Six Lined Racerunner Aspidoscelis sexlineatus
Identification
This lizard has six yellow stripes on a dark body and moves with exceptional speed. Its tail is long and slender.
Location
Uncommon in Ohio
Size
6 to 9 inches
Diet
It feeds on insects spiders and small invertebrates.
Habitat
It occurs in southern Ohio in dry open habitats.
Activity Period
May to September
Behavior
It is diurnal and highly active and prefers open sunny habitats. It is most active in hot sunny weather.
Lifecycle
Breeding occurs in spring and females lay eggs in early summer.
Population
The population is stable but localized.
History
It has historically been restricted to southern regions.
Human Interactions
It is harmless and extremely fast.
Facts
It is one of the fastest reptiles in North America.
Sources
ODNR academic sources
Insects spiders small invertebrates | Sandy soils open fields rocky barrens | Southern Ohio