Eastern glass lizards are a type of skink, a lizard that belongs to the family Scincidae and subfamily Lygosoma. Glass lizards are native to the southeastern United States. There are two different types of eastern glass lizards: the Florida glass lizard and the Carolina glass lizard. They appear similar, so it’s easy to get them confused. But, are Eastern Glass Lizards dangerous? Do they have venom? Are they aggressive? Let’s find out more about these shy reptiles…
What is an Eastern Glass Lizard?
Eastern glass lizards are not only beautiful with their bright blue bodies, but they are also very interesting. They are a type of skink, a lizard that belongs to the family Scincidae and subfamily Lygosoma. Glass lizards are native to the southeastern United States, where they live in warm, sandy areas.
They feed on insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates. Their name comes from the transparent or translucent skin that covers their bellies. It’s this feature that makes all three species of eastern glass lizards easy to identify.
This skin helps them camouflage in sandy environments and protects them from potential predators. Eastern glass lizards are small, growing to only 5-8 inches (13-20 cm), including the tail. They are a brown, gray, or black color, and their bellies are blue or green.
Male eastern glass lizards are larger than females, but they lack bright blue coloring. A female has a blue belly and a male has a blue belly and blue sides.
Are Eastern Glass Lizards Dangerous?
Eastern glass lizards are small and unlikely to bite or sting you. However, their claws are sharp and can scratch, so it’s best to be careful around them. Although they are not considered dangerous, they will bite and scratch if picked up.
Their bites can cause swelling and irritation on sensitive skin. Glass lizards are shy reptiles, so they will likely run away when approached. However, if cornered or scared, they may defend themselves. If you are in an area where eastern glass lizards are common, you should be aware of their presence.
You can avoid being bitten by keeping your hands away from an eastern glass lizard’s environment. If you see one in your yard, it’s best to leave it alone and let it find a new home.
Are Eastern Glass Lizards Venomous?
Eastern glass lizards are not venomous, but they do secrete a mild toxin from their skin when they are stressed. This toxin can cause mild irritation and swell in humans, but it is not dangerous. It’s called a “skin irritant”, not a “venom”.
This chemical also gives the eastern glass lizard a bad reputation as being poisonous or venomous. Eastern glass lizards do have teeth, but they do not bite humans or other animals except for defense. Some people mistakenly identify eastern glass lizards as venomous.
This is likely because of the eastern glass lizard’s appearance. It has a long tail and big claws, which are traits of venomous snakes.
How to Tell the Difference Between a Florida and Carolina Glass Lizard
The easiest way to tell the difference between a Florida and Carolina glass lizard is by their location. The Florida glass lizard is found in Florida, while the Carolina glass lizard can be found in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Georgia.
Both species of glass lizards have blue bellies and long tails, but there are subtle differences between them. The Florida glass lizard has a dark or black stripe on its back. The Carolina glass lizard does not have a stripe on its back. The Florida glass lizard’s underside is a bright blue or blue-green color.
The Carolina glass lizard’s belly is a dark blue color. The Florida glass lizard’s tail is between one and two times longer than its body. The Carolina glass lizard’s tail is between one-and-a-half and two times longer than its body.
Why Are Glass Lizards Called “Venomous”?
The eastern glass lizard gets its “venomous” title from its mild skin toxin. A “venomous” animal has a toxic bite or sting that can result in death or illness if left untreated. The eastern glass lizard’s toxin is mild and only causes a reaction if it comes into contact with human skin.
It is not harmful to touch a glass lizard or its environment. It can only cause a reaction if you touch the skin. The eastern glass lizard’s toxin is milder than that of a bee, which can sting you and leave you with a painful reaction that lasts for hours.
The glass lizard’s skin toxin only causes severe irritation for a short period. The glass lizard’s skin toxin is likely milder than that of other lizards because it needs to protect itself from predators.
Where Can You Find an Eastern Glass Lizard?
Eastern glass lizards can be found in the southeastern United States, from North Carolina to Florida. They prefer sandy environments, like dunes and fields. You can often find them on the side of the road or in yards, especially during their mating season in the spring.
Eastern glass lizards do not belong in human environments. They should be left alone in their natural habitats. If you see one in your yard, leave it alone and let it find a new home. These reptiles are most active during the day, so you’re more likely to spot them during the warmer months.
Although eastern glass lizards can be found in many different locations, they are shy reptiles. If you see one in your yard, leave the glass lizard alone. Let it find its new home, and make sure your yard is not an ideal living environment for a glass lizard.
Key Takeaway
Eastern glass lizards are often confused with venomous snakes because of their appearance. While they do secrete a mild toxin from their skin, they are not dangerous and do not have venom. These reptiles are native to the southeastern United States, where they prefer sandy environments.
They are small and shy, so they are unlikely to bite or sting you if you leave them alone. It is not dangerous and can only cause a reaction if you touch it. These reptiles are mostly active during the day, so you’re more likely to spot them during the warmer months. Now you can answer when somebody ask you a question: are Eastern Glass Lizards dangerous?
