Western Skink (Eumeces skiltonianus). 



Description: The second of western Montana's two lizard species, the Western Skink is smaller 

 (5 - 9 cm snout-vent length) than the Northern Alligator Lizard and is characterized by round, 

 shiimy scales and an elongate head. The color pattern in adults consists of a broad, brown 

 stripe edged with black, running lengthwise down the back. The brown band is paralleled by 

 a light and then dark band on each side of the body. The stripes extend onto the head but 

 fade on the tail. The Western Skink is thought to lay 2-6 eggs (Stebbins 1985), but the exact 

 number and dates of oviposition are not known in this area. In young animals, the tail is 

 bight blue but the color fades with age. The Western Skink is in the Scincidae family. 



Habitat and Habits: Western Skinks are found in habitats similar to those of the Northern 

 Alligator Lizard, i.e. cool, moist forests, often along streams, and more mesic open slopes. 

 They may be seen sunning themselves in open areas. Although diurnal in habits, skinks are 

 secretive and not often seen. Where they have been studied, females guard the eggs until 

 hatching. Nothing is known about the reproductive habits and demographics of this species 

 in Montana. Western Skinks were not encountered during the 1 995 survey in the BNF area, 

 although they were reported near Blue Mountain (at 3700') SW of Missoula on 7 May (C. 

 Odegard pers. comm.), and N of Frenchtown during early summer (S. Schlang pers. comm.); 

 both areas are in Missoula County. The few records suggest it occurs mostly below 6000' 

 elevation. 



Surveying: Large drop cans or lizard traps can be used for sampling but like the Alligator lizard, 

 the best opportunity for seeing skinks is probably to visit known sites during warm sunny 

 days and allow considerable observation time. 



Status: Distribution in the BNF is unknovm, although the few records are widely scattered. Six 

 sightings of skinks have been reported m the BNF area, from the Stevensville and Darby 

 districts; only one of these has been since 1984 (at 5600' in Robbins Gulch in the Darby 

 District on 30 August 1994). ft is recommended that all sightings be reported to the Heritage 

 Program and kept on file. 



Montana Natural Heritage Program Rank: G5 S3?. 



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