Common Name: Common Five-lined Skink
Scientific Name: Plestiodon fasciatus (Common Five-lined Skink) formerly Eumeces fasciatus
Etymology:
Genus: Plestiodon is derived from the Greek eu meaning "good" and mekos meaning "length", referring to the long tail of the skink.

 Species: fasciatus is derived from the Latin word fascia meaning "stripe" and the Latin suffix inus meaning "pertaining to"
Average Length: 5 - 8.5 in. (12.5 - 21.5 cm)
Virginia Record Length:  7.5 in. (18.8 cm)
Record length: 8.5 in. (21.5 cm)

 

Virginia Fish and Wildlife Information Service: Species Booklet

Photos:

*Click on a thumbnail for a larger version.

      Broad-headed Skink (top)
vs.
Five-lined Skink (bottom)
   
       
  Neonate