11 Lizards Present in Texas (With Photos)

Texas is the most important state within the continental US—and it’s teeming with wildlife of all types. As a result of sizzling, humid temperatures, it’s no marvel there are such a lot of species of lizard residing within the nice state. The blazing solar is ideal for lizards to bask and soak all of it up.

Lizards are present in each area of Texas—from Amarillo to Laredo. Every has its personal desire for residing conditions, requiring totally different environmental components. Fortuitously, none are toxic. Let’s check out each and get to know them somewhat higher.

11 Lizards Present in Texas

1. Anole

Anoles are frequent lizards discovered scattered all all through Texas. These little guys are one of the vital prevalent species of lizard in North America. They’re ubiquitous within the wild, however they’re commonplace within the pet commerce, too. The brown anole is taken into account an invasive lizard in Texas.

Within the wild, anoles spend most of their days in shrubs and different greenery. Due to their environmental wants, yow will discover them in your yard backyard snacking on varied bugs. Whereas an anole’s weight-reduction plan largely consists of crickets, grasshoppers, moths, and spiders—although they generally complement with fruit.

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2. Texas Horned Lizard

The Texas horned lizard, or attractive toad, is kind of an attention-grabbing character. This lizard is one among 14 horned species that exist—however they’re a look-but-don’t-touch kind of lizard. They’re a threatened species, which means their numbers have dwindled with time. You may assist protect them by leaving them in nature, the place they belong.

Texas horned lizards love sparse vegetation on sandy or soil-based terrain. They love basking within the toasty Texas solar and can burrow and dig for nesting and hibernation functions. They primarily eat harvester ants and spiders—which aren’t commercially out there in pet retailers.

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3. Texas Spiny Lizard

The Texas spiny lizard is a sneaky little reptile that shies away, spending most of its time camouflaged amongst nature. These guys spend most of their day up within the bushes, mixing in with the bark. They’re one among 10 spiny species that exist in Texas.

Texas spiny lizards love consuming bugs of all kinds—not restricted to beetles, crickets, grasshoppers, and even wasps. These lizards are within the pet commerce, so you might be allowed to personal them as pets. They’re wanted due to their distinctive look. Nevertheless, it isn’t beneficial you’re taking one from the wild.

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4. Japanese Collared Lizard

The Japanese collared lizards are available a wide range of attractive shade patterns which are usually vibrant and delightful. However they’re distinguishable by the 2 black rings round their neck. You may technically hold these creatures as pets, however they’re onerous to take care of in captivity.

This species loves rocky territories, however additionally they inhabit areas with excessive vegetation. Their weight-reduction plan primarily consists of grasshoppers, crickets, and even different lizards. One tremendous cool factor about this lizard is its capability to run on its hind legs.

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5. Mediterranean Home Gecko

Mediterranean home geckos are quite common within the wild, however equally so amongst reptile lovers. They’re a very simple pet to personal, making them nice for rookies and novice homeowners alike. Actually, their different title is ‘home gecko’, which means that they purposefully come into your house to reside. They’re additionally among the many smallest lizards that reside in Texas.

Along with industrialized housing, these geckos love rocky terrain, cliffs, and caves. These lizards love crickets, roaches, and lots of different bugs they discover within the wild. In captivity, they’re tremendous simple to feed, consuming mealworms and tremendous worms.

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6. Skink

There are a number of skink species in Texas, such because the frequent five-lined skink, little brown skink, broad-headed skink, nice plains skink, coal skink, and four-lined skink. Each varies in look barely, however they often have thick our bodies and broad skulls.

Skinks have a hefty weight-reduction plan, snacking on millipedes, larvae, grasshoppers, and caterpillars. Nevertheless, they’ll eat bigger prey, too—like mice, frogs, and different lizards. Skinks get pleasure from delicate, damp soil and areas with a number of protection.

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7. Texas Alligator Lizard

The Texas alligator lizard lives as much as its title, resembling their alligator relations from afar. They’re gradual movers with impeccable imaginative and prescient. They don’t seem to be solely the most important lizard in Texas however one of many greatest on this planet.

These lizards love rocky terrain the place they’ll indulge in peace. As a result of their measurement, they hunt bigger animals—like birds and rodents—however will eat bugs as juveniles.

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8. Slender Glass Lizard

The slender glass lizard is kind of an enormous lizard in Texas, reaching lengths of 42 inches at instances. They’re legless, which means they tackle the look of a snake with some notable variations—like movable eyes and exterior ear openings for listening to.

These lizards, like many others, can break off their tails as a protection mechanism. The eliminated tail wiggles to distract predators to allow them to make a clear escape. They usually eat small snakes, different lizards, and anthropoids.

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9. Prairie Lizard

The prairie lizard is an interesting specimen discovered throughout Texas and in neighboring states. They get their title as a result of they discover grasslands and meadows and love wooded areas—touting excellent camouflage to mix in. You will discover them out on a fence, backyard, or wooden stacks, too.

These lizards spend their days basking within the solar, however as soon as night hits, they’re utterly energetic once more. They prey on bugs and spiders as a major supply of their weight-reduction plan.

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10. Six-Lined Racerunner

The six-lined racerunner is a speedy little lizard present in southern US states and Mexico. They will run as much as a whopping 18 miles per hour, so catching one among these guys is subsequent to inconceivable, however it serves them nicely to catch prey or keep away from turning into it.

These whiptail lizards are energetic on the toastiest of days, shifting within the warmth of the blazing solar with no points. They eat all kinds of bugs and invertebrates.

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11. Texas Banded Gecko

The Texas banded gecko may be very recognizable because of the horizontal, thick strains down its physique. They keep very small—they usually can reside as much as 25 complete years, although they probably gained’t survive that lengthy within the wild.

This gecko has a singular protection mechanism the place it’ll level its tail like a scorpion to confuse and push back predators. If it doesn’t work, they may drop their tail and scurry away. They’re nocturnal lizards that hunt small bugs and termites.

Conclusion

Texas is actually the appropriate surroundings for lizards to thrive. It has sizzling, sultry summers and sparse vegetation that lizards like to discover. These distinctive creatures range in measurement, look, and temperament. Plus, they’ve a number of wonderful diversifications to thrive.

Which one among these fascinating reptiles is your favourite Texan lizard?

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Featured Picture Credit score: Gregory Smith, Flickr CC SA 2.0 Generic (Japanese Collared Lizard (Crotaphytus collaris))