Types of Lizards in Michigan (Just 2 Species)

The Great Lakes State is known for things like its freshwater coastlines, dense forests, and long winters… but the lizards in Michigan aren’t exactly what the state is famous for. With long, cold winters and a shorter warm season, the state is at the northern limit for most reptile species.

Nevertheless, there are a couple of lizards that have managed to carve out place to live in here. One of those species is native and one is hanging on in a very limited area. If you’re lucky and in the right place, you might spot one of these sun-loving reptiles. This article highlights the only two lizard species confirmed to have wild, self-sustaining populations in Michigan.

1. Common five-lined skink

Scientific name: Plestiodon fasciatus
Status in Michigan: Native and widespread in the Lower Peninsula

This sleek, fast-moving lizard is the only one considered truly native and widespread in Michigan. Juvenile five-lined skinks are easy to recognize thanks to their vivid blue tails and five cream-colored stripes running down their backs. As they mature, the tail fades and males may develop orange coloring on their heads during breeding season. Adults typically reach 5 to 8 inches in length.

You’re most likely to find them in sunny, wooded areas, often near logs, stumps, or rocks where they can bask and quickly retreat to cover. They prefer areas with loose soil and plenty of places to hide. If you’ve ever lifted up a flat rock in southern Michigan and seen something dart away in a blur, it was probably one of these.

Five-lined skinks feed on insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates. They’re active during the warmer months, especially May through September, and are most common in the southern half of the Lower Peninsula. This is the only lizard in Michigan you have a reasonable chance of encountering on a hike or in a backyard with the right conditions.

2. Six-lined racerunner

Scientific name: Aspidoscelis sexlineata
Status in Michigan: Native to the U.S., but only one known population in Michigan

The six-lined racerunner is a fast, slender lizard with six pale yellow or white stripes running down a dark green or black back. These lizards are built for speed and rarely sit still. Adults reach 6 to 9 inches in length, and their movement is more like a bolt of electricity than a casual scurry.

In Michigan, there is only one confirmed population; in Tuscola County in the east-central part of the state. They prefer dry, open habitats with sparse vegetation and sandy soil, which are rare in Michigan’s landscape. Because of this, the species is listed as “Threatened” by the state.

Racerunners feed on ants, beetles, spiders, and other small invertebrates. Unlike the skink, they’re most active during the hottest parts of the day. Unless you’re specifically exploring their tiny known range, you’re unlikely to come across one. But their presence still makes them one of only two species of lizards in Michigan.

Are there other lizards in Michigan?

Occasionally, non-native lizards may be spotted like escaped or released pets such as green anoles, geckos, or even bearded dragons. But Michigan’s winters are far too harsh for them to survive long-term. These species do not have breeding populations in the wild and disappear quickly when colder temperatures set in.

If you see something unusual, it’s likely a fluke sighting, not an indicator of a new species establishing itself.

Why are there so few lizards in Michigan?

Lizards are ectothermic, meaning they rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature. Michigan’s climate, with its long cold season and short, mild summer, makes it difficult for most reptiles to survive. Especially when these species can’t hibernate or burrow deep enough to avoid freezing.

Habitat also plays a role. Lizards often need dry, open, rocky, or sandy environments to thrive. While Michigan has some of those features in the southern parts of the state, much of the landscape is too forested, wet, or cold.

Where should I look for lizards in Michigan?

If you’re hoping to spot a wild lizard in Michigan, your best bet is to head south. Look for:

• Sunny, open woodlands or forest edges with logs and rocks
• Sandy or dry grassland areas with minimal ground cover
• Quiet natural spaces during late spring and summer, especially in the morning

Tuscola County is the only known location for racerunners, and five-lined skinks are generally confined to the southern Lower Peninsula.

What are some other reptiles in Michigan?

Michigan is home to a variety of other reptiles, including several species of snakes and turtles. Common reptiles you may come across include:

• Eastern garter snake
• Northern water snake
• Painted turtle
• Snapping turtle (shown above)
• Eastern box turtle (rare and declining)

Michigan may be home to only two species of lizards, but there are at least 11 types of salamanders in Michigan as well as many other types animals and wildlife.