Welcome to our guide on North American lizards. From the deserts to the forests, North America is home to a wide variety of lizards. In this guide, we’ll explore their different types, behaviors, and habitats. Get ready to learn about their unique features and how they adapt to their environments. Let’s start our journey into the world of North American lizards!
Baja Blue Rock Lizard
The Baja Blue Rock Lizard is a reptile species found in the Baja California Peninsula of Mexico. It is known for its striking blue coloration and is well-adapted to rocky habitats. These lizards are diurnal and feed on a variety of small invertebrates.
Common Iguana
The Common Iguana, also known as the Green Iguana, is a large lizard species found in Central and South America. It is known for its vibrant green coloration and a crest of spines along its back. These iguanas are arboreal and are often found in trees near bodies of water. They primarily feed on leaves, fruits, and flowers.
Crested Anole
The Crested Anole, also known as the Crested Basilisk or Jesus Christ Lizard, is a lizard species found in Central America. It is known for the crest of scales on its head and its ability to run on water for short distances. These anoles are arboreal and are often found in trees and shrubs. They feed on insects and other small invertebrates.
Crevice Spiny Lizard
The Crevice Spiny Lizard is a lizard species found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It has a slender body with spiky scales along its back. These lizards are adapted to rocky habitats and are excellent climbers. They primarily feed on insects and other small arthropods.
Curly tailed Lizard
The Curly-tailed Lizard is a lizard species found in the Caribbean and parts of Florida. It is named for its distinctive curled tail. These lizards inhabit various habitats, including coastal areas, rocky cliffs, and even urban environments. They are omnivorous and feed on insects, fruits, and small vertebrates.
Desert Grassland Whiptail
The Desert Grassland Whiptail, also known as the Checkered Whiptail, is a lizard species found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It has a slender body with distinctive black and white checkered patterns. These whiptails are diurnal and are often found in grasslands and open areas. They primarily feed on insects and other small arthropods.
Desert Horned Lizard
The Desert Horned Lizard, also known as the Horny Toad, is a lizard species found in arid regions of North America. It is named for the horn-like protrusions on its head and body. These lizards have a unique ability to shoot blood from their eyes as a defense mechanism. They primarily feed on ants and other small invertebrates.
Desert Iguana
The Desert Iguana is a lizard species found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico desert regions. It has a spiky appearance and is well-adapted to arid environments. These iguanas are primarily herbivorous, feeding on various desert plants, fruits, and flowers.
Desert Night Lizard
The Desert Night Lizard is a lizard species found in arid regions of North America. It has a small, stocky body and is well adapted to desert environments. These lizards are nocturnal and spend much of their time hidden in crevices or burrows. They primarily feed on insects and other small invertebrates.
Desert Spiny Lizard
The Desert Spiny Lizard is a lizard species found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It has a slender body and spiky scales along its back. These lizards are diurnal and are often seen basking in the sun on rocks or tree branches. They feed on insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates.
Eastern Fence Lizard
The Eastern Fence Lizard, also known as the Fence Swift or Blue Swift, is a lizard species found in eastern North America. It has a slender body and a spiky appearance. These lizards are commonly found on fences, trees, and rocks, basking in the sun. They primarily feed on insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates.
Eastern Glass Lizard
The Eastern Glass Lizard is a legless lizard species found in the eastern United States. Despite its name, it is not a true snake but a lizard with a long and slender body. It has smooth scales and is typically brown or gray in color. These lizards are often found in grasslands, fields, and open woodland areas. They are excellent burrowers and feed on a diet consisting mainly of insects, small rodents, and eggs.
Five lined Skink
The Five lined Skink is a lizard species found in eastern North America. It has a slender body and is characterized by five distinct stripes running down its body, which may fade or become less visible in adult individuals. These skinks are primarily brown or black with a vibrant blue tail. They inhabit a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and rocky areas. Five-lined Skinks are diurnal and feed on a diet consisting of insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates.
Flat-tail Horned Lizard
The Flat-tail Horned Lizard, also known as the Pygmy Short-horned Lizard, is a small lizard species found in western North America. It has a rounded body and a short, flattened tail. These lizards are typically gray or brown with scattered spots or blotches. Flat-tail Horned Lizards are well adapted to arid environments and can be found in desert grasslands and shrublands. They primarily feed on ants and other small invertebrates.
Four-lined Skink
The Four-lined Skink is a small lizard species found in eastern North America. It is characterized by four distinctive dark stripes running along its body, with a bright blue tail. These skinks are typically brown or gray in color. Four-lined Skinks are primarily terrestrial and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and rocky areas. They are active during the day and feed on a diet consisting of insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates.
Gila Monster
The Gila Monster is a venomous lizard species found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It is known for its striking appearance, featuring a thick body with black and orange or yellow banding. Gila Monsters are primarily terrestrial and inhabit desert and semi-arid regions. They are slow-moving and primarily active during the day. Gila Monsters have a venomous bite used to immobilize their prey, which consists of small mammals, birds, eggs, and lizards. They are considered one of the few venomous lizards in the world.
Gilbert’s Skink
Gilbert’s Skink, also known as the Northwestern Fence Lizard, is a lizard species found in the western United States and southwestern Canada. It has a slender body and is typically brown or gray in color. These skinks are primarily arboreal and can be found in various habitats, including forests, woodlands, and rocky areas. Gilbert’s Skinks are diurnal and feed on a diet consisting of insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates. They are known for their ability to climb trees and vertical surfaces with ease.
Granite Night Lizard
The Granite Night Lizard is a small lizard species found in rocky habitats of California. It has a compact body and a rough-textured skin, which provides excellent camouflage among granite rocks. These lizards are primarily active at night, hence their name, and spend their days hiding in crevices or under rocks. Granite Night Lizards feed on a variety of small invertebrates and are an important part of the ecosystem in their native range.
Great Plains Skink
The Great Plains Skink is a small lizard species found in the central and western United States. It has a slender body and smooth scales, typically brown or gray in color. These skinks are terrestrial and can be found in a variety of habitats, including grasslands, forests, and shrublands. Great Plains Skinks are diurnal and feed on a diet consisting of insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates.
Greater Earless Lizard
The Greater Earless Lizard is a small lizard species found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It has a slender body and lacks external ear openings, hence its name. These lizards are highly adapted to arid environments and are often found in desert scrublands, sandy areas, and rocky habitats. Greater Earless Lizards are diurnal and feed on a diet consisting of insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates. They are known for their swift movements and ability to camouflage in their surroundings.
Green Anole
The Green Anole, also known as the American Chameleon, is a lizard species found in the southeastern United States and the Caribbean. It has the ability to change color, although it is not a true chameleon. These anoles are arboreal and are often found in trees and shrubs. They feed on insects and other small invertebrates.
Green Lizard
The Green Lizard, also known as the European Green Lizard, is a lizard species found in Europe and parts of Asia. It has a bright green coloration, especially in males, and a long tail. These lizards are arboreal and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and rocky areas. They feed on insects, small vertebrates, and vegetation.
Ground Skink
The Ground Skink is a small lizard species found in the southeastern United States. It has a shiny appearance with brown or black coloration and small limbs. These skinks are terrestrial and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and suburban areas. They feed on insects and other small invertebrates.
Knight Anole
The Knight Anole, also known as the Cuban Knight Anole, is a large lizard species native to Cuba and the Bahamas. It has a robust body and a prominent dewlap. These anoles are arboreal and can be found in forests, gardens, and urban areas. They are opportunistic feeders, consuming insects, small vertebrates, and even fruits.
Leaf-toed Gecko
The Knight Anole is a small gecko species found in the Caribbean region, including the Bahamas, Cuba, and Hispaniola. It has a slender body and specialized adhesive toe pads that allow it to climb surfaces. These geckos are primarily nocturnal and are commonly found on trees and shrubs. They feed on insects and other small invertebrates.
Lesser Earless Lizard
The Lesser Earless Lizard is a small lizard species found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It has a slender body and lacks external ear openings. These lizards inhabit a variety of habitats, including desert grasslands and rocky areas. They are diurnal and feed on insects and other small invertebrates.
Longnose Leopard Lizard
The Longnose Leopard Lizard is a lizard species found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It has a slender body and a long, tapering snout. These lizards are diurnal and are often found in open grasslands, desert scrub, and rocky areas. They feed on insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates.
Mediterranean Gecko
The Mediterranean Gecko is a small gecko species native to the Mediterranean region and parts of the Middle East. It has a slender body and large eyes. These geckos are nocturnal and are commonly found on walls, buildings, and rock crevices. They feed on insects and other small invertebrates.
Mojave Black Collared Lizard
The Mojave Black Collared Lizard is a lizard species found in the Mojave Desert of North America. It has a robust body and a black coloration with white or yellow collar markings. These lizards are diurnal and are commonly found on rocky slopes and desert habitats. They feed on insects and other small invertebrates.
Mole Skink
The Mole Skink is a small lizard species found in the southeastern United States. It has a cylindrical body and reduced limbs, adapted for burrowing. These skinks are typically found in sandy or loamy soils and feed on insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates.
Northern Alligator Lizard
The Northern Alligator Lizard, scientifically known as Elgaria coerulea, is a species of lizard found in the western United States and southwestern Canada. It is one of the largest native lizards in its range, reaching lengths of up to 12 inches. This lizard’s name is derived from its appearance, as it has rough, keeled scales and a robust body, reminiscent of an alligator.
Orangethroat Whiptail
The Orangethroat Whiptail is a lizard species found in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. It has a slender body and a distinctive orange throat. These lizards are diurnal and are commonly found in arid habitats, such as deserts and grasslands. They feed on insects and other small invertebrates.
Prairie Skink
The Prairie Skink is a small lizard species found in the central United States and Canada. It has a long, slender body and smooth scales. These skinks inhabit grasslands, prairies, and open areas with loose soil. They feed on insects and other small invertebrates.
Ruin Lizard
The Ruin Lizard, also known as the Mogollon Rim Whiptail, is a lizard species found in the southwestern United States. It has a slender body and is typically brown or gray with darker markings. These lizards are commonly found in rocky areas, canyons, and desert regions. They primarily feed on insects and other small invertebrates.
Sagebrush Lizard
The Sagebrush Lizard is a small lizard species found in western North America. It has a slender body and is typically gray or brown with scales that can change color. These lizards are well adapted to arid habitats, such as sagebrush plains and rocky slopes. They primarily feed on insects and spiders.
Sand Skink
The Sand Skink is a small lizard species found in the southeastern United States. It has a cylindrical body and is well adapted to sandy habitats. These skinks are primarily fossorial, spending much of their time burrowing in loose soil. They feed on insects and other small invertebrates.
Six lined Racerunner
The Six lined Racerunner is a small lizard species found in North America. It has a slender body and six distinct longitudinal stripes running along its body. These lizards are commonly found in open areas, such as grasslands, deserts, and sandy habitats. They primarily feed on insects and other small invertebrates.
Slender Glass Lizard
The Slender Glass Lizard is a legless lizard species found in North America. It has a long, slender body and smooth scales. These lizards resemble snakes but have eyelids and external ear openings. They inhabit a range of habitats, including grasslands, forests, and shrublands. They primarily feed on insects, small reptiles, and invertebrates.
Southeastern Five lined Skink
The Southeastern Five lined Skink is a small lizard species found in the southeastern United States. It has a slender body and five distinct longitudinal stripes running along its body. These skinks are commonly found in forested areas, moist habitats, and rocky slopes. They primarily feed on insects and other small invertebrates.
Southern Alligator Lizard
The Southern Alligator Lizard is a lizard species found in western North America. It has a long, slender body and rough scales. These lizards are primarily terrestrial and are commonly found in woodlands, forests, and riparian areas. They feed on a variety of prey, including insects, small mammals, and reptiles.
Spiny tailed Iguana
The Spiny tailed Iguana is a lizard species found in Mexico and Central America. It has a robust body and distinctive spiny scales on its tail. These iguanas inhabit a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and rocky areas. They primarily feed on vegetation but may also consume insects and small vertebrates.
Texas Banded Gecko
The Texas Banded Gecko is a nocturnal lizard species found in the southern United States and northern Mexico. It has a stout body and distinctive bands on its tail. These geckos are commonly found in arid habitats, such as deserts, rocky areas, and scrublands. They primarily feed on insects and other small invertebrates.
Texas Horned Lizard
The Texas Horned Lizard, also known as the Horny Toad, is a lizard species found in the southern United States and northern Mexico. It has a robust body and distinctive horns on its head. These lizards are well adapted to arid habitats, such as deserts and scrublands. They primarily feed on ants and other small invertebrates.
Texas Spiny Lizard
The Texas Spiny Lizard is a lizard species found in the southern United States and northeastern Mexico. It has a robust body and spiny scales on its back. These lizards are commonly found in a range of habitats, including woodlands, grasslands, and rocky areas. They primarily feed on insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates.
Texas Spotted Whiptail
The Texas Spotted Whiptail is a small lizard species found in the southern United States and northern Mexico. It has a slender body and distinctive spots or blotches on its back. These lizards are commonly found in arid habitats, such as deserts and grasslands. They primarily feed on insects and other small invertebrates.
Tree Lizard
The Tree Lizard is a small lizard species found in North America. It has a slender body and is typically green or brown. These lizards are arboreal and are commonly found in trees and shrubs. They primarily feed on insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates.
Western Banded Gecko
The Western Banded Gecko is a nocturnal lizard species found in western North America. It has a stout body and distinctive bands on its tail. These geckos are commonly found in arid habitats, such as deserts and rocky areas. They primarily feed on insects and other small invertebrates.
Western Fence Lizard
The Western Fence Lizard, also known as the Blue-belly, is a lizard species found in western North America. It has a robust body and a blue belly. These lizards are commonly found in a range of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and rocky areas. They primarily feed on insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates.
Western Skink
The Western Skink is a small lizard species found in western North America. It has a slender body and smooth scales. These skinks are commonly found in a range of habitats, including woodlands, grasslands, and rocky areas. They primarily feed on insects and other small invertebrates.
Western Whiptail
The Western Whiptail is a lizard species found in western North America. It has a slender body and is typically brown or gray with stripes or spots. These lizards are commonly found in arid habitats, such as deserts and grasslands. They primarily feed on insects and other small invertebrates.
Zebratail Lizard
The Zebratail Lizard is a small lizard species found in North America. It has a slender body and distinctive markings on its tail, resembling zebra stripes. These lizards are commonly found in a range of habitats, including deserts, grasslands, and rocky areas. They primarily feed on insects and other small invertebrates.
Bryan Harding
Bryan Harding is a member of the American Society of Mammalogists and a member of the American Birding Association. Bryan is especially fond of mammals and has studied and worked with them around the world. Bryan serves as owner, writer, and publisher of North American Nature.
