Lizards of Virginia

Virginia Lizard Identification Guide

Scientific Name (Common Name)
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Photos

Ophisaurus attenuatus longicaudus
(Eastern Slender Glass Lizard)

Virginia Wildlife Action Plan Rating: Tier IV

Ophisaurus ventralis
(Eastern Glass Lizard)

* State threatened

Virginia Wildlife Action Plan Rating: Tier II

Plestiodon anthracinus anthracinus
(Northern Coal Skink)

(formerly Eumeces anthracinus)
* All lizards native to Virginia in the genus Plestiodon have bright blue tails as juveniles/subadults.

Plestiodon fasciatus
(Common Five-lined Skink)

(formerly Eumeces fasciatus)
* All lizards native to Virginia in the genus Plestiodon have bright blue tails as juveniles/subadults.

Plestiodon inexpectatus
(Southeastern Five-lined Skink)

(formerly Eumeces inexpectatus)
* All lizards native to Virginia in the genus Plestiodon have bright blue tails as juveniles/subadults.

Plestiodon laticeps
(Broad-headed Skink)

(formerly Eumeces laticeps)
* All lizards native to Virginia in the genus Plestiodon have bright blue tails as juveniles/subadults.

Virginia Wildlife Action Plan Rating Tier IV - Moderate Conservation Need - The species may be rare in parts of its range, particularly on the periphery. Populations of these species have demonstrated a significant declining trend or one is suspected which, if continued, is likely to qualify this species for a higher tier in the foreseeable future. Long-term planning is necessary to stabilize or increase populations.
Virginia Wildlife Action Plan Rating Tier II - Very High Conservation Need - Has a high risk of extinction or extirpation. Populations of these species are at very low levels, facing real threat(s), or occur within a very limited distribution. Immediate management is needed for stabilization and recovery.