This lizards status is of concern in Washington because the species primarily occurs in shrubsteppe habitat; most of this habitat has been and continues to be converted to other uses or degraded by frequent fires and invasive weeds.
Pygmy short-horned lizards have a “toad-ish” shape and are often called “horned toads” or “horny toads.” They have a blunt snout, squat flattened body, short legs, and short, triangular tail. The length (without the tail) ranges from about an inch at birth to around 2.5 inches as an adult. Females are significantly larger than males. Spines or “horns” project from the back of the head and fringe-like spines occur on the sides. The dorsal (topside) pattern is mottled in white, gray, beige, tan, brown, black and sometimes yellow or orange. Dark blotches occur in transverse rows on the back. The underside is white, sometimes with a yellow or gray wash. Coloration and pattern varies from site to site as the lizard tends to match the substrate. Males have enlarged pores (femoral pores) on the midline of the underside of the thighs. Juveniles resemble adults.
Washington state is home to a diverse array of reptiles, including several fascinating species of lizards. Ranging from tiny horned lizards to the imposing northern alligator lizard, these cold-blooded critters inhabit ecosystems across the state
In this article, we’ll explore 7 types of lizards commonly found in Washington highlighting key identification features, habitat preferences and fun facts about each species. Whether you’re an amateur herpetologist or simply curious what’s slithering around your backyard, read on to learn more about Washington’s lascivious lizards!
1. Pygmy Short-Horned Lizard
The pygmy short-horned lizard (Phrynosoma douglasii) is Washington’s sole representative of North America’s horned lizard family. Reaching just 2.5 inches in length this diminutive reptile can be identified by its flat, spiny body and short horn-like scales protruding from the head. Coloration ranges from gray to reddish-brown with two rows of dark spots lining the back.
Pygmy short-horned lizards thrive in arid habitats like sagebrush plains and open pine forests up to 11,000 feet in elevation. With ants comprising the bulk of their diet, these lizards frequently lie in wait outside ant mounds. When threatened, they’ll bury themselves in sand using a shimmying motion to evade predators.
2. Sagebrush Lizard
As its name implies, the sagebrush lizard (Sceloporus graciosus) frequents sagebrush fields across Washington. Growing up to 3.5 inches long, adults are brownish-gray with a black shoulder bar and brilliant blue patches on the belly. Long spidery claws on the hind feet assist with climbing on vegetation.
Beyond sagebrush plains, these agile lizards also occupy sand dunes, grasslands, and woodlands statewide. Their diverse diet includes insects, spiders, and even scorpions! Come winter, sagebrush lizards will brumate underground until spring emerges.
3. Side-Blotched Lizard
The side-blotched lizard (Uta stansburiana) is a petite reptile reaching just 2.5 inches in length. Look for the distinctive blue or black blotch behind each front leg on this brownish lizard. In sunlight, white speckling often appears on the back.
This adaptable species thrives in various habitats with sandy soil and low vegetation. Interestingly, male side-blotched lizards exhibit three different throat colorations correlated with mating strategies. These “morphs” compete cyclically each breeding season, maintaining genetic diversity within populations.
4. Western Fence Lizard
Easily the most frequently encountered lizard across much of Washington, the western fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis) prefers woodland edges, stream banks, and overgrown fields. Adult males reach 3.5 inches long and display vibrant blue bellies, yellow limbs, and small black spots on their backs.
Given their abundance, keep an eye out for fence lizards basking on any sunlit surface, including fence posts, logs, and boulders. Their blood contains a unique protein capable of destroying Lyme disease bacteria, effectively curbing the illness’ spread by ticks that feed on the lizards!
5. Western Skink
The reclusive western skink (Plestiodon skiltonianus) spends most of its time hidden beneath leaf litter and other ground debris, rooting around for insect prey. Growing over 8 inches long, adults are brown with black-edged stripes down the back and vivid blue tails that fade with age.
Throughout Washington, this secretive species favors pine forests and other woodlands with ample fallen logs and rocks to slip under when threatened. As another defensive strategy, western skinks can self-detach their bright blue tails to momentarily distract predators while they scurry to safety.
6. Northern Alligator Lizard
Despite its fearsome name, the northern alligator lizard (Elgaria coerulea) is harmless to humans. Washington’s largest lizard species, adults reach 10 inches in length with chunky bodies, small legs, and long tails. Color patterns feature dark splotches, spots, or crossbands in shades of brown, gray, or greenish-blue.
Preferring cool, moist forests statewide, northern alligator lizards forage during the day for insects, spiders, slugs, and other small invertebrates. If confronted by predators, they may bite or exude a foul-smelling musk from glands near the tail.
7. Southern Alligator Lizard
The smaller cousin of Washington’s northern alligator lizard, the southern alligator lizard (Elgaria multicarinata) grows to about 7 inches long. Scales bear prominent ridges, and coloration includes brown, gray, or reddish hues marked with dark crossbands. As another defensive tactic, these lizards can detach their long tails when attacked.
Look for southern alligator lizards rummaging through leaf litter in moist woodlands and forests west of the Cascades. With invertebrates comprising their diet, populations often reside near human homes where spiders and insects abound.
So next time you’re exploring the great outdoors in Washington, keep an eye out for these remarkable reptiles! Let us know in the comments if you spot any lizards we missed.
Ecology and life history
In Washington, pygmy short-horned lizards occupy shrubsteppe habitat. They require soil conditions that allow them to burrow below the surface and substrate that is well-drained. Field research in Kittitas County found the lizards to have a disproportionate preference for lithosol terrain (rocky soils with sparse vegetation). Females in the final month of gestation, however, tended to use loamy (soils with a mix of sand, clay, silt, and organic matter) and ecotone terrains. Other findings of this study suggest populations may need a variety of substrate types to meet all their needs. In addition to these terrain types, pygmy short-horned lizards in Washington are also known to occur in loamy terrain without lithosols, on vegetated sand dunes, and even in some agricultural settings where patches of native habitat are present.
In Washington, these lizards are surface active starting in March and extending into early November depending on weather, air temperature, and elevation. Their cryptic coloration is part of their defense against predators. Adults are active mid-day during spring and fall, but in summer they are inactive during the middle of the day when temperatures are at their maximum.
Mating takes place soon after emergence in the spring. The female retains the eggs within her body and gives birth to young that are tiny miniatures of the adults.
A study in Kittitas County by a Central Washington graduate student found that newborn lizards (“neonates”) feed almost exclusively on ants, while the adult diet was made up of about 72 percent ants.
Pygmy short-horned lizards reach the northern extent of their range in Washington and occur primarily in the Columbia Plateau Ecoregion. Abundance varies from site to site. The statewide trend is unknown.
This map from the Washington Herp Atlas illustrates the distribution of pygmy short-horned lizard in Washington based on records in the WDFW database as of 2016. If you see this species in areas that are not indicated on the map or have more recent observations (less than 10 years), please share your observation using the WDFW wildlife reporting form.
For a map of range-wide distribution and conservation status of this species, check out NatureServe Explorer.
Sensitivity to climate change
Little to no information exists regarding sensitivity of the pygmy horned lizard to climate change. Physiological sensitivity of this species may be low to moderate as it is inactive during cold weather or extended periods of heat, and it is a live-bearer. It appears to exhibit behavioral thermoregulation and burrows when inactive. Its inability to disperse long distances may increase sensitivity of this species. Overall sensitivity of this species is likely driven by its occurrence in shrubsteppe habitats, which are sensitive to altered fire regimes and invasive weeds. Though not as extremely myrmecophagous (ant-eating) as other horned lizards species, it is still preys rather heavily on ants (about three-quarters of the diet); its ability to switch to other prey should its ant prey decline as a result of climate change issues is uncertain.
The Horned Lizard of Washington
FAQ
What type of lizards live in Washington state?
| Common name | Scientific name | Conservation status |
|---|---|---|
| Pygmy short-horned lizard | Phrynosoma douglasii | Not evaluated |
| Sagebrush lizard | Sceloporus graciosus | Least concern |
| Side-blotched lizard | Uta stansburiana | Least concern |
| Western fence lizard | Sceloporus occidentalis | Least concern |
What type of lizards live in your backyard?
However, the types of lizards that do frequent populated areas persistently invade homes. Western fence lizards, house geckos, and brown or green anoles are experts at squirming through cracks around windows, doors, and foundations. Green iguanas are also a common sight around lawns, patios, and swimming pools.
Are western alligator lizards good pets?
Alligator lizards are also likely to bite when they feel threatened, and keeping them in captivity can heighten that. Though alligator lizards are not endangered, keeping them as pets is still not recommended. They have a large population and tolerance for many habitats but are not domesticated animals.
What does the western skink look like?
The western skink is a small, slim, striped lizard with shiny scales, short legs and a long bright blue tail. The bright blue tail fades with age to dull blue, gray or brownish gray. Adults are 2 to almost 3 inches snout to vent length with a tail that is 1.5 to 2 times the body length.