North Carolina is home to 11 species of lizards, none of which are venomous or poisonous. Lizards typically have rounded torsos, elevated heads on short necks, four limbs and long tails. Three species of glass lizards are legless and often mistaken for snakes. Like other reptiles, lizards are cold-blooded (ectothermic), so they rely on their environment to warm their bodies, using the heat of the sun to raise their body temperature. For this reason most lizards are active during the day and can be found basking on rocks, fences, ledges and other places that generate warmth. Below is a list of the lizards found in North Carolina.
Scientific Name: Sceloporus undulatus
Classification: Nongame
Abundance: Common throughout most of the state (blue)
Scientific Name: Eumeces (Plestiodon) fasciatus
Classification: Nongame
Abundance: Common throughout most of the state (green)