If you’re curious about the diverse lizard species inhabiting Houston, this list is for you. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a backyard explorer, or just want to know what scaly creatures you might encounter, we cover 10 common lizards found in and around Houston, Texas. Each entry includes details on identification and interesting traits that make these lizards worth knowing.
Texas Spiny Lizard (Sceloporus olivaceus)
The Texas Spiny Lizard is one of the most recognizable lizards in the Houston area due to its rough, keeled scales and distinctive spiny appearance. Males often display bright blue patches on their bellies, especially during mating season. This species is arboreal, frequently seen basking on tree trunks or fences, making it a familiar backyard visitor.
Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis)
The Green Anole is Houston’s native “chameleon” known for its ability to change from bright green to brown depending on mood and environment. It has a slender body, long tail, and a distinctive pink dewlap that males display during territorial disputes or courtship. These lizards are agile climbers, often found on shrubs, walls, and windowsills.
Eastern Fence Lizard (Sceloporus undulatus)
Similar to the Texas Spiny Lizard but slightly smaller, the Eastern Fence Lizard sports a rough, scaled texture with gray or brown coloring and dark blotches. Males have vivid blue patches on their bellies and throats. They prefer open, sunny habitats like fences, logs, and rocky areas, making them common in Houston’s parks and woodlands.
Six-lined Racerunner (Aspidoscelis sexlineata)
The Six-lined Racerunner is a fast-moving ground dweller known for its striking pattern of six yellow or white stripes running down its dark body. They can reach speeds up to 18 miles per hour, helping them escape predators. This species is often seen darting across open, sandy areas and grassy fields around Houston.
Broad-headed Skink (Plestiodon laticeps)
The Broad-headed Skink is one of the largest native lizards in Texas, with males developing a broad, reddish-orange head during breeding season. Its body is shiny with smooth scales and a long tail. These skinks are arboreal and terrestrial, frequently found in wooded areas, often near water sources in Houston’s green spaces.
Ground Skink (Scincella lateralis)
The Ground Skink is a small, slender lizard with smooth, shiny scales and a coppery-brown coloration. It spends most of its time on the forest floor under leaf litter or logs. This secretive species is abundant in Houston’s wooded parks and gardens but often goes unnoticed due to its small size and quick movements.
Texas Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma cornutum)
Though less common within Houston city limits, the Texas Horned Lizard can be found in the surrounding areas. This distinctive lizard has a flattened, rounded body covered in sharp spines and horns, providing excellent camouflage against sandy soil. Known as the “horned toad,” it primarily feeds on ants and is an iconic species of Texas.
Common Five-lined Skink (Plestiodon fasciatus)
The Common Five-lined Skink is named for the five light-colored stripes running from its head to tail, which are especially vivid in juveniles. Adult males develop bright orange or red heads during breeding season. These lizards prefer moist wooded habitats and are often found near water in Houston’s parks and natural areas.
Broad-banded Gecko (Coleonyx brevis)
While more typical in West Texas and Mexico, the Broad-banded Gecko has been occasionally reported in the Houston region, likely introduced via the pet trade. These nocturnal lizards have a robust body with broad bands and fringed toes adapted for climbing. Their secretive habits mean sightings are rare but rewarding for herpetology enthusiasts.
Mediterranean Gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus)
The Mediterranean Gecko is an introduced species thriving in urban Houston environments, especially near buildings and streetlights. Small and nocturnal, these geckos have translucent skin with a mottled pattern, and they feed on insects attracted by artificial lights. Their ability to cling to smooth surfaces makes them common around homes and commercial properties.
How to Choose
Choosing which lizard species to focus on depends on your interests and environment. For backyard observers, native species like the Texas Spiny Lizard and Green Anole are easy to spot and identify. If you’re interested in speed and agility, the Six-lined Racerunner offers fascinating behavior. Those who prefer more elusive reptiles might enjoy searching for the Ground Skink or the rare Texas Horned Lizard. Habitat is critical: arboreal species require trees and shrubs, while ground-dwellers prefer leaf litter or open sandy areas. Urban dwellers will likely encounter introduced species like the Mediterranean Gecko, while rural or park visits increase chances of seeing native skinks and fence lizards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What lizards are most common in Houston?
Texas Spiny Lizards, Green Anoles, and Eastern Fence Lizards are among the most common native species seen in Houston.
Are any Houston lizards dangerous to humans?
No native or introduced lizard species in Houston pose a threat to humans; they are generally harmless and avoid contact.
Can I keep any Houston lizards as pets?
While some native species can be kept with proper permits, many people keep Mediterranean Geckos or Green Anoles as pets due to their adaptability and ease of care.
How do I attract lizards to my backyard?
Providing natural cover like rocks, logs, and native plants, along with water sources and avoiding pesticides, helps attract lizards.
What do Houston lizards eat?
Most feed on insects such as ants, beetles, and spiders. Some, like the Texas Horned Lizard, specialize in ants.
When is the best time to see lizards in Houston?
Lizards are most active during warm daylight hours in spring and summer, especially mid-morning and late afternoon.
Final Thoughts
Houston’s lizard diversity reflects its varied habitats, from urban neighborhoods to wooded parks and open fields. Whether you’re an amateur naturalist or just curious about the local wildlife, learning to identify these 10 species enriches your outdoor experience. Keep an eye on trees, fences, rocks, and even walls after dusk to catch glimpses of these fascinating reptiles. With their unique adaptations and behaviors, Houston’s lizards offer a rewarding glimpse into the region’s natural world.
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