Skinks are one of the fastest reptiles in the world. Their speed also helps them to escape capture. If captured, the skink will bite, but its teeth are too small to cause any damage.

Does the five-lined skink bite?

Broad-headed skinks have an enlarged row of scales under their tails and five labial scales along their upper lip (between their nose and eye), while five-lined skinks have four labial scales. However, these species can bite, so only those with experience should attempt to get close enough to count them.

What does a female five-lined skink look like?

They possess bright blue tails and distinct white or yellow stripes on a black background. Tail color dulls with age, and is more commonly retained in females than males, which display gray tails as adults.