Scientific name: Eumeces gilberti rubricaudatus

Common name: Gilbert Skink or Western Red-Tailed Skink

Size: 2.7-4.6 in (6.8-11.7 cm)

Distinguishing characters: Adults uniform green, grey, olive or brown background; smooth scales; small legs; heavy bodied.

Juveniles: Light stripes on sides and dorsum enclosing a broad black or brown stripe; dark stripe stops near base of waxy-pink tail; stripes fade with growth and maturation.

Dimorphism: Male has broader head with orange or red temporal area and lower jaw.

Similar species: Eumeces skiltonianus: Striping prominent on lateral portions of tail; young with blue tails. Elgaria multicarinatus: Has keeled dorsal scales and prominent lateral fold; dorsal pattern with crossbars. Cnemidophorus tigris: Lacks smooth scales and has striking dorsal pattern of yellow crossbars on black background.

Additional notes: A large, robust skink seldom seen in the open. Adult individuals are surprisingly strong when handled. Juveniles are fragile, and should be handled with care.