What Type of Lizard Has a Blue Tail?

The American five-lined skink is a type of lizard common to North America. Juvenile members of the species are identified by their bright blue tails and are often called blue-tail skinks.

  1. Identification

    • As juvenile five-lined skinks mature, their blue tail coloring begins to fade. Females may retain some color, while males tend to lose it completely. Both sexes possess five yellowish-white stripes that run from snout to tail, though these also lighten with age.

    Habitat and Diet

    • Five-lined skinks live in moist, sheltered areas such as stumps, fallen trees and rocky outcroppings. They typically feed on insects, though they have also been known to prey on small vertebrates.

    Reproduction

    • Female five-lined skinks lay eggs once a year. The eggs hatch after a 24- to 55-day incubation period and result in 15 to 18 offspring. Five-lined skinks can live up to six years.

    Behavior

    • Five-lined skinks are skittish and difficult to catch. When faced with a predator, they drop their tails as a means of distraction.

    Warning

    • Pet five-lined skinks are safe and easy to care for. However, adult males are territorial and should not be housed together.

    Fun Fact

    • Juvenile five-lined skinks or blue-tailed skinks are sometimes called scorpions due to the inaccurate belief that they are venomous.