Have you ever spotted a scaly friend sunbathing on a rock in Kentucky? You might be surprised to learn that the Bluegrass State is home to several fascinating lizard species.
From the agile fence lizards to the colorful skinks, these reptiles add a touch of prehistoric charm to Kentucky’s diverse wildlife.
Kentucky boasts nine different types of lizards, including the Eastern Fence Lizard, Five-Lined Skink, and Broadhead Skink.
Each species has its own unique characteristics and behaviors that make them an important part of the state’s ecosystem.
You’ll find these cool creatures in various habitats, from dry, open areas to damp woodlands.
Did you know that some Kentucky lizards have developed special adaptations to survive? For example, the Eastern Fence Lizard has evolved longer limbs and thicker skin to protect itself from fire ant attacks.
This just goes to show how resilient and adaptable these little reptiles can be.
As you explore Kentucky’s outdoors, keep an eye out for these fascinating creatures – you never know what you might discover!
Prairie Racerunner (Aspidoscelis sexlineatus viridis)
Have you ever spotted a lizard zipping across the ground faster than you can blink? That might be a Prairie Racerunner! These quick little reptiles are a sight to behold in Kentucky’s open spaces.
Prairie Racerunners are a subspecies of the Six-lined Racerunner. You can tell them apart by their striking appearance. They’re usually dark green or brown with 7 yellow stripes running down their body.
Want to know where to find them? Look for these lizards in:
- Grassy plains
- River banks
- Hilly areas
Prairie Racerunners love the sun. You’ll see them most active in the morning, darting around looking for tasty insects to munch on.
These lizards are built for speed. Their long tails and sleek bodies help them move quickly across open ground. If you try to catch one, good luck! They’re known for their incredible bursts of speed.
Did you know? In Kentucky, you might also come across the Eastern Six-lined Racerunner. They look similar but have slightly different patterns.
Remember, if you spot a Prairie Racerunner, give it space. They’re an important part of Kentucky’s ecosystem and help keep insect populations in check.
Tropical House Gecko (Hemidactylus mabouia) – Introduced
You might spot an unexpected visitor on Kentucky’s walls and ceilings – the tropical house gecko. This small lizard is not native to the state but has found its way into homes and buildings.
The tropical house gecko originally comes from Africa. It has spread to many parts of the world, including some areas of the United States.
These geckos are excellent climbers. You’ll often see them clinging to walls and windows. They have special toe pads that let them stick to smooth surfaces.
Here are some quick facts about tropical house geckos:
- Size: 4-5 inches long
- Color: Pale gray or brown with dark spots
- Diet: Insects and spiders
- Lifespan: 3-5 years
You might wonder how these geckos got to Kentucky. They often hitchhike on plants, shipping containers, or vehicles. Once they arrive, they adapt well to urban areas.
These geckos can be helpful around your home. They eat bugs that many people consider pests. But they can also compete with native lizard species for food and space.
If you see a tropical house gecko, don’t worry. They’re harmless to humans and can be interesting to watch as they hunt for insects at night.
Mediterranean House Gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus) – Introduced
You might spot a small, unique lizard in Kentucky that’s not native to the area. The Mediterranean house gecko is an introduced species that has made its way to the Bluegrass State.
This little gecko measures about 4-5 inches long. It has some cool features that make it stand out:
- Sticky toe pads
- Vertical pupils
- Large eyes without eyelids
You’ll often see these geckos in urban areas. They like to hang out on buildings and walls, especially at night. That’s why some people call them “Moon Lizards.”
The Mediterranean house gecko comes from Southern Europe and Northern Africa. It has spread to many parts of the world, including the southeastern United States. In Kentucky, you’re most likely to spot them in cities and towns.
These geckos are harmless to humans and can be helpful. They eat insects, which might make them welcome guests in your home. But remember, they’re not native to Kentucky, so their presence can affect local ecosystems.
If you want to identify one, look for its rounded snout and slightly concave forehead. Its ear opening is oval and about half the size of its eye. These features set it apart from native lizards in Kentucky.
Eastern Slender Glass Lizard (Ophisaurus attenuatus longicaudus)
Have you ever seen a snake-like creature in Kentucky that’s actually a lizard? You might have spotted an Eastern Slender Glass Lizard!
These unique reptiles are legless, which often leads people to mistake them for snakes. But don’t be fooled – they’re true lizards with eyelids and ear openings.
You’ll find these glass lizards in grassy areas across Kentucky. They love to hide in abandoned rodent burrows or under dead grass mats.
Here are some cool facts about the Eastern Slender Glass Lizard:
- Scientific name: Ophisaurus attenuatus longicaudus
- Length: Can grow up to 2 feet long
- Diet: Insects, spiders, and small vertebrates
- Special ability: Can break off their tail to escape predators
The name “glass lizard” comes from their fragile tail, which can break off easily. This neat trick helps them escape danger!
You might spot these lizards in open fields or sandy areas. They’re most active during the day, so keep your eyes peeled when you’re out exploring.
Remember, if you see one, it’s best to observe from a distance. These shy creatures play an important role in Kentucky’s ecosystem by controlling insect populations.
Northern Coal Skink (Plestiodon anthracinus anthracinus)
Have you ever spotted a Northern Coal Skink in Kentucky? These small lizards are quite elusive. They have a sleek body with short legs and can grow up to 7 inches long.
The Northern Coal Skink gets its name from its dark coloring. Its body is usually gray or brown with four light-colored stripes running along its sides.
You’ll find these skinks in forested areas with plenty of rocks and sunny spots. They love to bask in the sun but quickly hide under rocks or logs when disturbed.
Northern Coal Skinks are skilled hunters. They eat insects and other small invertebrates. Their diet helps control pest populations in their habitat.
In spring, female Coal Skinks lay 8 to 9 eggs. The eggs hatch after about a month. Baby skinks have blue tails, which fade as they grow older.
If you want to spot a Northern Coal Skink, look in rocky, forested areas of Kentucky. They’re most active from March to June. But be careful – they’re quick to dive into shallow water or hide under rocks if they feel threatened!
Common Five-Lined Skink (Plestiodon fasciatus)
The Common Five-Lined Skink is a lizard you might spot in Kentucky. Its scientific name is Plestiodon fasciatus. These little creatures can grow up to 8.75 inches long.
You can tell them apart by their striking looks. Young skinks have bright blue tails and five light stripes on their dark bodies. As they get older, their colors fade.
These skinks are quick and agile. You’ll often see them darting around on the ground or climbing trees. They’re great at escaping danger by dropping their tails.
What do they eat? Bugs are their favorite snack. They hunt for insects and spiders in leaf litter and tree bark.
Here’s a fun fact: female skinks are very protective moms. They guard their eggs until they hatch. This care is rare among lizards.
You can find these common lizards in many parts of Kentucky. They like forests, gardens, and even rocky areas. If you have a woodpile in your yard, you might spot one there!
Remember, if you see a Five-Lined Skink, just watch and enjoy. They’re harmless to humans and play a big role in controlling insect populations.
Southeastern Five-Lined Skink (Plestiodon inexpectatus)
You might spot a Southeastern Five-lined Skink in Kentucky’s forests or rocky areas. These lizards are pretty common in the southeastern United States.
These skinks are medium-sized lizards. They can grow up to 8.5 inches long. You’ll notice their sleek bodies and short legs.
The name “five-lined” comes from their distinct pattern. Young skinks have five light stripes on a dark background. As they age, these stripes may fade.
Here’s what to look for:
- Body color: Gray, brown, or black
- Stripes: Five white or yellowish lines
- Tail color: Bright blue (in young skinks)
Adult males are special. In spring, their heads might turn orange-brown. This happens during mating season.
You might confuse these skinks with their cousins, the common five-lined skinks. But the Southeastern Five-lined Skink is usually a bit larger.
These lizards love to bask in the sun. You might see them on logs or rocks. They’re quick, though! If you get too close, they’ll scurry away in a flash.
Broad-Headed Skink (Plestiodon laticeps)
Have you ever seen a lizard with a bright orange head? That’s the broad-headed skink, a fascinating creature you might spot in Kentucky’s forests.
These skinks are the largest native lizards in the southeast, growing up to 13 inches long. You’ll easily recognize adult males by their wide, copper-colored heads during mating season.
Broad-headed skinks love to climb trees. You’ll often find them scaling oak trunks or hiding under loose bark. They’re quick and agile, making them great hunters.
What do they eat? These skinks have a varied diet:
- Insects (crickets, grasshoppers)
- Spiders
- Small vertebrates (including other lizards!)
- Fruits
If you’re lucky, you might see them hunting in April or May. That’s when they’re most active, searching for mates and food.
Remember, if you spot one, don’t try to catch it! These skinks can deliver a strong bite if they feel threatened. It’s best to admire them from a distance.
Broad-headed skinks play an important role in Kentucky’s ecosystem. They help control insect populations and serve as prey for larger animals. So next time you’re out hiking, keep an eye out for these cool, copper-headed lizards!
Little Brown Skink (Scincella lateralis)
The Little Brown Skink is one of the smallest reptiles in Kentucky. You might spot these tiny lizards scurrying around forests and woodlands.
These skinks grow up to 5.75 inches long. Their small size helps them hide from predators like snakes, larger lizards, and birds.
You’ll notice the Little Brown Skink has a unique feature. Unlike other lizards, it doesn’t have eyelids. Instead, it has a clear scale covering its eyes.
Their coloring is pretty simple:
- Brown body
- Dark stripes on the sides
- Light-colored belly
Little Brown Skinks live in the eastern United States and northern Mexico. In Kentucky, you can find them throughout the state.
These lizards love to eat small insects. They’re quick and agile, darting around to catch their prey.
If you’re trying to spot one, look in leafy areas. They like to hide under leaves, logs, and rocks.
Remember, if you see a Little Brown Skink, it’s best to leave it alone. They play an important role in the ecosystem by controlling insect populations.
Eastern Fence Lizard (Sceloporus undulatus)
Have you ever spotted a lizard scurrying up a fence or tree in Kentucky? You might have seen an Eastern fence lizard! These medium-sized reptiles are common in the eastern United States.
The Eastern fence lizard goes by many names. You might hear it called a prairie lizard, fence swift, or even pine lizard. Its scientific name is Sceloporus undulatus.
Where can you find these little guys? Look for them in these spots:
- Forest edges
- Rock piles
- Rotting logs
- Tree stumps
These lizards are great climbers. You’ll often see them basking in the sun on tree trunks or wooden fences.
What do Eastern fence lizards eat? They munch on a variety of small critters:
- Insects
- Spiders
- Other invertebrates
If you’re trying to spot one, look for a lizard about 4-7 inches long. They have rough, spiny scales and are usually gray or brown. Males often have bright blue patches on their bellies and throats.
In spring, female fence lizards lay 3-16 eggs. The babies hatch in late summer. If you’re lucky, you might spot some tiny hatchlings running around!
