Six-Lined Racerunner

Six-lined Racerunner

Other Names: Prairie Racerunner
Scientific Name: Aspidoscelis sexlineatus
(Formerly: Cnemidophorus sexlineatus)
Family: Teiidae

Description and Size

  • Granular scales
  • Long hind limbs and toes
  • Long tail
  • Total length: 15.2-26.7 cm (6.0-10.5 inches)
  • Has 6 to 8 lines running the length of its body
  • Base color: brown to bright green
    • Males are more brightly colored during breeding
Six lined Racerunner Back
Six lined Racerunner Close Up

This organism is in brumation, a state of lethargy and inactivity, brought on by colder temperatures and is a natural part of life.

Habitat

  • Arid climate
  • Grasslands with sparse vegetation
  • Woodland edges
  • Loose, sandy soils
  • Next to streams

Diet

  • Terrestrial arthropods
  • Terrestrial snails
  • Avoids beetles

Life History

  • Diurnal
  • Active Season: May – September (Fitch, H. S. (1958). Home ranges, territories, and seasonal movements of vertebrates of the Natural History Reservation (Vol. 11, No. 3). University of Kansas.)
  • Breeding Season: May – late July (Brackin, 1979)
  • Lays eggs
  • 1 to 3 clutches of 1-6 eggs per female

Range

Six lined Racerunner

Most common range within the last 50 years and does not include outliers. For more info email dferraro1@unl.edu.