What Is a Broad-Headed Skink?

A broad-headed skink is a type of thick-bodied lizard native to much of the southeastern and central United States. Often thought poisonous, and colloquially known as scorpions, these skinks are harmless to humans and are actually beneficial for pest control. The scientific name for the broad-headed skink is Eumeces laticeps.

With short legs; long, thin tails; and tube-like bodies often blending seamlessly with their heads, these lizards tend to resemble snakes with legs. Generally, the male's head is larger than the female's, with jaws jutting out from the body to form a triangular shape. The male's head is reddish orange, and its body has a solid, olive to tan coloring. Females lack the differently colored heads of males and retain the faint yellow-white stripes that juvenile lizards possess. As the largest skink in its region, and the second largest lizard, these reptiles can reach 13 inches (33 cm) long.

Arboreal, broad-headed skinks spend most of their time in trees, though they can be found on the ground from time to time. They are most commonly found in wooded areas and seem particularly fond of oak trees. These skinks range from Florida north through Pennsylvania. They also span west to parts of Texas and Kansas, and east through Georgia.

Diurnal, these lizards are active during the daylight hours. As with most lizards, broad-headed skinks can break off their tails when threatened or captured by predators. Although the males are territorial and may fight amongst themselves, they have no part in protecting eggs during breeding seasons.

Eggs are laid in early spring under ground litter or fallen trees. Clutches usually have between eight and 12 eggs, but may have up to 22. The female guards the eggs, wrapping herself around them while they incubate. Eggs usually hatch between June and August.

Hatchlings are 2.5–3.5 inches (6.35–8.9 cm) long. Their dark bodies have five bright yellow-white stripes running vertically down their length. The skinks' tails are a vivid blue. A juvenile broad-headed skink may be mistaken for a five-lined or southeastern five-lined skink, which have similar appearances. The broad-headed skink, however, can be positively identified by the underside of its tail, which has several overlarge scales.

Beneficial in pest control, the broad-headed skink eats large quantities of food in any given day. Its main food sources are insects and spiders, but it occasionally may eat other lizards or small mammals. Usually it will hunt for food in the trees in which it lives and is known to shake wasp nests to reach the larvae inside.

A broad-headed skink is a species of lizard native to the southeastern United States. It's known for its distinctive wide head, especially in males, and can grow up to 13 inches long. These skinks are often found in wooded areas, where they climb trees and bask in the sun.

Broad-headed skinks are identifiable by their broad, triangular heads, which are more pronounced in males. Juveniles display bright blue tails, while adults have more subdued colors, with males sporting a reddish-orange head during breeding season. Their smooth scales and long, slender bodies also help distinguish them from other skink species.

Broad-headed skinks are carnivorous, primarily feeding on a variety of insects, spiders, and other invertebrates. They are adept hunters, using their keen eyesight and stealth to catch prey. Occasionally, they may also consume smaller lizards or various fruits, contributing to their omnivorous diet.

Broad-headed skinks are not dangerous to humans. They are non-venomous and typically avoid human contact. If threatened, they may bite in self-defense, but their bite is not harmful to humans. They are more beneficial as they help control insect populations.

The broad-headed skink prefers deciduous forests with abundant leaf litter and fallen logs, which provide cover and hunting grounds. They thrive in humid environments and can often be found near streams or other water sources. Their arboreal nature also leads them to inhabit trees and shrubs.

Broad-headed skinks play a vital role in their ecosystem by controlling insect populations, which can prevent overgrazing of vegetation. They also serve as prey for larger predators, such as birds and snakes. Their presence indicates a healthy, biodiverse environment, as they require a stable habitat with ample food sources.