Skilton’s Skink

Skilton’s Skink
Plestiodon skiltonianus skiltonianus

Skilton’s Skinks, also called Northwestern Skinks, are a subspecies of the Western Skink. Adult Skilton’s Skinks have alternating dark and light stripes running from tip to tail. As juveniles, they have bright blue tails, though most individuals will lose their blue coloration as they age. Their body is typically between 2 and 3.5 inches, with a 4-5 inch tail. They are native to Northern California and the coastal region of Southern California. Like Gilbertson’s Skinks, they are burrowers, inhabiting moist areas within grassland, woodlands, forests, and chapparal communities. They mostly eat insects and small invertebrates.

Perry, our Skilton’s Skink, came to us in 2024 from EYNC. Perry was kept in human care to check for injuries after he was found in a women’s restroom, after which he was non-releasable.