Five-Lined Skink
Species Description

The Five-Lined Skink (Plestiodon fasciatus) derives its common name from the five distinctive light-colored stripes running longitudinally down the body from head to tail, most prominent in juveniles and females. These stripes provide excellent identification features and make the species easily recognizable throughout its range. The name "Five-Lined Skink" is widely used and accepted, though regional variations exist including "Blue-Tailed Skink," referring to the brilliant blue tail coloration displayed by juveniles. This blue tail is shared with several related species, leading to confusion and making the name "Blue-Tailed Skink" less specific. Other informal names include "Red-Headed Skink" in reference to the orange-red head coloration displayed by breeding males.

Scientifically, Five-Lined Skinks belong to the genus Plestiodon, which contains numerous species of skinks distributed throughout North America, Asia, and North Africa. The genus name Plestiodon is derived from Greek words meaning "most teeth" or "full of teeth," referencing the well-developed dentition characteristic of these skinks. The specific epithet "fasciatus" is Latin meaning "banded" or "striped," directly describing the species' most distinctive feature. The species was originally described in the genus Eumeces, and older literature and some field guides may still reference this former classification. Modern molecular analysis has led to taxonomic revision placing this species in Plestiodon.

For many years, the Common Five-Lined Skink was considered a single wide-ranging species, but taxonomic revision has recognized multiple species based on genetic and morphological differences. Plestiodon fasciatus is now restricted to populations in the eastern United States and extreme southern Ontario, Canada. The Southeastern Five-LinedSkink (Plestiodon inexpectatus) and Broad-Headed Skink (Plestiodon laticeps) were formerly considered subspecies or regional variants but are now recognized as distinct species. These closely related species show similar appearance and care requirements, though subtle differences in size, scalation, and geographic range distinguish them. Identification in the field can be challenging, particularly for juveniles which appear nearly identical across species. All share the distinctive juvenile blue tail that fades with age.

Five-Lined Skinks are small to medium-sized, sleek lizards with smooth, shiny scales giving them a polished appearance. Adults typically reach 5-8.5 inches in total length from snout to tail tip, with males slightly larger and more robust than females. The body is elongated and streamlined with short limbs, adapted for moving through leaf litter and under cover. Adult males commonly weigh 8-12 grams, while females are slightly lighter at 6-10 grams. The tail is long, comprising approximately 50-60% of total length, and serves important functions in balance, fat storage, and predator defense through autotomy (voluntary detachment).

The species' most distinctive feature is the five longitudinal light stripes running from the head down the body to the tail, though stripe prominence varies with age and sex. Juveniles display the most striking pattern with five bright yellow or white stripes against a dark brown or black background, creating dramatic contrast. The central stripe runs along the spine, with two stripes on each side running along the upper and lower body. Between the stripes, the background color is dark brown to black, particularly in young individuals. This bold striping provides camouflage in dappled forest light and may serve as warning coloration in juveniles.

Age-related color changes are dramatic in Five-Lined Skinks. Juveniles possess brilliant metallic blue tails that are among the most striking features of North American reptiles. This blue coloration serves as a defensive adaptation, drawing predator attention to the expendable tail rather than the vital body. As skinks mature, the bright blue fades to gray or brown, and the bold striping becomes less distinct. Adult males undergo the most dramatic transformation, losing much of the striping pattern and developing broader heads with powerful jaw muscles and orange or red coloration on the head and jowls, particularly pronounced during breeding season. Adult females retain more distinct striping than males but show faded patterns compared to juveniles.

Sexual dimorphism is evident in adult Five-Lined Skinks. Breeding males develop enlarged heads with prominent temporal muscles, giving a more robust, powerful appearance. The head becomes orange or reddish, particularly during breeding season from April through June. Males are larger and heavier than females with broader heads and thicker bodies. Females maintain more slender builds and retain clearer striping patterns throughout life. Juveniles and subadults of both sexes appear virtually identical with bright striping and blue tails. The smooth, glossy scales covering the body give skinks their characteristic shiny appearance, and the scales are arranged in regular, overlapping rows. The limbs are short but well-developed with five toes equipped with small claws for climbing and digging.

Five-Lined Skinks display secretive, shy temperaments characteristic of small, ground-dwelling lizards that rely on concealment for predator avoidance. They are nervous around humans and will quickly retreat to cover when approached or exposed. In captivity, they can become somewhat accustomed to keeper presence and may emerge more readily during feeding times, but they retain natural wariness throughout life. Defensive behaviors are limited to rapid escape, with biting being rare and reserved for situations where escape is impossible. Bites from these small skinks are harmless, feeling like mild pinching. Their temperament is peaceful rather than aggressive, with wariness reflecting survival instincts.

Male territorial behavior is evident during breeding season, which typically occurs from April through June in wild populations, corresponding with spring emergence from brumation. Males become more active and visible, patrolling territories and seeking receptive females. Males display to rivals through head-bobbing and may engage in combat including biting and wrestling if territories overlap significantly. Orange-red breeding coloration on the head intensifies during this period. Housing multiple males together is not recommended due to inevitable territorial conflicts. Females are less territorial but may show aggression when guarding nest sites. In appropriately large enclosures with ample hiding spots, one male can be housed with one or more females, though monitoring is necessary.

Five-Lined Skinks are primarily diurnal with activity patterns showing daily and seasonal variation. They emerge from overnight retreats after sunrise to bask briefly, raising body temperature for activity. Morning hours see active foraging through leaf litter, under logs, and in other microhabitats where insects are encountered. During hot summer days, activity may follow bimodal patterns with morning and late afternoon peaks, reduced midday activity to avoid overheating. They are ground-oriented, spending most time on or under substrate, though they climb well when basking on logs or escaping threats. Cool, overcast weather reduces activity levels considerably.

Foraging behavior involves slow, deliberate movement through leaf litter and ground cover, using visual and chemical cues to detect prey. They actively investigate crevices under bark, in leaf litter, and around rocks where insects hide. Upon detecting prey, they approach carefully and capture it with quick lunges. Five-Lined Skinks are opportunistic feeders consuming whatever appropriately sized prey they encounter. Their smooth scales facilitate movement through tight spaces where prey items hide. Female skinks exhibit notable maternal behavior rare among reptiles, remaining with their eggs during incubation and actively defending nest sites from potential threats.

Defensive strategies emphasize concealment and escape speed. When threatened, Five-Lined Skinks dash to nearest cover with impressive bursts of speed. The juvenile's bright blue tail serves as a diversionary target, drawing predator attacks to the expendable tail rather than vital body parts. Tail autotomy allows escape while the detached tail writhes and distracts predators. Adults with faded tail coloration rely more on speed and hiding. If captured, they thrash vigorously, defecate, and may bite, though actual biting is rare. Regenerated tails grow back but never match the original in color, pattern, or length. Proper handling technique prevents tail loss, though minimizing handling altogether is preferable for these stress-sensitive lizards.

Housing Five-Lined Skinks properly requires replicating temperate forest floor conditions with emphasis on ground cover, hiding spots, moderate humidity, and appropriate thermal gradients. Adult Five-Lined Skinks require minimum enclosure dimensions of 20 gallon long tanks (30x12x12 inches), suitable for 1-2 individuals if appropriately sexed. Larger enclosures such as 30 gallon or 40 gallon breeder tanks provide additional space for natural behaviors and are necessary if housing pairs or small groups. Horizontal floor space is critical as these are primarily ground-dwelling lizards that utilize substrate and low cover rather than vertical climbing space. Glass enclosures with screen tops work well for maintaining appropriate humidity while providing ventilation.

Enclosure design should emphasize ground-level cover and substrate depth for natural foraging and hiding behaviors. Provide 2-4 inches of substrate allowing for some digging and burrowing. Scatter multiple hiding spots throughout the enclosure including cork bark pieces, flat rocks, hollow logs, cork bark tubes, and artificial caves positioned at both warm and cool ends. Layer leaf litter over substrate to mimic natural habitat and provide foraging enrichment. Include at least one hiding spot per lizard, ensuring multiple secure retreats reduce stress and territorial conflicts. Some low branches or cork bark pieces positioned at angles provide basking opportunities and climbing enrichment, though emphasis remains on ground-level habitat.

Substrate options include coconut fiber, cypress mulch, topsoil/sand mixtures, or sphagnum moss mixtures. Coconut fiber and cypress mulch retain moisture well, support moderate humidity levels, and appear natural. Topsoil/sand mixtures (70:30 ratio) allow for digging and hold burrows, though they may be dustier. Some keepers use bioactive substrates with springtails and isopods for waste management and moisture regulation, creating naturalistic, lower-maintenance environments. Substrate should be kept slightly moist but not soggy, with dry areas also available. Live or artificial plants add visual security and help maintain humidity. Avoid pure sand or fine particulate substrates that pose impaction risks.

Temperature regulation requires creating appropriate thermal gradients typical of temperate forest habitats. Basking areas should reach 88-92°F, measured at the surface, while ambient temperatures throughout most of the enclosure should range 75-82°F with a cool end around 72-75°F. These moderate temperatures are easily achieved with low to medium wattage basking bulbs (40-60 watts) positioned over one end of the enclosure. Under-tank heaters can supplement ambient temperatures or create warm spots under cover objects. Nighttime temperatures should drop to 65-72°F, mimicking natural conditions. Seasonal temperature cycling including cooler winter period (60-70°F) for 2-3 months promotes natural brumation behavior and may improve breeding success, though not strictly necessary for pet-only situations.

UVB lighting benefits Five-Lined Skinks though they are less strictly heliothermic than some lizards, spending much time under cover. Provide UVB lighting using linear fluorescent bulbs such as T5 HO 5.0 or T8 5.0 positioned 8-12 inches from basking areas. Since skinks spend limited time basking compared to some species, moderate UVB output suffices. The basking area and nearby surfaces should receive UVB exposure. Replace bulbs every 6-12 months as UV output degrades. Some keepers successfully maintain Five-Lined Skinks without UVB if proper supplementation including vitamin D3 is provided, though UVB is preferable and more natural. Outdoor exposure to natural sunlight during appropriate weather provides excellent supplementation.

Humidity maintenance at 50-70% is essential for Five-Lined Skinks reflecting their temperate forest habitat. Maintain appropriate humidity through slightly moist substrate, daily misting, and proper enclosure design. Mist one side of the enclosure daily, allowing the other side to remain drier and creating a humidity gradient. A shallow water dish provides drinking opportunities and adds humidity. Monitor humidity with digital hygrometers, adjusting misting frequency based on readings and observation of shedding quality. Proper ventilation through screen tops prevents stagnant, excessively humid conditions that promote respiratory infections. The goal is consistent moderate humidity rather than extreme dry or wet conditions.

Five-Lined Skinks are insectivores consuming various small arthropods encountered while foraging through leaf litter and ground cover in their natural habitat. Wild diet includes crickets, beetles, spiders, caterpillars, grasshoppers, flies, ants, and other insects proportional to their size. They are active foragers that investigate potential prey items using both visual and chemical cues, with their keen sense of smell helping locate hidden insects. In captivity, their good appetite and opportunistic feeding behavior make diet management straightforward, though their ground-oriented hunting style requires consideration when offering food.

Appropriate feeder insects for Five-Lined Skinks include small to medium crickets, dubia roaches, discoid roaches, red runner roaches, superworms, mealworms, waxworms, hornworms, silkworms, black soldier fly larvae (phoenix worms), and butterworms. Prey items should be appropriately sized, generally no wider than the skink's head at its widest point. Small to medium crickets and appropriately sized roaches form excellent staple foods readily available from most reptile supply sources. Variety is important for nutritional completeness and maintaining feeding interest. Offering prey items on substrate or near hiding spots accommodates their ground-foraging hunting style better than hand-feeding or elevated feeding dishes.

Gut-loading feeder insects significantly improves nutritional value transferred to skinks. Feed insects high-quality diet for 24-48 hours before offering to lizards. Commercial gut-load products are available and convenient, or provide fresh vegetables including collard greens, mustard greens, squash, carrots, sweet potato, along with commercial cricket feed and fresh fruits. Well-fed insects with full digestive tracts transfer substantially more nutrition to lizards compared to nutritionally depleted insects. The quality of feeder insect nutrition directly impacts skink health and vitality, making proper gut-loading an essential husbandry practice.

Supplementation is important for captive Five-Lined Skinks to prevent nutritional deficiencies. Dust insects with calcium powder (without vitamin D3 if UVB is provided, or with D3 if UVB is questionable) at most feedings, approximately every other day. Use multivitamin supplement containing vitamin A, D3, and other essential nutrients once or twice weekly. The exact supplementation schedule depends on UVB quality, diet variety, and individual needs, but consistent moderate supplementation prevents deficiencies without over-supplementation problems. Growing juveniles require more frequent calcium supplementation than adults to support rapid bone growth. Monitor growth, overall condition, and shedding quality, adjusting supplementation if deficiency signs appear.

Feeding frequency depends on age and growth rate. Juvenile Five-Lined Skinks should be fed daily, offering as many appropriately sized insects as they will consume in 10-15 minutes. Their rapid growth demands frequent feeding with well-supplemented prey. Adult skinks can be fed every other day or 3-4 times weekly, offering 4-6 appropriately sized insects per feeding depending on prey size and skink appetite. Some keepers prefer feeding smaller amounts more frequently, mimicking natural foraging patterns. Monitor body condition through regular observation and occasional weighing, adjusting feeding frequency if skinks become too thin or overweight. A shallow water dish should be available at all times, cleaned and refilled daily. Five-Lined Skinks drink from water dishes and lick water droplets from misting, so both drinking opportunities should be provided.

Five-Lined Skinks are generally hardy lizards when provided with appropriate care, though they face several potential health challenges in captivity primarily related to improper husbandry. Common health problems include metabolic bone disease from inadequate UVB or calcium supplementation, respiratory infections from excessive humidity with poor ventilation or inadequate temperatures, internal and external parasites particularly in wild-caught specimens, injuries from improper handling or enclosure hazards, and tail loss from stress or restraint. Their secretive nature means health problems may not be immediately apparent, as skinks hide signs of illness as predator avoidance strategy. Regular observation for changes in activity, appetite, appearance, and behavior helps detect problems early. Establishing relationship with a qualified reptile veterinarian familiar with small lizards is beneficial, though in practice, preventive husbandry eliminates most health issues.

Five-Lined Skinks are rewarding captives for intermediate keepers willing to provide appropriate temperate forest conditions including moderate humidity, proper supplementation, and respect for their secretive nature. Their attractive appearance, particularly the blue-tailed juveniles, makes them popular among native species enthusiasts. Most health problems in captivity result from inadequate humidity, poor supplementation, or excessive handling stress, all preventable through proper husbandry. With appropriate care including suitable substrate, hiding spots, temperature control, and dietary supplementation, these engaging skinks provide years of enjoyment as they display natural foraging behaviors in well-designed enclosures mimicking their forest floor habitat.

Handling Five-Lined Skinks should be minimal due to their nervous, secretive nature and strong tendency to autotomize (drop) their tails when restrained. These are display animals best appreciated through observation of their natural behaviors rather than physical interaction. Their smooth, slippery scales, impressive speed, and fragile tails make handling challenging and stressful for both keeper and lizard. When handling is absolutely necessary for health checks, enclosure maintenance, or veterinary transport, proper technique minimizes stress and injury risk. Most Five-Lined Skinks never become comfortable with handling despite gentle regular exposure.

Proper handling technique requires patience, gentle movements, and realistic expectations. When handling cannot be avoided, move slowly to avoid startling the skink. Cup both hands around the body allowing the lizard to walk onto your hands rather than grabbing. Support the entire body gently without tight restraint, and never grab or restrain the tail which easily detaches. Be prepared for quick escape attempts and potential tail loss despite gentle handling, as tail autotomy threshold is low in stressed individuals. Handling over secure surfaces or within the enclosure prevents falls or escape. Defensive biting is rare but may occur in severely stressed individuals, though small jaws cause no significant injury. If a skink shows extreme stress including frantic struggling or begins tail detachment process, return it to the enclosure immediately.

Shedding occurs regularly with juveniles shedding every 2-4 weeks during rapid growth and adults shedding every 4-8 weeks depending on growth rate and season. Skinks shed in pieces rather than whole skin, with the process typically completing within several days to a week. During shedding, skinks may show reduced appetite, seek humid hiding spots more frequently, and display duller coloration with whitish appearance as old skin loosens. Maintaining proper humidity through moist substrate and daily misting is essential for healthy shedding. Most skinks remove shed skin themselves without assistance. Avoid pulling shedding skin, as this damages new scales underneath. If shed remains stuck, particularly around toes or tail tip, gentle soaking in shallow lukewarm water or placing skink in humid hide box helps loosen stubborn pieces.

Daily care routines include feeding every other day or several times weekly depending on age, spot cleaning any waste or dead insects from enclosure, misting one side of enclosure daily maintaining humidity gradient, checking and refilling water dish, monitoring temperatures at warm and cool areas, and observing for normal activity and appetite. Weekly tasks include thorough substrate maintenance or spot cleaning of soiled areas, cleaning water dish thoroughly, checking substrate moisture levels throughout enclosure, and detailed health assessment looking for retained shed, injuries, or concerning changes in behavior or appearance. Monthly tasks include weighing to monitor growth or detect changes, deep cleaning decorations and enclosure furnishings, substrate replacement if needed, UVB bulb inspection, and general equipment maintenance. Maintaining records of feeding, shedding, weight, and any health concerns helps track patterns and provides information for veterinary consultation if problems develop.

Five-Lined Skinks are intermediate-level reptiles suitable for keepers with some reptile experience who appreciate native species, respect their secretive nature, and can provide appropriate temperate forest conditions including moderate humidity. They are not appropriate for beginners seeking first reptile experience, children as primary caretakers, or anyone expecting handleable, interactive pets. Their attractive appearance, particularly the striking blue tails of juveniles, makes them appealing, but their shy nature and specific habitat requirements demand dedicated keepers. Those interested in observing natural behaviors and maintaining properly designed naturalistic enclosures will find Five-Lined Skinks rewarding subjects.

Financial considerations for Five-Lined Skink ownership are moderate. Initial setup costs range from $250-450 including appropriate enclosure (20 gallon long minimum), UVB and basking lighting, substrate materials, various hiding spots and decorations, live plants if desired, water dish, thermometers, hygrometers, and initial supplies. Monthly costs include electricity for lighting and heating ($10-20), feeder insects ($20-35), supplements, occasional substrate replacement or maintenance, and general supplies. Annual costs include possible veterinary exams ($75-150 if needed) and UVB bulb replacement ($20-35 every 6-12 months). While less expensive than large reptiles, costs remain significant throughout their 6-10 year lifespan.

Time commitment is moderate compared to many reptiles. Daily care includes feeding several times weekly (10-15 minutes per feeding including gut-loading preparation), misting enclosure daily (5 minutes), observation and monitoring (5-10 minutes), and water dish maintenance (2 minutes). Weekly cleaning and maintenance requires 30-45 minutes. The humidity maintenance and naturalistic setup require more attention than desert species but less than rainforest species. Vacations require knowledgeable pet sitters comfortable with maintaining humidity, feeding insects, and understanding the skink's secretive nature and minimal handling tolerance.

Legal considerations vary significantly by location. Five-Lined Skinks are native to eastern North America, and collection from wild populations is regulated by state wildlife agencies. Many states prohibit or restrict collection of native reptiles, require permits for possession, or prohibit collection entirely. Some states allow possession of captive-bred specimens but prohibit wild collection. Always verify specific regulations for your state, county, and city before acquiring any native reptile, and maintain documentation proving captive-bred origin if required. Some jurisdictions have limits on numbers of individuals that can be kept. Rental agreements and homeowner association rules may prohibit reptile keeping. Captive-bred specimens are strongly preferred over wild-caught as they are healthier, parasite-free, already acclimated to captivity, better adjusted to handling, and place no pressure on wild populations. However, captive-bred Five-Lined Skinks are less commonly available than many other reptile species, sometimes requiring specific searches through specialty breeders or reptile expos.