Western Redtail Skink (Plestiodon gilberti rubricaudatus)

Created: February 27th, 2015 - 01:23 AM
Last Modified: February 27th, 2015 - 01:27 AM Entered by: Jeff Teel
Record 216696

Country: United States		State: California	County: San Bernardino County	Time: 2015-02-26 16:33:00
Qty: 1	Age: Adult	Sex: --	Method: Artificial cover flipping	Habitat: coastal scrub/rocky
Body Temperature: -----		Air Temperature: -----	Ground Temperature: -----	Humidity: -----
Sky Conditions: Clear		Moon Phase: -----	Elevation: -----	Barometric Pressure: -----

Notes

This was the 2nd "Gilberts" of the day, first was a juvie that got away before photos. This area has MANY western skinks, the gilberti seem to be much less common in my experience. This large adult had a missing left arm, but seemed fine. When I sat him down for a pic with a real camera, it bolted after the first flash. It was under a board I set out in 2006. Elev. approx. 1800-1900ft.

Vouchers

Comments

Posted by Jeff Teel on Mar 01, 2015 at 09:25 PM

I wouldn't be surprised if that is one of the issues. I have found a western under a board near this one that had a missing hand. I figured it was the result of a predator, but your thought might be more accurate.

Posted by Jeff Nordland on Mar 01, 2015 at 09:11 PM

Jeff - I've found a few Gilbert's with missing feet or mangled limbs. Do you think they lose their feet/arms as a result of territorial battles?

Posted by Matthew Gruen on Feb 27, 2015 at 01:38 AM

that looks like the spot jim took me too with ten million bees!! nice find!