#AnimaloftheWeek: Skink (Plestiodon sp.)
 
A smaller member of the forest ecosystem, skinks can be found scurrying around the pinyon-juniper woodland and desert scrub. A brightly colored tail is an effective defense mechanism for these reptiles, which is meant to attract the attention of predators. If a predator were to grab their tail, skinks are able to automize, meaning they will voluntarily shed their appendage in order to escape. These slim skinks are known to have a glossy appearance and will feed on various types of insects including beetles, spiders, crickets, and worms.

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