Maine has no native lizard populations. The absence of lizards (Order Squamata, Suborder Lacertilia) makes Maine unique among the lower 48 states, which is surprising given the presence of other reptiles and amphibians. While the state is home to many species of snakes, turtles, and salamanders, environmental conditions have prevented their establishment.
Why Lizards Are Absent in Maine
The primary limiting factor for native lizard populations in Maine is the state’s climate and its position at the northern boundary of the North American temperate zone. As ectotherms, lizards rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature and maintain metabolic functions necessary for activity and reproduction. The long, severe winters and short growing seasons in Maine present a significant challenge to their survival. The minimum low temperatures and the depth of the annual freeze are generally too extreme for the overwintering survival of most lizard species. Even the hardiest species, such as the Common Five-lined Skink, are restricted to warmer microclimates in southern New England and do not extend their established range into Maine.
Amphibians Often Mistaken for Lizards
The common belief that there are lizards in Maine often stems from the misidentification of salamanders. People frequently confuse these two groups because they share a similar elongated body shape, four limbs, and a tail. Lizards are reptiles with scaly, dry skin and lungs, while salamanders are amphibians with smooth, porous skin used for cutaneous respiration. Two common species often mistaken for lizards are the Eastern Red-backed Salamander (Plethodon cinereus) and the Blue-Spotted Salamander (Ambystoma laterale). The Eastern Red-backed Salamander is abundant in Maine’s forests, and unlike lizards, these lungless salamanders must remain in moist environments, typically under logs, rocks, and leaf litter, to keep their skin damp.
Maine’s Native Reptiles
Although lizards are absent, Maine is home to several native reptile species, including snakes and turtles that have adapted to the colder climate. The state’s herpetofauna includes nine species of snakes and seven species of inland turtles. These reptiles have evolved specific behaviors, such as deep brumation (a state of winter inactivity) in communal dens, to survive the long cold period. Common snakes include the Eastern Garter Snake (Thamnophis sirtalis) and the Eastern Milksnake (Lampropeltis triangulum). The state’s turtles include the Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta), often seen basking on logs in ponds and wetlands, and the Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina).