Skink

This is either an American five-lined skink (Plestiodon fasciatus) or a Southeastern five-lined skink (Plestiodon inexpectatus). Apparently they are very difficult to tell apart and where we live (Central Virginia) either is possible. What I do know is that this is an adult. Probably a fairly old adult because its lines have faded to almost invisible. It's the youngsters that have the bright blue tails and vivid stripes.


This guy had somehow gotten himself inside our house, but fortunately also inside a bag that sits on the floor near the fireplace and holds newspaper for fire starting and/or eventual recycling. The Husband saw it and I was able to quickly grab the bag and pinch the top of it closed so that it was easily toted outdoors. Believe me they are devilishly hard to catch when they're running around on the floor...