Southeastern Five-lined Skink (Eumeces inexpectatus)

At least I think it is. These lizards abound at Fort Yargo State Park where I see them frequently along the shore line south of the Fishing Area (segment 13). Usually they are warming themselves in a sunny spot in the early morning. We play a game of peek-a-boo. I try and sneak close to get a photo and they scamper around the opposite of a tree trunk or under the decking of a bridge.

There are two species in this area that have distinct lines: the Southeastern Five-lined Skink (Eumeces inexpectatus) and the Five-lined Skink (Eumeces fasciatus). The adult Five-lined Skink tends to have a larger head, lose the distinct light lines on its back and the bright blue tail color. The adult Southeastern Five-lined Skink (Eumeces inexpectatus) has a smaller head and tends to retain the distinct lines on its body and its blue tail. I think this is a Southeastern Five-lined Skink.

Do you agree?

This lizard let me get fairly close before the game began.

An enlargement of the previous photo.
Click on an image to view a larger image

Identification resources:
University of Georgia at Athens: Lizards of Georgia and South Carolina
- Southeastern Five-lined Skink (Eumeces inexpectatus)
- Five-lined Skink (Eumeces fasciatus)