This large skink is common in the Coastal Plain of North Carolina and is the only large skink found on the Outer Banks. They grow to about 6-8 inches long. Young skinks of this and related species have lavender-blue tails.

Southeastern Five-lined Skinks as well as Broad-head Skinks often have seven pale lines instead of five, such as the individual at left, which shows two fainter lines on either side of the middorsal stripe.

Fort Fisher, New Hanover Co., NC 8/29/09.