Lizards in Oklahoma: A Guide to the State’s Diverse Lizard Species

Oklahoma is home to a fascinating diversity of lizard species From tiny skinks to large collared lizards, these reptiles occupy a variety of ecological niches across the state. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most notable lizards found in Oklahoma and learn about their identification, habitats, and behaviors

An Overview of Oklahoma’s Lizards

There are 18 species of lizards native to Oklahoma, spanning 5 families – skinks, geckos, whiptails, earless lizards, and horned lizards. The state also has 2 introduced lizard species. The most frequently occurring species are skinks, with 9 different kinds calling Oklahoma home

Some of Oklahoma’s lizards are quite small, like the little brown skink which grows to just 5.7 inches. Others can be sizable, such as the broad-headed skink which reaches 13 inches long. Lizards fill diverse niches in the state’s ecosystems, functioning as predators, prey, and helping cycle nutrients.

While none of Oklahoma’s lizards are venomous, some larger species can inflict a nip if handled. As with any wild animal, lizards are best observed from a respectful distance. Proper hygiene like hand washing should be practiced after any contact.

Below we’ll break down Oklahoma’s lizard species in more detail, exploring how to identify them as well as their natural history.

Skinks of Oklahoma

Skinks make up the largest group of lizards in Oklahoma, with 9 species found statewide. Most have elongated, snake-like bodies and smooth, glossy scales. Their small legs give them a waddling gait on land, but skinks are quite nimble climbers and swimmers.

Little Brown Skink – As the name suggests, this is a small brown lizard reaching just 5.7 inches. Look for the distinctive dark stripes on the body and vivid blue tail of juveniles.

Coal Skink – Grows to 7 inches long and has 4 light stripes on a dark brown body. Lacks the central dorsal stripe found on similar skinks.

Common Five-Lined Skink – This large 8.5 inch skink lives up to its name with 5 prominent white and black stripes. Juveniles have striking blue tails.

Broad-headed Skink – The giants of Oklahoma’s skinks, these lizards grow over a foot long. Their broad head gives them powerful jaws to crush snails and other prey.

Great Plains Skink – Colors range from tans to brown with poorly defined dark stripes on the back. Males develop orange heads in breeding season.

Prairie Skink – Brown skink with dark sides and distinctive light stripes. Breeding males turn reddish-orange on the head and throat.

Southern Coal Skink – A subspecies of the coal skink with slightly different patterning. Still exhibits the 4 broken stripes.

Common Five-lined Skink – Another race of the five-lined skink living in western Oklahoma. Retains the 5 stripes and blue tail.

Southern Prairie Skink – A prairie skink subspecies. Same patterning applies with striped brown body and red breeding males.

Geckos

Oklahoma has one native gecko, the Mediterranean House Gecko. Two other popular pet geckos have been introduced.

Mediterranean House Gecko – A small pinkish gecko with dark spots and a translucent belly. Introduced from Europe and now common statewide.

Common Leopard Gecko – A popular pet native to Asia that sometimes escapes or is released. Has yellow with dark blotches.

Common House Gecko – Another escaped pet, the common house gecko has tan skin with sticky toe pads. Originally from Asia.

Whiptails

Whiptails are aptly named for their slender shape and extraordinarily long tails. Oklahoma has 4 whiptail species.

Six-lined Racerunner – Aptly named, this lizard has 6 prominent yellowish stripes on a brown body. Males have bright blue markings. Very speedy.

Western Whiptail – Light brown with 7 white stripes down a dark back. Males have reddish jaws and throats.

Gray Checkered Whiptail – Just 4 inches long, this whiptail has a checkerboard pattern of brown, black, yellow, and white.

Prairie Racerunner – Seven stripes on a tan body. Look for the vivid blue tails of juveniles. Males show green and blue coloration.

Horned Lizards

Oklahoma has one member of the unique horned lizard family – the Texas Horned Lizard. It’s unmistakable thanks to its prominent horns and squat, round body. Coloration ranges from brown to reddish with a white dorsal stripe and cream belly. When threatened, these lizards can squirt blood from their eyes as a defense.

Earless Lizards

Earless lizards lack external ear openings. Oklahoma has two native species.

Greater Earless Lizard – A slender gray lizard reaching 7 inches long. Has enlarged hind legs to aid in bursts of speed.

Lesser Earless Lizard – Just 5 inches long, this lizard is light gray with dark blotches on the back. Has a relatively short tail compared to related species.

Collared Lizards

The Eastern Collared Lizard is the state reptile of Oklahoma. It’s a large, brightly colored lizard with yellow and green scales. Most notably, it has a prominent black collar just behind its head which gave rise to its common name. Fast and wary, collared lizards take refuge in rock crevices and burrows.

Glass Lizards

Though they resemble snakes, glass lizards are actually legless lizards. Oklahoma has one native species – the Slender Glass Lizard. It grows over 3 feet long and has a yellow-brown body marked by dark lines. If threatened, glass lizards can curl their tails up over their backs and detach their tails to distract predators while they escape. The tail then regrows over time.

Habitats and Conservation

Oklahoma’s lizards occupy diverse habitats across the state. You may find them in forests, deserts, prairies, rocky outcrops, and even suburban areas. Providing the right mix of food, shelter, warmth, and egg-laying sites is more important than any one habitat type.

While none of Oklahoma’s lizard species are considered endangered, maintaining ecologically sensitive areas is important to safeguard their populations. Limiting pesticide use, preventing habitat loss, and retaining natural areas both rural and urban can help protect the state’s lizards for future generations.

So next time you are exploring Oklahoma’s wild spaces, keep an eye out for these remarkable reptiles. With careful observation and the knowledge from this guide, you can identify the diverse lizard species that call the Sooner State home. Getting to observe these creatures first-hand provides a glimpse into Oklahoma’s natural heritage.