Blue-tailed skink

Blue-tailed skink is the popular name for a number of species of skink found in North America and Asia all of which have a bright blue detachable tail. These lizards are usually 2-3 inches (30-75 mm) long, but may reach 5 to 6 inches (125-150 mm) in length. They are not especially aggressive, but will bite if provoked. The bite is not very painful, even to children, who may find great amusement with the spectacle of lizard dangling from their forefinger. Some species are dark brown to black, with 5 yellow stripes down their backs, which provides an alternate name Five-line racer.