As their common name suggests, southeastern five-lined skinks have five characteristic narrow stripes along their bodies that become lighter with age.

Juvenile coloration may persist into adulthood, giving the head of the animal an altogether orange-brown appearance.

They are commonly found on small islands off the southeastern coast even in the absence of fresh water and vegetation.

Like other skinks of the genus Plestiodon, they feed primarily on insects, preferring larger prey such as grasshoppers.

Southeastern five-lined skinks are oviparous; the clutch size varies from 6 to 12, with the number of eggs diminishing with higher latitudes.