found texas native lizzard

Question
My daughter found a little lizzard in our yard in Texas.  We just moved here and would like to know if she can keep it and feed it little meal worms.  I don't know if it is safe  for both to keep.  It looks like a gecko with stripes on it's tail.  My older daughter has some geckos from a pet store but she says they are not native to the US and some colorful lizzards in the wild can be poisonous.  I hope you can give me some insight as to whether or not she can keep this.  Thanks.
Kim Fate

Answer
 There are only two venomous lizards in the world, both in the US, the gila monster and the beaded lizard.  There are an amazing variety of desert reptiles in Texas, some are common, some may be endangered.  First, wild caught reptiles just don't do as well in captivity as captive bred, they stress to illness.  It also may be endangered so it's always better to leave them in the wild.  Some experienced herpers have captured many native species, then let them go after a clutch of eggs are produced, then free the wild parents.  I would suggest letting the wild one go, then take your daughter to one of the many reptile shows in Texas.  You may find a cute captive bred baby version of what she caught and have a much better chance of having a healthier. happier pet.