered lizard in Minnesota, except for on blufs in SE Minnesota, where the Six-lined Racerunner is more commonly encountered. The previous scientific name for this lizard was. 62 Eumeces septentrionalis.

Description: The Prairie Skink is a medium-sized lizard ranging from 4–8 inches (10–20 cm) in total length, though they may be shorter due to incomplete or regenerated tails. For individuals with a complete tail, the tail length is more than half of the total length.

Prairie Skink (Plestiodon septentrionalis), a Special Concern species in Wisconsin, prefers sandy soils in bracken grasslands or pine barrens. They are also found on open sandy banks along rivers and streams.

The northern prairie skink (Plestiodon septentrionalis) may be Minnesota’s most common lizard, but habitat fragmentation could threaten its survival. Prairie skinks live in sandy prairies and open grasslands, often near water and vegetation that offers shelter and basking spots.

Mar 16, 2025 · The prairie skink, scientifically known as Plestiodon septentrionalis, is a slender lizard measuring about 6-8 inches in length. Its body is characterized by smooth, shiny scales that range in color from brown to olive, adorned with dark stripes running along its back and sides.

Prairie skinks are mainly active from April to September, with peak activity in April into June. The preferred habitat is native prairies and open grasslands with flat rocks or similar shelters near small streams, marshes, lakes, and ponds.

Prairie Skink Plestiodon septentrionalis Description: Northern Prairie Skinks are black with two distinct think light stripes on each side, and three wide stripes on the back for a total of seven stripes.

Prairie skinks use open areas with grassy hillsides of soft soil and small, flat rocks. Burrow under stones or other objects on the ground. Skinks may increase in density as field age increases, as many as 200 adults per ha. Feed on grasshoppers, crickets, beetles, caterpillars, and spiders.

The prairie skink (Plestiodon septentrionalis) is a species of skink endemic to the prairies east of the Rocky Mountains in North America. It is one of only seven species of lizards that occur in Canada.