Georgia’s diverse landscapes, from coastal plains to mountain foothills, provide suitable environments for a variety of lizard species. The state’s warm, humid climate supports a rich herpetofauna, making it a region where these reptiles are commonly found. Understanding the types of lizards present and their ecological roles offers insight into Georgia’s natural ecosystems.
Diverse Lizard Species
Georgia is home to a range of lizard species, each with distinct appearances. The Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis) is a common sight, vibrant green, though it can shift to brown due to environmental conditions. Males display a pinkish or red-orange throat fan, known as a dewlap, inflated for territorial displays and to attract mates. These slender lizards measure between 5 to 8 inches in length.
The Six-lined Racerunner (Aspidoscelis sexlineata) is another prevalent species, characterized by a dark body with six light stripes from head to tail. These lizards are notably fast, capable of speeds up to 18 miles per hour. Their coloring varies from white, yellow, or gray-blue, with males exhibiting brighter green and turquoise hues.
Several skink species also inhabit Georgia, including the Broad-headed Skink (Plestiodon laticeps), Common Five-lined Skink (Plestiodon fasciatus), Southeastern Five-lined Skink (Plestiodon inexpectatus), and Ground Skink (Scincella lateralis). Broad-headed Skinks are the largest native skinks in the Southeast, reaching up to 13 inches. Adult males are olive or brown, developing bright orange or red heads during mating season, while females and younger individuals retain stripes.
Common Five-lined Skinks are medium-sized, 5 to 8.5 inches long, featuring five yellowish or white stripes on a gray, brown, or black body. Juveniles have a striking bright blue tail, which fades with age; adult males may lose their stripes and develop reddish heads. Southeastern Five-lined Skinks are similar, with five light stripes, but their middle stripe is thinner, and juveniles have a purplish tail. Ground Skinks are small, slender lizards, 3 to 5.5 inches long, coppery brown with a darker stripe along each side.
The Eastern Glass Lizard (Ophisaurus ventralis) is unique as a legless lizard, often mistaken for a snake due to its elongated body, which can reach 18 to 43 inches. Unlike snakes, these lizards possess movable eyelids and external ear openings. Their coloration ranges from light brown, yellowish, or greenish, with white or pale yellow spots arranged in a stripe-like pattern.
Common Habitats and Behaviors
Lizards in Georgia occupy a variety of environments, adapted to the state’s diverse geography. Green Anoles are primarily arboreal, found in trees, shrubs, and suburban areas like fences and rooftops. They are diurnal and bask in sunny spots to regulate body temperature. During cooler weather, they may hide under tree bark or in rotten logs.
Six-lined Racerunners are highly adaptable, thriving in open, sparsely wooded grasslands, forests, and dry, rocky areas. These terrestrial lizards prefer staying close to the ground, burrowing into the dirt. They are insectivores, foraging for termites, beetles, ants, and spiders.
Skinks exhibit varied habitat preferences. Broad-headed Skinks are found in cypress swamps, moist hardwood forests, and pine stands, utilizing hollow logs and rotting wood for cover. Common Five-lined Skinks are versatile, inhabiting almost any wooded area with fallen trees and stumps, preferring moister habitats like bottomland forests. Ground Skinks reside on the forest floor, favoring areas with loose soil and abundant leaf litter; they rarely climb.
Eastern Glass Lizards are found in sandy areas, particularly within the Coastal Plain, including flatwoods, wetlands, and coastal dunes. They are active, especially in the morning, and are burrowers in sand and loose soil. These lizards forage in open habitats but also seek refuge under debris.
Ecological Significance and Coexistence
Lizards play an important role in Georgia’s ecosystems. Many species contribute to insect control by preying on invertebrates such as spiders, beetles, crickets, and grasshoppers. This helps regulate insect populations, benefiting agricultural and garden areas.
Beyond their role as predators, lizards also serve as a food source for other wildlife, including snakes, birds, and small mammals. Their presence contributes to biodiversity and food web stability within their habitats. Most native lizards in Georgia are not harmful to humans and are shy, preferring to avoid interaction.
Observing these reptiles respectfully involves maintaining a distance to avoid disturbing their natural behaviors. Approaching them slowly and quietly allows for better viewing without causing stress. Providing natural habitats in yards, such as leaf litter, logs, and dense vegetation, can encourage lizards to thrive.