Indiana DNR Finds Common Wall Lizards in Southeastern Indiana

The lizards have started to colonize in Aurora, Lawrenceburg and Rising Sun.

Photo provided.

(Lawrenceburg, Ind.) – Common wall lizards have started to colonize in southeastern Indiana.

Indiana DNR Divisions of Fish & Wildlife biologists recently observed an estimated 20 to 35 wall lizards living in a rock-lined embankment bordering the Ohio River in Lawrenceburg, about two miles from the Ohio state line.

Since the discovery, members of the public and DNR have identified additional wall lizard colonies in Aurora and Rising Sun.

Common wall lizards are not native to North America and are not generally dangerous. However, there is some concern among herpetologists that common wall lizards may outcompete native species like common five-lined skinks for food and shelter. The Indiana DNR says more research needs to be completed to understand their interactions.

Further work is also needed to determine the extent of colonization in southeast Indiana and to inform the DNR’s management recommendation.

All current known sites are located along the Ohio River where lizards inhabit rocky and vegetated banks of the river.

The common wall lizard is a European species that became established in Cincinnati during the early 1950s after several of them were intentionally released. The species has since colonized much of the Cincinnati area including parts of northern Kentucky.

Common wall lizards are approximately 5 ½ to 8 inches in length as adults and usually have a brown or gray back with mottling or spotting on the sides.

The Indiana DNR encourages the public to help it track sightings of common wall lizards in southeastern Indiana.

Sightings of common wall lizards, especially those backed by photographs, should be emailed to HerpSurveys@dnr.IN.gov.