Lizards in South Carolina: A Detailed Guide

South Carolina is home to a diverse variety of lizards, with 17 species found across the state. From small skinks scurrying across the forest floor, to large glass lizards slithering through the underbrush, lizards occupy an array of habitats in South Carolina.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the different types of lizards found in South Carolina how to identify them, and where you are most likely to spot them. Whether you are a curious naturalist or simply want to learn more about the reptiles sharing your backyard read on for a comprehensive guide to South Carolina’s lizards.

Native Lizards of South Carolina

The majority of lizard species found in South Carolina are native to the area, Here are some of the most common native lizards you may encounter

Green Anole

The green anole (Anolis carolinensis) is one of the most widespread and recognizable lizards in South Carolina. Growing up to 8 inches long, it can be identified by its green body that allows it to blend in with vegetation. Males have a pink or reddish throat fan called a dewlap. Green anoles are arboreal, spending most of their time in trees and shrubs. They can change color from green to brown to blend in with their surroundings.

Six-lined Racerunner

Distinguished by the six yellow or white stripes running the length of its body, the aptly named six-lined racerunner (Aspidoscelis sexlineata) inhabits a variety of habitats in South Carolina, including forests, grasslands, and coastal dunes. A speedy lizard, it can sprint on its long legs to flee predators. Adults reach 2.5-5 inches in length.

Eastern Fence Lizard

The eastern fence lizard (Sceloporus undulatus) prefers open forests with plenty of logs and rocks to bask on. It has keeled scales running down its back and grows up to 5 inches long. Coloration can range from gray to brown to reddish-black. During breeding season, males develop blue patches on their belly and throat.

Skinks

Several species of skink call South Carolina home, including the common five-lined skink (Plestiodon fasciatus), southeastern five-lined skink (Plestiodon inexpectatus), coal skink (Plestiodon anthracinus), broad-headed skink (Plestiodon laticeps), and ground skink (Scincella lateralis). Most species are brown or black with yellow or white stripes down the body. They inhabit forest floors, maneuvering through leaf litter and debris.

Glass Lizards

Legless and snake-like in appearance, glass lizards have long, cylindrical bodies covered in smooth scales. South Carolina is home to the eastern glass lizard (Ophisaurus ventralis), slender glass lizard (Ophisaurus attenuatus), mimic glass lizard (Ophisaurus mimicus), and island glass lizard (Ophisaurus compressus) Growing up to 4 feet long, they occupy open forests and grasslands If threatened, glass lizards can detach their fragile tails.

Introduced Lizards of South Carolina

In addition to native species, South Carolina is now home to some lizard species that have been introduced to the state. Some of the most common nonnative lizards include:

Brown Anole

Originally from Cuba and the Bahamas, the brown anole (Anolis sagrei) has established breeding populations in South Carolina. It can be identified by its brown body with white and yellow markings and orange dewlap. Since its introduction, brown anoles have put pressure on populations of native green anoles.

Mediterranean House Gecko

A small, nocturnal lizard from the Mediterranean region, the Mediterranean house gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus) is now common in South Carolina. It has expanded its range by stowing away in shipments of plants and can be found on building walls. It has large eyes with vertical pupils and grows up to 3 inches long.

Texas Horned Lizard

Also known as horned toads, Texas horned lizards (Phrynosoma cornutum) have been introduced to barrier islands off the South Carolina coast. They are flat-bodied with large horns behind the head and a sand-colored body with spots for camouflage. Native to the southwestern United States and Mexico originally.

Where to Find Lizards in South Carolina

Lizards occupy diverse habitats across South Carolina. Here is a brief overview of some of the best places to spot different species:

• Forests: Eastern fence lizards, skinks, and some glass lizards frequent forest floors with ample woody debris. Search under logs and rocks.

• Grasslands: Six-lined racerunners and slender glass lizards prefer open grassy areas like meadows, fields, and prairies.

• Coastal dunes: Six-lined racerunners and introduced Texas horned lizards inhabit sandy coastal dunes.

• Wetlands: You may find eastern glass lizards in the vegetation surrounding wetlands.

• Urban areas: Green anoles, brown anoles, and Mediterranean house geckos often reside in suburban neighborhoods and parks. Check fence posts, trees, and building walls.

• Tree canopies: Scan the upper branches of trees for green anoles clinging to bark and leaves.

When to Look for Lizards

Lizards are most active when temperatures are warm. The best times to spot them are:

• Early morning as they emerge to bask

• Late afternoon as they forage before evening

• Mid-day during the heat of summer

Lizards will usually retreat to hiding spots as temperatures drop in the late afternoon. You’re also more likely to observe them on sunny days.

During the cooler months, lizards are less active and may brumate (similar to hibernation). They emerge less frequently and for shorter periods. Spring is an ideal time to find lizards basking in the sun.

Identifying Lizards of South Carolina

When you encounter a lizard, look for the following characteristics to help identify the species:

• Size: Measure length from snout to the end of the tail. Compare to typical sizes for species.

• Body shape: Note features like a flattened body, long tail, or lack of legs.

• Scales: Are they smooth or bumpy? Do they form ridges down the back?

• Color and markings: Take note of colors, stripes, spots, etc.

• Behavior: Watch how it moves and where it prefers to spend time.

Consult a field guide or online reference photos when you get home to confirm the species based on your observations. With practice, identification will become easier over time. Getting clear photos of lizards can also help with ID.

Interesting Facts About South Carolina Lizards

Beyond their identification and habitats, lizards exhibit fascinating behaviors and adaptations for survival:

• Male green anoles bob their head up and down to signal territoriality and attract females.

• The six-lined racerunner got its name from sprinting rapidly on its long legs to escape threats.

• Skinks and glass lizards can intentionally detach their tail if grasped by a predator. The tail continues to wiggle, distracting the predator so the lizard can escape.

• The Texas horned lizard can shoot streams of blood from the corners of its eyes when threatened. The blood contains a chemical that repels predators.

• Mediterranean house geckos have specialized toe pads that allow them to climb smooth vertical surfaces, even glass.

• Many lizard species are able to blend in with their surroundings by changing color, known as metachrosis.

From slender glass lizards slithering stealthily through pine forests, to Mediterranean house geckos scaling stucco walls, South Carolina is home to a diverse assemblage of lizards occupying an array of habitats across the state. With 17 species, there are plenty of opportunities to spot these fascinating reptiles if you know when and where to look. Being able to identify lizards by sight takes patience and practice, but field guides and reference photos can help you distinguish between species. Keep an eye out the next time you are hiking through scrubland or even just walking around your neighborhood and you might be surprised by a new lizard discovery.