Bluetail Mole Skink
Plestiodon egregius lividus
The Bluetail Mole Skink is a tiny, sand-burrowing Florida endemic restricted to the Lake Wales Ridge of Central Florida.
This slender skink spends much of its life just beneath loose sand and leaf litter in rosemary scrub and related uplands. Its extremely small range makes intact, connected scrub especially important.
Young animals often show the bright blue tail that inspired the name, while adults may have pink, orange, or brown tail color.
Habitat:
Scrub and Dry Prairie, Pine Flatwoods and Sandhills
Area / Range:
Central Florida
Diet:
It eats ants, termites, beetle larvae, spiders, and other tiny invertebrates found in sand and leaf litter.
Behavior:
It swims through loose sand, shelters under surface debris, and quickly dives underground when disturbed. Activity is greatest when sand temperature and moisture are favorable.
Day
Active Times:
Best time to see:
Warm days after light rain in undisturbed scrub, though the animal is secretive and should never be dug out.
Florida Native Status:
Native endemic subspecies
Conservation Status:
Florida-designated Threatened and critically range-restricted. Habitat loss, fragmentation, fire suppression, and climate stress threaten remaining populations.
Safety Level:
Low Risk
Safety Information:
Harmless to people and pets. Observe without handling, digging, or disturbing ground cover.
Benefits to Property:
It consumes small invertebrates and signals healthy, fire-maintained scrub habitat.
Property Concerns:
It causes no property damage. Clearing, soil compaction, off-road vehicles, and broad pesticide use can destroy its habitat.
Fun Fact:
The subspecies is found naturally only along Florida's ancient Lake Wales Ridge.
Wildlife Laws:
As a Florida-designated Threatened animal, it may not be captured, possessed, harmed, or sold without authorization. Protected scrub habitat and conservation lands must not be disturbed.
Identification:
Look for a smooth, narrow bronze-to-brown body, very small limbs, a slightly countersunk lower jaw, and a vivid blue tail in many juveniles. Adults may lose much of the blue as they age.