Scientific Name: Ophisaurus mimicus
Photo Credit: Pierson Hill
Topics Related to Reptiles - Lizards
North Carolina is home to 11 species of lizards, none of which are venomous or poisonous. Lizards typically have rounded torsos, elevated heads on short necks, four limbs and long tails. Three species of glass lizards are legless and often mistaken for snakes. Like other reptiles, lizards are cold-blooded (ectothermic), so they rely on their environment to warm their bodies, using the heat of the sun to raise their body temperature. For this reason most lizards are active during the day and can be found basking on rocks, fences, ledges and other places that generate warmth. Below is a list of the lizards found in North Carolina.
Scientific Name: Anolis carolinensis
Photo Credit: Todd Pierson
Green anoles (Anolis carolinensis) are diurnal, slender lizards typically measuring between 5 and 8 inches (12.5–20 cm), tail included. They possess adhesive toe pads that help them climb walls, fences, shrubs, and trees . Their coloring ranges from vivid green to brown or gray, and sometimes includes darker streaks or spots; females and juveniles often display a light stripe along the spine.
Scientific Name: Cnemidophorus sexlineatus
Photo Credit: Todd Pierson
Eastern North Carolina's six‑lined racerunner averages between 6 and 9½ inches in length. Its body features six pale stripes in yellow, white, gray, or light blue, running from neck to tail. Adult males display a blue belly while juveniles share the same striping pattern.
Scientific Name: Sceloporus undulatus
Classification: Nongame
Photo Credit: Todd Pierson
Scientific Name: Eumeces (Plestiodon) fasciatus
Photo Credit: Will Brown
Abundance: Common throughout most of the state (green)