I saw a lizard last week in the New Jersey Pine Barrens near Toms River, NJ. The lizard did not appear to be either of the two skink species that live in New Jersey, nor did it appear to be a varient color of the eastern fence lizard, because it was a different shape. The lizard I saw was approximately 8" long, the back was dark grey to black (all one color). I did not see the color of its belly. It was shaped differently than the eastern fence lizard (although it was spotted on the same log as one), this lizard was more flattened and was rounded in the thoracic and abdominal regions, where as a fence lizard is typically straight thru this area of its body. It also had bright irridescent blue neck patches on the sides of its neck. I have seen many fence lizards with a variety of different color patterns, but this lizard appeared to me to be a different species. It was located in a typical Pine Barrens forrest, sandy soil amidst fallen trees. Any help in identifying this lizard would be appreciated.
Thank you for your time and expertise in this matter.
Regards
