Kenneth L. Krysko photo.
Ground Skink, Scincella lateralis
Though it is seldom seen by the public, this little brown-backed skink is one of the most abundant reptiles in Fort Matanzas National Monument. It is found throughout the live oak hammock scurrying through the leaf litter hunting for tiny invertebrates to eat. Most adults are 3-4 inches (7.6-10 cm) long. It lays its eggs in rotting wood in the spring.
