Six-lined Racerunner Lizard
Aspidocelis sexlineata sexlineata
formerly Cnemidophorus sexlineatus sexlineatus

Six-lined Racerunners are found throughout South Carolina. They are the only representative of the genus of whiptail lizards found east of the Mississippi River. Their range extends from Maryland through Florida and west to Kentucky to Mississippi, except for mountain areas.

Adults are about 9 inches in total length, with the tail about 2/3 of the total length. Their scales are small, but not shiny, and the skin wrinkles and folds. They get their name from the three light stripes running down each side. Males have light-blue bellies.

They are found in fields and other open, well-drained areas. They can often be seen at midday scurrying about on roadside banks and in cemeteries. As their name implies, they run swiftly, rising on their hind legs only.

updated: April 21, 2009
Contact: South Carolina Reptiles and Amphibians