The dorsal pattern consists of a dark dorsolateral line from the neck onto the tail bordered on each side by a lighter pigment. This skink is often observed in moist environments among rocks, leaf litter, or other debris. This diurnal skink is wary and retreats at the first sign of danger. It forages for insects and spiders and is most active just prior to sunrise.
Breeding takes place in early summer.
Females lay up to 18 eggs. Hatchlings have bright blue tails. In North America, this skink has a narrow range from Kansas to Texas. In Texas, it is found in the eastern third of the state, except the southeastern corner. This project funded by the University of Texas College of Natural Sciences and the Texas Memorial Museum .