Which Lizards Are Native to Alabama?

Which Lizards Are Native to Alabama?. Alabama is home to 156 species of amphibians and reptiles, 16 of which are types of lizards. The native lizard species are spread across six different families and display a variety of traits. The state's lizard species are varied in size and appearance and can be found in many different habitats.

Skinks

Six different species of skink live in Alabama. The largest native species is the broad-headed skink that grows to 13 inches in length and is mostly brown with a red head. The smallest skink species in the state are the northern mole and the ground skink. Other native skinks are the common five-lined, southeastern five-lined and coal skinks. The common five-lined, broad-headed and ground skinks are all found statewide, while the other native species are less common. The southeastern five-lined skink is considered a species of concern in Alabama due to rapid population decreases.

Glass Lizards

The state is home to three legless lizard species known as glass lizards. Superficially, the lizards resemble thin snakes; however, eyelids and visible ear holes show they are clearly lizards. The name "glass lizard" comes from the animal's ability to break off parts of its tail to evade predators. The three native species are the slender, mimic and eastern glass lizards. All three are uncommon in the state with the eastern glass lizard being a species of concern.

Geckos and Anoles

Both of the state's gecko species are non-natives that have established wild breeding populations. The Mediterranean house gecko originates from southern Europe and ranges from 4 to 5 inches in length. The Indo-Pacific gecko is slightly smaller and originates in southeast Asia. Only one of the anole lizard species is a U.S. native. The green anole grows to about 8 inches in length and, like chameleons, can alter its color for camouflage. The brown anole, which is rare but found in Alabama, originates from Cuba and the Bahamas.

Spiny Lizards and Racerunners

Alabama has two species of spiny lizard. The Texas horned lizard is a non-native that has been introduced and is found along the coastal areas. The eastern fence lizard is common throughout the whole state and is often seen basking in the open on hot days. The state's other lizard species is the eastern six-lined racerunner. It is not found statewide, but in the areas it does inhabit it is plentiful. It is most common in southern Alabama.

References

• Auburn University: Checklist of the Amphibians and Reptiles of Alabama
• Outdoor Alabama: Lizards
• Your Florida Backyard: Skinks
• Your Florida Backyard: Geckos
• Wildherps.com: Brown Anole