The Broad-headed Skink (Eumeces laticeps) is â€” together with the Great Plains Skink â€” the largest of the Eumeces-skinks, growing to a total length of 15 to nearly 33 cm (6 to 13 inches).

The Broad-headed Skink gets its name from the wide jaws, giving the head a triangular appearance. Adult males are brown ore olive brown in color and have bright orange heads during the mating season in spring. Females have five light stripes running down the back and the tail, similar to the Five-lined Skink. Juveniles are dark brown or black and also striped and have blue tails.

These skinks are the most arboreal of the North American Eumeces. Although they do occur in urban areas, their preferred habitat are humid forest areas with abundant leaf litter, especially oak forests. They forage on the ground, but also easily and often climb trees for shelter or sleep or searching for food.