Five-Lined Skink

Family: 
Scincidae (skinks) in the order Squamata (lizards and snakes)
Description: 

Often called the "blue-tailed" skink, this is Missouri's most common skink. It has five light lines from the head to the base of the tail. Adult females have brighter stripes than adult males. During the breeding season in late spring, males have bright orange on their heads. Hatchlings and those under a year of age have brilliant cobalt-blue tails.

Size: 
Average total length is 6.5 inches.
Habitat and conservation: 
Five-lined skinks live in forests
Foods: 
Crickets and other insects
Distribution in Missouri: 
Statewide, except for some far northern counties.