Lizards of South Carolina
South Carolina is home to 14 species of lizards representing a wide diversity of physical characteristics and habitat selection. 11 of these species are native, while 3 species have been introduced to the area. Scroll down to find a quick description of these lizards and click on their account or image to open a more in-depth description.
Anguidae - Glass Lizards
This family is comprised of a wide diversity of lizards found exclusively in the northern hemisphere. In South Carolina the only members are referred to as Glass Lizards. They are all in the genus Ophisaurus which translates to “snake-like” on account of having no legs and superficially resembling snakes. However they are easily distinguished from snakes by possessing external ear openings and moveable eyelids.
Slender Glass Lizard
(Ophisaurus attenuatus)
The Slender Glass Lizard is a secretive lizard and most frequently occurs in dry open forests and grasslands. It is tan to greenish in coloration and has a prominent mid dorsal stripe extending down the length of the body. It has a series of longitudinal strips extending down the side of the body and, unlike other glass lizards, several of these stripes occur beneath the lateral groove.
SC Distribution: Coastal Zone, Coastal Plains, Sandhills, Piedmont, Blue Ridge
Island Glass Lizard
(Ophisaurus compressus)
This glass lizard is rare in South Carolina and is found along the coast. It is tan to yellowish brown in coloration with some mottling on the sides of the head and neck. A single dark line extending down both sides of the body above the lateral fold is the best characteristic to distinguish from other glass lizards.
SC Distribution: Coastal Zone
Mimic Glass Lizard
(Ophisaurus mimicus)
The Mimic Glass Lizard is the smallest of the glass lizards in its range and is generally brown with a dark mid dorsal stripe extending down the length of the body. The sides of the body have three to four dark longitudinal stripes above the lateral groove, and no stripes below the lateral groove. It occurs mostly in open dry forests along the Coastal Plain.
SC Distribution: Coastal Plains