Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Saw a lizard in Howard County(near Cresco for those who know the area) hiding under a piece of pallet board. The lizard was between 7 and 10 inches, short legs and a gray/brown color with two slightly darker stripes running down the sides of its backbone. I tried to catch it for pictures, but I was so surprised at finding ANY lizard in Iowa that by the time I realized what I was seeing it was already running and by then it was hopeless. Anyway, if anyone knows what it could be or where to look for information it would be appreciated. I haven't been able to find any information on lizards in Iowa, and am having a hard time even getting someone to believe it was there. Will keep trying to catch it, even if it is just to get a couple pics to post.

Look here:

www.herpnet.net/Iowa-Herpetology/reptiles.html

Maybe the northern prairie skink?

I too am from Iowa and I have to say congrats on finding a lizard! I was lucky enough to find a five-lined skink about a year ago in my yard, but other than that, I havent had any luck. Cool find anyway!

Going off the previous website....heres something that puts all of them next to each other, maybe thatll help the identification.
http://www.herpnet.net/Iowa-Herpetology/reptiles/lizards/Sim.Lizards.html

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-Ryan

"Are you feeling stupid? I know I sure am."
-Homer Simpson

Looks more like it was a five lined and not the northern prairie-thanks for the site. By the way Ryo, what part of Iowa are you from? I'm currently in Mew Hampton but may be moving back to Mason City toward the end of summer. Might be nice to get together sometime and see what we can find(at least put a face with the name). Anyway, thanks for the help, both of you.

I live in West Des Moines, suburb of Des Moines (duh). Glad to help.
-----
-Ryan

"Are you feeling stupid? I know I sure am."
-Homer Simpson