Lizards Commonly Found in Georgia

Georgia’s diverse habitats from coasts to mountains allow a variety of lizards to thrive in the state. There are around 18 species of lizards that reside in Georgia with some being native species while others were introduced. In this article, we will take a look at the most common lizards found in Georgia.

Green Anole

The green anole (Anolis carolinensis) is one of the most widespread lizards in Georgia It is native to the southeastern United States Green anoles are able to change color from brown to bright green to blend into their surroundings, They thrive in forest areas with ample foliage and sunlight,

Male green anoles have a red throat patch that they display to attract females and defend territory. They grow to around 5-8 inches in length and feed on insects and spiders.

Brown Anole

Similar in appearance to the green anole, the brown anole (Anolis sagrei) is an introduced species in Georgia. They originated in the Bahamas and Cuba. In Georgia, brown anoles live along the Florida border and on the southern Atlantic coast islands.

Growing up to 7 inches long, brown anoles hunt insects and spiders during the day when they are most active. Their color ranges from dark brown to black with pale yellow sides. They have an orange-red dewlap throat pouch.

Eastern Fence Lizard

The eastern fence lizard (Sceloporus undulatus) is a common native species found throughout Georgia. It prefers basking on fences, stumps, rocks, and logs. Its pattern consists of shades of gray, black, and white with a light belly.

These small, active lizards grow to around 6 inches in length. The eastern fence lizard lives in various habitats but relies on trees for hunting insects and escaping predators. It has a long tail making up half its body size.

Six-lined Racerunner

With its distinctive pattern of six yellow and black lines, the six-lined racerunner (Aspidoscelis sexlineatus) inhabits most of Georgia. It thrives in hot, open areas including pine forests, coasts, and swamps.

A speedy lizard, the six-lined racerunner can reach speeds up to 18 mph. It enjoys basking in the sun. Growing up to 8 inches long, its diet consists mainly of insects. Males have light blue markings on their underside.

Ground Skink

The ground skink (Scincella lateralis) is a small brown lizard with copper stripes and a dark lateral line. It has a flattened body and resembles a snake in shape. This species sticks close to the ground, hiding under leaf litter and soil where it hunts insects.

A quick mover, the ground skink will drop its tail if threatened by predators. It inhabits most parts of Georgia besides swamps and averages 4 inches in length when fully grown.

Broad-headed Skink

Notable for its large triangular orange head, the broad-headed skink (Plestiodon laticeps) is a stout lizard reaching lengths over 12 inches. It uses its powerful jaws to catch insects, small mammals, and other lizards.

The broad-headed skink has small legs and multiple yellow lines running along its body. Young skinks have bright blue tails. This species favors forested regions and is common from Atlanta southwards to the coast.

Mediterranean House Gecko

With its bumpy tan skin, the Mediterranean house gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus) is a non-native species that has adapted well to manmade structures in Georgia. It is nocturnal and waits by lights to ambush moths.

Growing to around 6 inches, these geckos have sticky toe pads to climb vertical walls and windows. They are often found on building exteriors and indoors. The Mediterranean house gecko lacks eyelids and has vertical pupils.

Eastern Glass Lizard

The eastern glass lizard (Ophisaurus ventralis) resembles a snake but is actually a legless lizard native to Georgia. It has eyelids, ear holes, and inflexible jaws unlike snakes. Its length can reach over 3 feet.

Usually found south of Atlanta, the eastern glass lizard inhabits open forests and coasts. Its colors range from green, brown, to dark gray with a light underside and dark stripes along the body. When threatened, it can detach its tail.

Five-lined Skink

With its bright blue tail, red head, and namesake stripes, the five-lined skink (Plestiodon fasciatus) is easy to identify. It has a stocky build and favors areas with ample fresh water and vegetation. Northern Georgia is part of its range.

In addition to insects, the five-lined skink eats small invertebrates and worms. It is an adept climber, using trees and the ground for hunting and hiding. Like others in the skink family, it can shed its tail to evade predators.

Slender Glass Lizard

Another legless lizard found in Georgia is the slender glass lizard (Ophisaurus attenuatus), which can grow over 3 feet long. It has a thin snake-like body with dark and light banding down its back and sides. The slender glass lizard prefers open woodlands and grassy areas.

To distinguish it from actual snakes, look for its eyelids, external ear openings, and fixed jaws that do not stretch wide. Its tail also easily detaches when threatened and can be slowly regrown.

Other Lizards

Additional lizard species found in Georgia include:

• Texas horned lizard – A spiky-looking lizard that squirts blood from its eyes when threatened. Lives in coastal sand dunes.

• Mole skink – A short golden brown lizard with two pale stripes that burrows in pine forest soils.

• Coal skink – Has pale brown stripes and prefers forests habitats. Two subspecies occur in Georgia.

• Little brown skink – A tiny copper and brown striped lizard less than 6 inches long.

• Indo-Pacific gecko – An introduced tan house gecko with sticky toe pads. Nocturnal and insectivorous.

Georgia’s mild climate, varied ecosystems, and location make it home to a diverse assemblage of native lizards along with several introduced species. The lizards have adapted to live in coastal dunes, pine forests, hardwood forests, wetlands, and urban areas. Learning to identify the most common ones helps gain appreciation for Georgia’s reptile life.