Whether you’re a nature lover, a wildlife enthusiast, or just curious about the reptiles inhabiting Illinois, understanding the various types of lizards found in the state can enhance your appreciation for local biodiversity. Illinois, typically known for its flat plains and forests, is home to several fascinating lizard species. This list covers the most common and noteworthy lizard types you might encounter, providing detailed insights into their habits, appearances, and ecological roles. If you’re interested in spotting, identifying, or simply learning about Illinois’s lizard fauna, this guide offers reliable, specific information to help you do just that.
1. Six-lined Racerunner (Aspidoscelis sexlineata)
The Six-lined Racerunner is one of Illinois’s most distinctive lizards, easily recognizable by its slender body and six bright yellow or white lines running down its back. Typically measuring around 8 to 12 inches, this active, fast-moving lizard prefers open, sandy areas such as prairies and grasslands. It’s worth noting for its agility and speed, which it uses to escape predators, and its diet mainly consists of insects and small invertebrates. As Illinois’s fastest lizard, it’s a favorite among wildlife watchers seeking swift, colorful reptiles.
2. Common Wall Lizard (Podarcis muralis)
The Common Wall Lizard has become increasingly prevalent in Illinois, especially around urban areas and rocky outcrops. It’s a small, robust lizard, usually about 7-9 inches long, with a coloration that varies from brown to gray, often with darker blotches and a distinctive pattern of spots along its back. This species is a great example of adaptability, thriving in human-altered environments such as parks and building walls. Its presence offers a glimpse into how certain non-native species can establish themselves in Illinois, adding to the state’s lizard diversity.
3. Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis)
The Green Anole, sometimes called the American chameleon, is notable for its ability to change color from bright green to brown, depending on mood, temperature, and environment. Reaching about 5-7 inches, this lizard is common in southern Illinois and prefers shrubbery, trees, and gardens. Its vibrant coloration and the ability to display a dewlap—a flap of skin under the chin—make it an engaging species to observe. While more prevalent in the southern parts of the state, the Green Anole’s presence indicates suitable warm, vegetated habitats.
4. Eastern Fence Lizard (Sceloporus undulatus)
The Eastern Fence Lizard is a medium-sized species, typically around 5-8 inches, with a rough, spiny appearance. It’s usually gray or brown with darker, wavy patterns along its back, providing excellent camouflage among rocks and tree bark. This species is often seen basking on fence posts, rocks, or tree trunks, especially in woodland and prairie edges. Its diet mainly consists of insects, and it plays a vital role in controlling pest populations in its habitat.
5. Northern Skink (Plestiodon septentrionalis)
The Northern Skink is a sleek, shiny lizard measuring about 7-10 inches, recognized by its smooth, shiny scales and distinctive blue tail in juveniles. Adults tend to have a brown or gray coloration with a series of light lines running down their backs. They prefer moist, wooded areas, often hiding under logs, leaf litter, or rocks. The Northern Skink is beneficial for ecosystems as it feeds on insects and helps control pest populations, making it a valuable native species in Illinois.
6. Slender Glass Lizard (Ophisaurus attenuatus)
Although often mistaken for a snake, the Slender Glass Lizard is a legless lizard that can grow up to 3 feet long. It has a long, cylindrical body with a shiny, smooth appearance, and a forked tongue similar to snakes. Found in grasslands, prairies, and open woodlands, this elusive species spends much of its time underground or under debris. Its ability to regenerate lost tail segments and its fragile, glass-like appearance make it a fascinating creature worth seeking out for experienced herpetologists.
7. Western Slender Glass Lizard (Ophisaurus mimicus)
This species is very similar to the Slender Glass Lizard but is primarily found in the western parts of Illinois. Slight differences include a more uniform coloration and a preference for drier, sandy soils. Like its relatives, it’s legless, secretive, and often slips away before it can be fully observed. Its rarity and secretive nature make it a prized find for dedicated lizard enthusiasts exploring Illinois’s prairies and open fields.
8. Eastern Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus collaris)
The Eastern Collared Lizard is a strikingly colorful species with a broad head, strong jaws, and a distinctive black collar around its neck. Usually measuring 6-8 inches, it sports vibrant yellow, green, or blue markings with a sturdy build. Preferring rocky outcrops and open woodlands, it basks in the sun during the day and feeds on insects, small rodents, and other lizards. Its bold appearance and territorial behavior make it a highlight for wildlife watchers in Illinois’s southern regions.
9. Broad-headed Skink (Plestiodon laticeps)
The Broad-headed Skink is one of Illinois’s largest native lizards, reaching up to 14 inches in length. It has a robust body with a broad, flattened head, and its coloration varies from brown to black with bright orange or yellow on the head and sides. Often found in deciduous forests and near water sources, it spends much of its time climbing trees or hiding under logs. Its size and striking appearance make it a fascinating species for both casual observers and herpetologists alike.
10. Little Brown Skink (Scincella lateralis)
The Little Brown Skink is a small, slender lizard, usually only 4-6 inches long, with smooth, shiny scales and a brown or tan coloration. It prefers leaf litter, logs, and low vegetation in deciduous forests, where it hunts for tiny invertebrates. Its secretive nature and small size mean it’s often overlooked, but it plays an important role in the ecosystem by controlling insect populations and serving as prey for larger predators.
How to Choose
When selecting which lizard to observe or study in Illinois, consider factors such as habitat preference, size, coloration, and activity patterns. For example, if you’re interested in fast-moving species, the Six-lined Racerunner is ideal. For those fascinated by colorful, display species, the Eastern Collared Lizard offers a striking appearance. Habitat is also key; some species prefer open prairies and sandy soils, while others thrive in wooded areas or urban environments. Understanding these preferences helps in both spotting and conserving these reptiles effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there venomous lizards in Illinois?
No, Illinois does not have venomous lizard species. Most native lizards are harmless to humans.
When is the best time to see lizards in Illinois?
The best time is during late spring through early fall, when lizards are active and basking in the sun.
Are lizards in Illinois protected by law?
Most native species are protected, especially during breeding seasons; always check local regulations before handling or collecting.
Can I keep Illinois lizards as pets?
While some species are kept as pets, it’s important to ensure proper permits and habitat conditions, and to prioritize conservation.
How can I tell native lizards from invasive species?
Look for species like the Common Wall Lizard, which is non-native; research their typical habitats and physical traits to distinguish them.
Final Thoughts
Illinois’s lizard diversity offers a fascinating glimpse into the state’s ecosystems, from sandy prairies to lush woodlands. Recognizing and understanding these species helps promote their conservation and enhances outdoor experiences. Whether you’re an amateur naturalist or a seasoned herpetologist, Illinois’s native and introduced lizard species provide endless opportunities for discovery and appreciation. Remember to observe responsibly, respect their habitats, and enjoy the vibrant world of Illinois reptiles.
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