Despite the scientific name P. septentrionalis obtusirostris translating to "blunt-nosed northern great skink", it is a southern subspecies.

The prairie skink is a small lizard, reaching a total length (body + tail) of about 13 to 22 cm (5 to nearly 9 inches).

In spring, when they emerge, the males start developing a bright orange coloring on the jaws and throat: the breeding season has begun.

The prairie skink lives in sandy habitat or open grasslands with loose soil, preferably with some rocks providing shelter and places to bask in the sun, and close to a water source.

The range of the northern subspecies extends from eastern North Dakota and Minnesota south to central Kansas.