The Six-lined Racerunner is a species of lizard found in North America. It is known for its distinctive appearance, with six light stripes running along its body.
These lines can vary in color from green to brown and are what gives the species its common name.
These lizards are relatively small, typically growing to about 5 to 8 inches in length.
They are swift and agile, often seen darting across open areas in search of insects and small invertebrates for food.
Six Lined Racerunner Taxonomy
In the Animal Kingdom, Taxonomy is used as the science and practice of classifying different species and sub-species based on their biological and genetic makeup.
Family
The family that the Six Lined Racerunner belongs to is called Teiidae. The lizards in this family are native to the Americas.
At the time of writing, there are 18 different genera in this family and around 150 different species.
There are actually a few species in this family that reproduce asexually, which is a form of clonal reproduction.
Genus
The genus that the Six Lined Racerunner belongs to is called Aspidoscelis. These species are referred to as Whiptail Lizards.
There are currently almost 50 recognised species in this genus which was only introduced in 2002.
Before this, many of the species were included in the genus Cnemidophorus but have since been reclassified due to differences between the two groups.
The name Aspidoscelis is derived from two Greek words and translates to Shield-Leg.
Species
The scientific name for the Six Lined Racerunner is Aspidoscelis sexlineatus and there are currently 3 recognised sub-species.
These sub-species include the nominate sub-species, the Eastern Six-lined Racerunner, the Texas Yellow-headed Racerunner and the Prairie Racerunner.
This species was first described in 1766 by a Swedish taxonomist named Carl Linnaeus.
Six Lined Racerunner Description
The Six Lined Racerunner has a slender and elongated body and typically measures around 5 to 8 inches in length.
However, the tail makes up about twice the length of the rest of the lizard’s body.
Their body coloration can vary, ranging from shades of green to brown, often providing effective camouflage in their natural habitats.
As the name suggests, these lizards are characterized by the presence of six light-coloured stripes running along their bodies.
These stripes start at the head and extend down the length of the body, providing them with their distinctive appearance.
The color of the stripes can range from white to yellow or even light blue.
Natural Habitat and Distribution
The Six Lined Racerunner is native to North America and has an extensive geographical range that covers large parts of the continent.
These lizards can be found in the Eastern and South-Eastern United States, including states such as Florida, Georgia, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky and parts of Texas.
These lizards can also be found in parts of the Midwest, including states like Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kansas.
The Six Lined Racerunner extends into the Great Plains region, including parts of Nebraska and South Dakota.
Along the Atlantic coast, the Six Lined Racerunner can be found in states like Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey.
These lizards are highly adaptable and able to thrive in different environments which is why their distribution is so extensive.
They can be found in open grasslands, savannas, prairies, and sandy areas.
They prefer habitats with ample sunlight and open spaces, where they can bask and hunt for prey.
Six Lined Racerunner Behaviour
The Six Lined Racerunner is known for their incredible speed and agility. They are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day.
Their agility and speed help them escape predators and catch fast-moving prey such as insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates.
Like many small reptiles, these lizards are preyed upon by a variety of animals, including birds, larger reptiles and mammals.
To avoid predation, they rely on their speed and ability to quickly dash into hiding spots.
They can also use their tails to distract predators, as the tail can break off (autotomy) and continue wriggling, allowing the lizard to escape.
The Six Lined Racerunner reproduces by laying eggs.
Females dig shallow nests in sandy soil or loose substrate and lay a clutch of eggs, which they cover and leave to incubate.
The incubation period can vary, but it usually takes a few weeks for the eggs to hatch.
