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

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!

Lizards of Mississippi