“Blue-tailed lizards” commonly seen in North America are typically the juveniles of several skink species, including the Five-lined Skink (Plestiodon fasciatus), Broad-headed Skink (Plestiodon laticeps), and Southeastern Five-lined Skink (Plestiodon inexpectatus). These young skinks are characterized by a vibrant blue tail that fades with age. These agile reptiles are primarily insectivorous predators.
Staple Foods
The diet of blue-tailed skinks primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. Their food sources include spiders, crickets, grasshoppers, termites, and various types of beetles and their larvae. Skinks also regularly consume millipedes, small worms, and caterpillars. They show a clear preference for live, moving prey, which triggers their hunting instincts.
Their diet can also extend to other invertebrates like snails and slugs. Some larger skink species, such as the Broad-headed Skink, may opportunistically consume small vertebrates, including frogs, smaller lizards, and even newborn mice. This diverse menu ensures they obtain a broad spectrum of nutrients from their environment.
Dietary Nuances and Adaptations
The diet of blue-tailed skinks changes based on environmental and biological factors. Food choices vary with age; while both juveniles and adults are insectivorous, larger skinks can tackle bigger prey. Young skinks generally require more frequent feeding than adults, with juveniles often eating daily compared to adults who might feed every two to three days.
Seasonal prey availability also influences their diet. In warmer months, when insects are abundant, their diet relies heavily on insects and spiders. As temperatures drop and insect numbers decrease, they may shift to other food sources. Habitat differences also influence their diet; skinks in wooded areas may eat more ground insects, while those near water might include aquatic insect larvae. Though primarily insectivores, they may occasionally consume soft fruits or berries, but plant matter is not a primary part of their natural diet.
Hunting and Hydration
Blue-tailed skinks are diurnal hunters. They forage in low vegetation, on rocks, or tree trunks. They use visual cues and chemical signals, flicking their tongues to “taste” the air and locate prey. They are opportunistic predators, quickly pouncing on suitable food.
When capturing larger prey, a skink may carry it to a secluded spot to consume it, reducing vulnerability to predators. For hydration, skinks drink dew drops, raindrops, or moisture from leaves and crevices.