Lizards are present in New Jersey, though the state has a limited number of native species compared to more southern regions. New Jersey provides suitable habitats for these reptiles, and understanding them helps appreciate the state’s wildlife.
The Eastern Five-lined Skink
The Eastern Five-lined Skink (Plestiodon fasciatus) is a commonly encountered native lizard in New Jersey. Adults typically measure between five and eight and a half inches long, including their tail. Young skinks display a striking appearance, featuring a black body with five distinct yellowish or white stripes running from head to tail, often accompanied by a vibrant blue tail. This bright blue tail serves as a defense mechanism, attracting predators to a part of the body that can be shed if grasped.
As skinks mature, their coloration changes; stripes may fade, and body color often shifts to a more uniform brown or olive. Adult males, especially during the breeding season, can develop an orange-red coloration on their jaws and head. Eastern Five-lined Skinks are primarily insectivores, feeding on spiders, crickets, beetles, and caterpillars, using their keen eyesight to forage. They are ground-dwelling but also exhibit climbing behavior, often seen basking on rocks, logs, or even tree trunks. This species prefers moist, wooded areas with ample cover, such as rotting logs, loose bark, rock piles, and suburban gardens.
Distinguishing Lizards from Look-alikes
Many small creatures in New Jersey might be mistaken for lizards, but specific features help differentiate them. Salamanders, which are amphibians, are often confused with lizards due to their similar body shapes. However, salamanders possess moist, porous skin without scales, and they lack claws and external ear openings. Lizards, conversely, are reptiles characterized by dry, scaly skin, claws on their toes, and visible ear openings. Salamanders also typically have four toes on their front legs and five on their rear, while lizards usually have five toes on both sets of limbs.
Snakes are another group sometimes confused with lizards. A key distinction is that lizards have movable eyelids and external ear openings, features absent in snakes. Snakes have a rigid, transparent scale covering their eyes, preventing them from blinking. While lizards have flexible jaws, snakes possess highly specialized jaws that can dislocate to swallow prey much larger than their heads.
Observing Lizards in New Jersey
For those interested in observing lizards in their natural environment within New Jersey, certain times and practices increase the likelihood of success. Lizards are most active from May through September, particularly on warm, sunny days when they emerge to bask and forage. They can be found in various habitats, including woodlands, rocky outcrops, and areas with leaf litter or fallen logs.
When observing these reptiles, do so from a respectful distance to avoid disturbing them. If lifting rocks or logs, gently return the cover exactly as found to minimize habitat disruption. Handling wild lizards is not recommended, as it can cause stress to the animal and potentially harm its delicate skin. Observing them undisturbed allows them to continue their ecological role, such as controlling insect populations.