13 Lizards in Oklahoma

When you think of Oklahoma, images of wide-open plains, rolling hills, and picturesque sunsets may come to mind. But what about the creatures that inhabit this state? While some may immediately think of the iconic American bison or the elusive bald eagle, others may be surprised to learn about the diverse range of lizard species that call Oklahoma home.  These scaly creatures have adapted to the harsh Oklahoma climate and become integral to the state’s unique ecosystem. In this article, we will explore the fascinating world of lizards in Oklahoma and uncover the secrets of these elusive reptiles.

13 Lizards in Oklahoma

Oklahoma has 18 different species of lizards, ranging from the small gecko to the broadhead skink. These lizards vary in size, color, and behavior and inhabit various habitats, from dry plains and rocky hills to homes, gardens, and backyards. Whether you are a resident or just visiting the state, read on to discover Oklahoma’s fascinating world of lizards.

1. Broad-headed skink

• Scientific name: Plestiodon laticeps
• Size: Up to 6.5 to 12.5 inches
• Diet: It feeds mainly on insects, spiders, smaller rodents, mollusks, and small reptiles.
• Habitat: They prefer open forests, woodlands, swamp forests, areas with thick vegetation and trees, and abandoned lots with lots of debris.

The broad-headed skink is the largest species of lizard in Oklahoma and is found in the far eastern part of the state. It has a thick head, short legs, and a long, stocky body, typically ranging from 6.5–12.5 inches in length. This species has a unique pattern of black, brown, and yellow spots that cover its body, giving it the nickname “painted dragon.”

The broad-headed skink is a diurnal species, meaning it is active during the day and shelters in burrows at night. Its diet consists mostly of insects, spiders, smaller rodents, mollusks, and small reptiles.

2. Western Slender Glass Lizard

• Scientific name: Ophisaurus attenuatus longicaudus
• Size: Grows up to 42 inches
• Diet: Eats spiders, various invertebrates, young rodents, and small reptiles.
• Habitat: Often found in woodland edges, sandy oak savannas, old open fields with lots of sandy soil, and sand prairies.

Often mistaken for a snake, the western slender glass lizard is a species of legless lizard found throughout Oklahoma, except the very western part and the panhandle areas of the state. This species can reach up to 42 inches in length and has smooth, scaleless skin, giving it the nickname “glass snake.” Its coloration ranges from yellowish brown to dark brown, with a dark-colored stripe running down its back.

The western slender glass lizard is an opportunistic feeder, preying on spiders, various invertebrates, young rodents, and small reptiles. It is most active in the early morning and late afternoon, often sunning on warm rocks and logs.

3. Northern Green Anole

• Scientific name: Anolis carolinensis
• Size: Can reach up to 9.2 inches in length
• Diet: Feeds on flies, spiders, small beetles, crickets, butterflies, worms, small slugs, termites, moths, and ants.
• Habitat: They’re found in swamps, wooded beaches, forests, and other areas with a high tree canopy.

The green anole is a small lizard species often spotted around the southeastern corner of Oklahoma, particularly in the Tulsa and Oklahoma City areas. Its coloration ranges from light green to brown, although it can change to the latter when under stress or in cooler temperatures. It has a long tail that measures almost 4 inches, nearly half of its body length.

Researchers have found that these beautiful green lizards often lose their tails when caught by a predating bird or mammal, enabling them to escape. The tail regenerates over time, which is a fantastic adaptation that ensures the survival of this species.

4. The Eastern Collared Lizard

• Scientific name: Crotaphytus collaris
• Size: They reach up to 8-12 inches.
• Diet: The Eastern Collared Lizard feeds on hoppers, locusts, crickets, mealworms, waxworms, dubia roaches, silkworms, and earthworms, among others
• Habitat: Native to the US desert, often requiring a dry open habitat.

The Eastern Collared Lizard, the mountain boomer, is Oklahoma’s most stunning, colorful lizard species. The state designated it as the official reptile symbol in 1969 because it’s the most easily recognizable species in the state.

This species has a stocky body, a long tail double its body’s length, and a large head with a black irregular-looking collar around its neck. This collar is then followed by a dark, wide line that runs from the top of its front limbs to its back.

Adult male Eastern Collared lizards are often green with yellowish and orange markings, while the females are gray with some orange patterns that may be more visible during the mating season.

5. Little Brown Skink

• Scientific name: Scincella lateralis
• Size: Adults reach around 2.25 inches.
• Diet: Feeds on millipedes, small insects, earthworms, and spiders
• Habitat: They live on the forest floor, spending most of their time hiding under dead leaves, logs, and flat rocks.

The Little Brown Skink, also known as the ground skink, is a small, dull-colored lizard species native to Northern Mexico and the Eastern half of the United States. Its body is golden-brown or tan, with two dark-brown, narrow stripes running down each side.

However, younger lizards are often bronze in color with black specks that are more noticeable around its tail. They also have dark, distinctive stripes on their tails, head, and body.

Unlike other forest-dwelling skinks, the Little Brown Skink is a terrestrial lizard, meaning it spends most of its time on the ground and rarely climbs into trees or branches.

They use their short legs to scurry away quickly when predators come too close, hiding under dead leaves, logs, or rocks. This species is common throughout the state of Oklahoma.

6. Western Earless Lizard

• Scientific name: Holbrookia approximans
• Size: Western Earless Lizard grows up to 5 inches or 12 centimeters
• Diet: They eat arthropods like moths, butterflies, beetles, insects, spiders, and grasshoppers.
• Habitat: They prefer desert, shrubland, and grassland habitats.

Western Earless Lizards, commonly referred to as speckled earless lizards, get their name because they lack external ear openings, which gives them a smooth appearance on the side of their heads. Male Western Earless Lizards display a bright color during courtship to attract a mate.

These lizards are known to be relatively fast runners and can often be seen sprinting away from danger on their hind legs. Western Earless Lizards are considered to be a species of least concern as their populations are currently stable and not under threat of extinction.

7. Coal Skinks

• Scientific name: Plestiodon anthracinus
• Size: Coal Skinks grow to an average length of 18 cm, with males slightly larger than females.
• Diet: Their diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates, such as spiders, ants, beetles, and crickets.
• Habitat: rocky outcrops, cliffs, boulder fields, forested areas, grasslands.

Coal Skinks are known for their distinctively striped tails, which can be gray with shades of yellow and white stripes. These skinks can detach their tails as a defense mechanism when threatened by predators, allowing them to escape while the predator is distracted by the twitching tail. Coal skinks occur in eastern Oklahoma.

8. Common Spotted Whiptail

• Scientific name: Aspidoscelis gularis
• Size: Common Spotted Whiptails have a total length of about 15 to 28 cm.
• Diet: They are primarily insectivores, feeding on small insects, spiders, and other arthropods.
• Habitat: These lizards are found in various habitats, including desert scrub, grasslands, and rocky areas, across a range that extends from the southwestern United States to Central America.

When it comes to speed and agility, the Common Spotted Whiptails lead. They can run up to 17 miles per hour and can make quick, tight turns to evade predators. Unlike most lizards with smooth, scaly skin, Common Spotted Whiptails have small, granular scales that give their skin a rough texture. These lizards are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day and rest at night.

In addition to their speed and agility, these lizards have several other adaptations that help them survive in harsh desert environments. For example, they have long, slender bodies and strong, muscular legs that allow them to navigate through rocky terrain with ease. They also have a specialized gland near their eyes that helps them excrete excess salt, essential for survival in the salty desert environments where they live.

9. Broadhead Skink

• Scientific name: Eumeces laticeps
• Size: The Broadhead Skink is a medium-sized lizard growing 9-13 inches long.
• Diet: They are omnivores, feeding on insects, spiders, small vertebrates, and fruits.
• Habitat: Broadhead skinks are native to the southeastern United States and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, grasslands, and rocky areas. They prefer areas with plenty of covers, such as logs, rocks, and leaf litter.

The Broadhead skinks are often called “scaly dogs” because they tend to bark when threatened. These skinks have a distinctive bright blue tail when they are young, which fades as they age. They are known for their strong jaws and sharp teeth, which they use to crush the hard exoskeletons of insects.

10. Great Plains Skink

• Scientific name: Plestiodon obsoletus
• Size: Great Plains Skinks are relatively small, with an average length of 5-8 inches (12-20 cm) from snout to tail tip.
• Diet: feed on beetles, termites, ants, grasshoppers, and other insects.
• Habitat: Great Plains Skinks are found in areas with loose soil and ample covers such as rocks, logs, and vegetation.

Male Great Plains Skinks are territorial and will defend their territory against other males during the breeding season. These skinks can regenerate their tails if they lose them to predation or injury. However, the regenerated tail is often shorter and less vibrant in color than the original.

Great Plains Skinks are active during the day and can often be seen basking in the sun to regulate their body temperature. While these skinks are not considered endangered, they are threatened by habitat loss due to agricultural development and urbanization.

11. Common Five Lined Skink

• Scientific name: Plestiodon fasciatus
• Size: Grows up to 5-8 inches (13-20 cm).
• Diet: These skinks are primarily insectivorous and will eat a variety of small invertebrates, including crickets, beetles, spiders, and caterpillars.
• Habitat: They are commonly found in various habitats, including forests, fields, meadows, and suburban areas.

The common five-lined skink is one of eastern North America’s most widespread and abundant lizards. Male five-lined skinks have bright blue tails, while females have brownish-orange tails. The blue coloration in males is thought to attract mates.

These skinks are quick and agile climbers and can often be seen scaling tree trunks and branches. Common five-lined skinks may shed their tails as a defense mechanism when threatened. The severed tail will continue to wriggle, distracting the predator while the skink escapes.

12. Southern Prairie Skink

• Scientific name: Plestiodon septentrionalis
• Size: Prairie skinks are small, slender lizards that typically grow around 9 inches long.
• Diet: They are carnivorous and feed primarily on insects, such as grasshoppers, crickets, and beetles.
• Habitat: As their name suggests, prairie skinks are found in grasslands, prairies, open woodlands, and agricultural fields.

The Prairie skinks are among the few lizard species that give birth to live young instead of laying eggs. Females can give birth to up to 12 babies at a time. Male prairie skinks have a red head and throat, which they use to attract mates during the breeding season.

The southern variety of Prairie skinks occur in Oklahoma. They are sometimes referred to as “blue-tailed skinks” because the young can have bright blue tails, or “northern five-lined skinks” due to their distinctive stripes. Despite being relatively common throughout their range, prairie skinks are difficult to spot in the wild as they are shy and usually hide in vegetation or burrows during the day.

13. Mediterranean House Gecko

• Scientific name: Hemidactylus turcicus
• Size: Mediterranean house geckos typically grow 3-4 inches long.
• Diet: They are insectivores and feed on small insects such as cockroaches, crickets, and moths.
• Habitat: Commonly found in urban and suburban areas, often living in and around buildings and homes.

The Mediterranean house geckos are known for their distinctive chirping sounds, which they use to communicate with each other. The sound is often compared to that of a bird or a cricket.

Due to their specialized toe pads, these geckos can climb vertical surfaces and even walk upside down on ceilings. The toe pads allow them to adhere to surfaces using van der Waals forces, which are weak intermolecular forces arising from molecules’ interactions.

Unlike many other gecko species, Mediterranean house geckos are active during the day and at night, although they are more commonly seen at night when they come out to hunt. While they are not dangerous to humans, Mediterranean house geckos can be beneficial to have around as they help control populations of insects like cockroaches and mosquitoes.