![]() The blue-tailed mole skink is endemic to central Florida and was probably fairly widespread before the large-scale conversion of its habitat for agriculture (particularly citrus groves). Therefore, the two skinks occupy different niches and do not compete for food, even though they are occasionally seen together. Unlike the endangered sand skink ( Neoseps reynoldsi ), which forages underneath the sandy soil, the mole skink forages mostly on the surface. Moisture retained by litter is important for internal heat regulation in this species. Within scrub areas, skinks occupy only localized pockets of sufficient leaf litter and moisture to provide abundant food and nesting sites. ![]() This species is more common in early successional forest stages and may not persist in mature sand pine scrub due to this requirement. Loose sand, vital for burrowing, is the primary habitat requirement. Dominant vegetation includes sand pine and rosemary, or longleaf pine and turkey oak associations. The larger habitat of the blue-tailed mole skink is sand pine scrub communities. Skinks become sexually mature during the first year. It mates during the winter, and females lay underground clutches of three to seven eggs in the spring. The mole skink forages on the surface or digs into the soil to find insects, feeding mostly on cockroaches, spiders, and crickets. Little is known of the biology of the blue-tailed mole skink, but it is presumed to be similar to the peninsular mole skink ( E. ![]() The tail, blue in juveniles and pinkish with age, is a little more than half the body length. The blue-tailed mole skink, Eumeces egregius lividus, has short, stubby legs and a thin, cylindrical body measuring from 3.6-5.2 in (9-13 cm). Lizard with a long, narrow, cylindrical body bluish tail in young.Īgricultural and residential development. Blue-tailed Mole Skink Eumeces egregius lividus Status
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