Skinks are relatively common in the Santa Monica Mountains, but that doesn’t mean they are commonly seen. Like Fence Lizards, Skilton's Skinks are diurnal. But unlike Fence Lizards, they are extremely secretive. Their habit of traveling through leaf litter, underneath bark or in underground burrows really makes these guys hard to find!
This individual represents only the second time I have documented Skilton's Skink - Plestiodon skiltonianus in the garden. Worth the wait though as they are a beautiful lizard.