6 Species of Lizards in Ohio (Photos)

Ohio may not be known for reptiles, but if you’ve ever wandered through a southern forest, flipped a log, or strolled a sunny sidewalk in Cincinnati, you might’ve crossed paths with one of the state’s native or introduced lizards. These species play a valuable role in Ohio’s ecosystems, and once you know what to look for, they’re not too hard to spot.

Below are 6 species of lizards confirmed to live in the wild in Ohio… including a mix of native forest dwellers and one introduced and invasive urban newcomer.

1. Common five-lined skink

Scientific name: Plestiodon fasciatus
Native to Ohio: Yes
Where to find it: Southern and southeastern Ohio

The common five-lined skink is probably the most familiar lizard to Ohioans. Juveniles have bright blue tails and five yellowish stripes that fade with age, while adults turn a more muted brown or gray. Males may show hints of orange on their faces during the breeding season. Most adults grow between 5 and 8 inches long.

You’re most likely to find these types of skinks in wooded areas with lots of cover, like logs, rock piles, or leaf litter. They’re fast and alert, often darting into hiding when disturbed. If you live in southern Ohio and spend time outdoors, especially hiking or working in the yard, you’ve got a solid chance of spotting one.

They feed on insects, spiders, and other invertebrates. Of all the lizards in Ohio, this one is the most widespread and commonly encountered in forested regions.

2. Broad-headed skink

Scientific name: Plestiodon laticeps
Native to Ohio: Yes
Where to find it: Scattered across southern Ohio

The broad-headed skink is Ohio’s largest skink and one of the most impressive lizards you can come across. Males can grow over 12 inches long and are easy to recognize in spring thanks to their bright reddish-orange heads. Females and juveniles look more like five-lined skinks but grow bulkier over time.

They prefer wooded areas near decaying logs, tree cavities, and forest edges. Unlike other skinks, broad-headed skinks are skilled climbers and often take refuge up in the trees. If you’ve got tall hardwoods on your property or frequent forest trails in the southern part of the state, keep an eye on the trunks — they’re not always on the ground.

These skinks eat beetles, grasshoppers, spiders, and sometimes even smaller lizards. They’re strong, fast, and shy, so it helps to be quiet and observant when looking for them.

3. Little brown skink

Scientific name: Scincella lateralis
Native to Ohio: Yes
Where to find it: Southern Ohio

Don’t expect to see this one unless you’re really paying attention. The little brown skink, also known as the ground skink, is tiny, usually under 5 inches long, and blends perfectly into the forest floor with its smooth brown scales and dark side stripes.

Unlike other skinks, it doesn’t climb and prefers to stay hidden under leaves, bark, or soil. It thrives in shaded, moist woodlands, especially those with plenty of natural ground cover. If you’re someone who enjoys mushroom hunting, trail walking, or gardening near the woods, you might catch one wriggling away when you disturb its hiding place.

It feeds on tiny insects and arthropods, like ants, mites, and springtails. Though they’re hard to find, little brown skinks are common throughout the southern third of the state.

4. Eastern fence lizard

Scientific name: Sceloporus undulatus
Native to Ohio: Yes
Where to find it: Southern Ohio, in rocky or wooded terrain

The eastern fence lizard is probably the most “dragon-like” of Ohio’s native lizards, with rough, spiny scales and a rugged appearance. Males often have bright blue patches on their bellies and throats, while females and juveniles are more muted in color. They average about 5 to 7 inches in length.

This species favors dry, rocky forests and sunny clearings, often using logs, fence posts, or rock outcrops as basking platforms. They’re quick to scurry into cracks or scramble up tree bark when approached. You might find them sunning near hiking trails in the Hocking Hills or on sandstone ridges in the unglaciated southeast.

Fence lizards eat a variety of insects, especially beetles, ants, and spiders. If you’re exploring southern Ohio in spring or summer, keep your eyes peeled for a quick flash of scales on a sunny rock. We used to catch these as kids… don’t worry we would release them later. 

5. Coal skink

Scientific name: Plestiodon anthracinus
Native to Ohio: Yes
Where to find it: Southeastern Ohio

The coal skink is secretive and lesser-known, but it does call southeastern Ohio home. Adults reach 5 to 7 inches in length and are usually dark brown or gray with four thin stripes — two on each side — and no central dorsal stripe, which helps distinguish them from other skinks.

They inhabit moist, shaded woodlands and steep hillsides near streams, springs, and seeps. Coal skinks are especially fond of rocky slopes with dense leaf litter. You’ll need to get off the beaten path to find them, and flipping flat rocks or bark near a streambed gives you the best odds.

They eat small insects, spiders, and other invertebrates. This is one of the more difficult lizards in Ohio to encounter due to its secretive habits and narrow range.

6. Common wall lizard

Scientific name: Podarcis muralis
Native to Ohio: No (introduced)
Where to find it: Greater Cincinnati area

Originally from Europe, the common wall lizard was introduced to Cincinnati in the 1950s… and it never left. Today, it’s a common sight in the city, especially in neighborhoods with stone walls, brick buildings, and plenty of sunny surfaces for basking. These small, agile lizards grow to around 5 to 7 inches in length and have mottled brown and gray patterns that help them blend into urban backgrounds.

Wall lizards are bold and fast, often seen darting across sidewalks, climbing stone retaining walls, or sunning themselves near foundations. They’re not picky about habitat, thriving in urban environments where other lizards might struggle. If you’re in the Cincinnati area, there’s a good chance you’ve already seen one and didn’t realize it.

They feed on insects like ants, flies, and small beetles. Although they’re not native, wall lizards in Ohio have become an established part of the state’s urban wildlife scene, especially in the Queen City.