05/23/2025
Ever seen a lizard with a fiery red face? Meet the Broadhead Skink!
Photo: Explore Tennessee
While exploring Tennessee’s wooded trails, you might spot this sleek reptile basking in the sun or darting up a tree.
We spotted this fellow at the Appalachian Clubhouse in the Daisytown section of Elkmont.
This is the Broadhead Skink — one of the largest lizards in the Southeast! With its bold, brick-red head and glossy, armor-like scales, it’s a striking sight that’s easy to overlook unless you’re paying close attention.
Here's why this species is so special:
What's in a name? That broad, triangular head gives it away. Males develop the red coloration during breeding season, making them easy to identify.
Tree huggers at heart: Broadhead Skinks are semi-arboreal — they love climbing trees and are surprisingly agile!
Shy but important: While they may look intimidating, these lizards are harmless to humans and help control insect populations.
Interpretive Tip: Next time you're hiking in the Smokies or resting near a log cabin porch, take a closer look at the wood — you might find a skink blending into the sunlit grain, just like this one did!
Keep your eyes peeled and your curiosity wild — Tennessee's trails are full of incredible encounters just this!
