Mississippi is home to a fascinating diversity of lizard species. From legless glass lizards to colorful anoles, 15 different types of lizards can be found across the Magnolia State. Some are native, while others were introduced more recently.
Overview of Lizards in Mississippi
There are 12 native lizard species in Mississippi, making up the majority of lizards found in the state. The six-lined racerunner has the widest distribution of any Mississippi lizard. Other widespread native species include the eastern fence lizard, prairie lizard, and broad-headed skink.
Two non-native lizard species have also been introduced to Mississippi – the brown anole and the Mediterranean house gecko The brown anole was introduced in the 1970s via shipped plants from its native range in the Caribbean. It quickly spread and established breeding populations The Mediterranean house gecko hitchhiked its way to the state in egg clutches on imported plants.
The introduced brown anole competes with the native green anole for resources and habitat. It has caused the green anole to adapt by moving higher up into the tree canopy. One native Mississippi lizard, the mimic glass lizard, is considered endangered within the state, though its overall global status remains stable.
Native Lizards of Mississippi
Six-Lined Racerunner
The six-lined racerunner lives up to its name, sprinting at speeds up to 18 mph across the ground It has the widest distribution of any Mississippi lizard. Look for its six yellowish stripes along a brown or black body in a variety of habitats statewide
Eastern Fence Lizard
The eastern fence lizard prefers wooded areas with plenty of debris to hide under. It has variable gray, brown, or reddish coloring with light blue patches on the belly and throat of breeding males.
Prairie Lizard
Climbing sunflowers and trees comes naturally to the prairie lizard, a great climber among Mississippi’s lizards. Find it in the state’s southwest corner with its reddish-brown body and occasional red lips and chin.
Coal Skink
The shy, secretive coal skink spends most of its time hiding under logs and leaf litter in humid wooded areas. It lacks the central stripe found on other skinks and has four light body stripes.
Broad-Headed Skink
The aptly named broad-headed skink has a distinct triangular head. It also readily climbs trees, unlike most other skinks. Look for its faded striped pattern in southern swamps and woodlands.
Little Brown Skink
One of the smallest lizards in Mississippi, the little brown skink lives on the forest floor among abundant ground litter. It has eyelid windows for seeing even with closed eyes to spot approaching predators.
Slender Glass Lizard
The legless slender glass lizard is often mistaken for a snake. Growing up to 4 feet long, it has dark stripes fading to bands toward the tail. It frequently detaches its fragile tail when threatened.
Eastern Glass Lizard
Another legless lookalike, the eastern glass lizard lacks any stripes. Tan and yellow dots form irregular rows along its dark greenish-black body instead. It also readily drops its tail if bothered.
Green Anole
With a pointed snout and chameleon-like color changing abilities, the green anole is the only native anole lizard in Mississippi. The introduced brown anole has forced it higher up into trees.
Southeastern Five-Lined Skink
The southeastern five-lined skink lives up to its name with its distinct striped juvenile pattern that fades in adults. It inhabits forested areas statewide and has a purple tail at all ages.
Common Five-Lined Skink
As juveniles, the aptly named common five-lined skink has five bold stripes and a bright blue tail. Stripes fade in adults, and males develop a red jaw during breeding season.
Six-Lined Racerunner
With six yellowish stripes along its back, this aptly named lizard sprints rapidly across the ground. It has the widest distribution of any Mississippi lizard.
Introduced Lizards of Mississippi
Mediterranean House Gecko
The Mediterranean house gecko is the state’s most abundant and widespread gecko. But it’s not native! Introduced from tropical regions, this vocal nocturnal species with vertical pupils often lives in homes.
Brown Anole
Native to the Caribbean, the brown anole was widely introduced to Mississippi via cargo shipments of plants. It forced the native green anole higher into trees through competition.
Endangered Lizards of Mississippi
Only one lizard is considered endangered within Mississippi – the mimic glass lizard. This small, dark glass lizard inhabits pine forests and grasslands. Not much is known about it, adding to its endangered status in the state.
With legless glass lizards, slim skinks, climbing anoles, and sprinting racerunners, Mississippi is home to an impressive diversity of native and introduced lizard species. Getting outdoors to find these lizards across the varied ecosystems of the Magnolia State is a reward in itself. Just be sure not to handle them, as all wild reptiles can transmit salmonella bacteria. Happy lizard spotting!
“What kinds of lizards can you find in Mississippi?”
I was amazed by the number of lizards in the United States – well over 150 species! Some species live only in a small area, and some are widespread over hundreds of miles.
Some people consider Southeastern Five-Lined Skinks venomous and often refer to them as scorpions.
However, they are harmless to humans and deliver a non-venomous bite only if they feel threatened.
Rest assured that if you find a Southeastern Five-Lined Skink, the only danger is that you might be nipped on the finger!
Identifying Characteristics:
- Adults are up to 12.75 inches long.
- Coloring in males is uniform brown or olive. Females often keep some form of stripes that are more apparent in hatchlings.
- The tail is gray in adults and blue in young.
- Males develop orange-red coloring on the jawline during the breeding season. Sometimes the entire head turns bright orange.
Six facts about the Mississippi green Anole lizard | Mississippi Wildlife
FAQ
What type of lizards live in Mississippi?
| Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis) | (I) Cuban Brown Anole (Anolis sagrei sagrei) |
|---|---|
| Southern Coal Skink (Plestiodon anthracinus pluvialis) | Common Five-Lined Skink (Plestiodon fasciatus) |
| Broad-Headed Skink (Plestiodon laticeps) | Prairie Lizard (Sceloporus consobrinus) |
| Little Brown Skink (Scincella lateralis) |
What are the small green lizards in Mississippi?
Green anoles are small reptiles that are native to the southeastern U.S. They’re also called the Carolina anole, the American anole, the red-throated anole, or the American chameleon. They’re small creatures, usually only reaching 5 to 8 inches in length.
Are lizards okay around the house?
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Natural pest control:Lizards, particularly geckos, are known to consume various insects, reducing potential pest infestations.
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May not be a threat to your home:Unlike some other pests, lizards typically don’t cause structural damage to houses, according to a post on Reddit.
Are there geckos in Mississippi?
No native geckos are found in Mississippi, however, two potential nonnative species may be found. The more common species is the Mediterranean House Gecko, and can be encountered in urban areas along Mississippi’s coast, as well as in other cities in the state.