Striped lizards are a fascinating group of reptiles found across parts of North America With their colorful markings and sleek appearance, it’s no wonder why striped lizards capture people’s attention. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the different types of striped lizards, their natural habitats, and how to properly care for them as pets.
An Overview of Striped Lizards
Striped lizards belong to the family Scincidae and exhibit lengthwise stripes along their bodies and tails They are medium-sized lizards, averaging between 5-20 inches in length depending on the species Striped lizards live in a variety of habitats including forests, deserts, prairies, and suburban areas.
There are 23 known species of striped lizards in North America. Some of the most common varieties include the western skink, the common five-lined skink, the six-lined racerunner, and the Sonoran spotted whiptail. Striped lizards can be found across most of the United States, parts of Mexico, and even southern Canada.
One distinguishing feature of many striped lizards is their blue tails, especially prominent on younger lizards. As they mature, some species lose their vividly colored tails. Striped lizards are not venomous or dangerous to humans.
Natural Habitats for Striped Lizards
Striped lizards occupy diverse habitats depending on the species. The common five-lined skink prefers moist, hardwood forests near sources of water. Meanwhile, the western skink lives in a range of environments from forests to deserts across western North America.
Species like the six-lined racerunner thrive in open areas with sandy soil and scrubby vegetation. Striped whiptails often live in arid deserts and grasslands. Regardless of habitat, striped lizards require areas to thermoregulate by basking in the sun. They also need access to shelter such as rodent burrows, decaying logs, or crevices between rocks.
In the northernmost parts of their range, striped lizards may hibernate during the winter months. Further south they can remain active year-round if temperatures allow. Protecting and preserving natural striped lizard habitats is an important conservation goal.
Keeping Striped Lizards as Pets
Striped lizards can make interesting pets, but they do require proper care. Always check your state laws – some places restrict keeping native reptiles like striped lizards. An adult pair of skinks needs at least a 30-gallon tank with plenty of hiding spots. Provide a thermal gradient with a basking area around 90°F and a cooler side around 75°F.
Substrates like reptile carpet or coconut fiber work well. Feed your skinks a varied diet including crickets, worms, small lizards, berries, vegetables, and high-quality pelleted diets. Give striped lizards branches, rocks, and logs to climb on for exercise and enrichment.
Handle pet striped lizards minimally as they are fast-moving and prone to dropping tails when stressed. With attentive care, striped lizards can live 5 years or more in captivity. Work with an exotic veterinarian for check-ups and guidance on proper nutrition and housing.
Key Takeaways on Striped Lizards
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There are over 20 species of striped lizard in North America, exhibiting colorful lengthwise stripes along their bodies.
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Striped lizards occupy diverse habitats including forests, deserts, prairies, and suburban areas.
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Species like the common five-lined skink have bright blue tails, especially as juveniles.
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Striped lizards require adequate basking areas and shelter in their habitats. Some hibernate during winter.
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With proper housing, diet, and limited handling, striped lizards can make interesting pets for reptile enthusiasts.
Striped lizards are a beautiful and fascinating group of reptiles. Learning about their natural history and conservation can help us better appreciate these strikingly marked lizards. For reptile lovers interested in a new pet, striped lizards can be an exciting species to consider when given the proper care.
A second chance for the Striped Legless Lizard
FAQ
What kind of lizard has stripes?
Southeastern five-lined skinks belong to the family Scincidae, one of the two largest families of lizards. As their name suggests, southeastern five-lined skinks have five characteristic narrow stripes along their bodies that become lighter with age.
Is it good to have skinks around?
Blue tongues, skinks, water dragons, and other lizards are fantastic buddies to encourage in your backyard. Skinks will eat up insects and their larvae, and larger skinks will take care of slugs and snails for you.
Is a skink lizard poisonous?
Five-lined skinks, like all of North Carolina’s native skinks, are harmless and non-venomous.
What lizard has a striped tail?
A black species with contrasting bright stripes, The Orange-throated Whiptail (Aspidoscelis hyperythrus) has a striped body and tail. There are 6 narrow stripes that run from head to tail on its dorsum. Part of a group of lizards known as whiptails, this species isn’t named after its striped back but after its orange neck.
Do lizards have stripes?
Striped lizards are found in various regions of the United States. Southern territories tend to attract most species of lizards with stripes. From skinks to whiptails, lizards may exhibit stripes as adults or as juveniles. Highly variable in coloring and patterns, they may even change their color patterns throughout their lifetime.
Are striped lizards venomous?
Striped lizards aren’t venomous or dangerous to humans. They aren’t venomous and they rarely bite. In fact, striped lizards make great pets. They might not like to be handled as they run away from humans, but they can live up to 10 years (depending on the species) even in captivity.
What does a striped lizard look like?
Coloring is brownish with a pronounced striped pattern: two orange or light brown stripes on each side of the body, outlined in darker brown. A small blue patch can be seen on either side of the throat in both males and females. The Striped Plateau Lizard lives in mountainous terrain with oak and coniferous trees.
How many stripes does a whiptail lizard have?
There are 6 narrow stripes that run from head to tail on its dorsum. Part of a group of lizards known as whiptails, this species isn’t named after its striped back but after its orange neck. There’s a bright orange or orange-red patch under its neck while its belly is white. Juveniles of the species also exhibit blue tails.
Are lizards blotched?
A gray or dark golden species, The Southwestern Fence Lizard (Sceloporus cowlesi) is among the species with stripes and a variable appearance. While a blotched Southwestern Fence Lizard morph exists, this is a species that is mostly known for gray mid-dorsal stripes and yellow lateral stripes.