On Wednesday I spotted a skink with a shockingly orange head while I was exploring Occoquan Bay National Wildlife Refuge. Why was the skink’s head so orange? During mating season, adult male skinks get swollen heads that turn bright orange-red in color. I am not sure what biological purpose the color change serves, but it sure is impressive.
I think that this is probably a Common Five-lined Skink (Plestiodon fasciatus), the most common skink species in my area. However, the Broad-headed Skink (Plestiodon laticeps) is similar in appearance and I am not very good at telling them apart. Whatever the case, the males in both species have orange heads during mating season.
© Michael Q. Powell. All rights reserved.
Mike Powell 
Nice species
I didn’t know the coloring change in Skinks, thanks. I also learned recently how big those Broadhead Skinks grow. Scared me half to death 😵💫😵💫
Thanks, Ted. I figured with your experience with alligators that a skink could not possibly scare you. 🙂
When they reach a certain size, and hang on trees, it’s a bit much.