Iizard found in my house
Posted by Barbara Billiot on May 3, 2006
Q: My son found a lizard in their playroom. We first thought is was a salamander, but I read on your site that they don't have claws. This lizard does. It is about 5-6 inches long. It is an olive green color, has pale yellow stripe on both sides and red around mouth area. Large holes where ears would be. Please help. Thanks
Habitat: suburban/yard
State: Louisiana
Habitat: suburban/yard
A: Sounds like you have a Five-lined Skink (Eumeces fasciatus). Skinks are beautiful lizards with especially smooth scales that make them look almost wet. The male Five-lined has red around its mouth as you described. This is a totally harmless animal that eat mostly insects and even spiders. Thanks for asking.
John Wiessinger ( May 4, 2006)