Scientific name: Eumeces gilberti rubricaudatus
Common name: Gilbert Skink or Western Red-Tailed Skink
Size: 2.7-4.6 in (6.8-11.7 cm)
Distinguishing characters: Adults uniform green, grey, olive or brown background; smooth scales; small legs; heavy bodied.
Juveniles: Light stripes on sides and dorsum enclosing a broad black or brown stripe; dark stripe stops near base of waxy-pink tail; stripes fade with growth and maturation.
Dimorphism: Male has broader head with orange or red temporal area and lower jaw.
Similar species: Eumeces skiltonianus: Striping prominent on lateral portions of tail; young with blue tails. Elgaria multicarinatus: Has keeled dorsal scales and prominent lateral fold; dorsal pattern with crossbars. Cnemidophorus tigris: Lacks smooth scales and has striking dorsal pattern of yellow crossbars on black background.
Additional notes: A large, robust skink seldom seen in the open. Adult individuals are surprisingly strong when handled. Juveniles are fragile, and should be handled with care.
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