| Aspidoscelis sexlineata |
| Six-lined racerunner |
Key Characteristics
The Six-lined Racerunner is a slim lizard with a very long tail (about twice its body length) and a pointed snout. It is black, gray, brown or olive in color with six yellowish green, white, pale blue, or gray stripes running down the back and sides with an often indistinct brownish stripe down the middle of the back. In adults, especially males, the neck and front part of the body may be green or blue-green. The belly is generally white, but in males, it is blue. Adult total lengths range from 6 to 10.5 in (15-27 cm), with maximum body or snout-vent length of 3.4 in (8.6 cm).
Status and Rank
- State Status: T - Threatened (legally protected)
- State Rank: SU - Unrankable
- Global Rank: G5 - Secure
Occurrences
| County Name | Number of Occurrences | Year Last Observed |
|---|---|---|
| Tuscola | 1 | 2004 |
![Occurrence Map for [Sname]](/mnfi/maptmp/NFR_Distributions12590214755388.png)
Information is summarized from MNFI's database of rare species and community occurrences. Data may not reflect true distribution since much of the state has not been thoroughly surveyed.
Habitat
The Six-lined Racerunner is known from only one population in east-central Michigan. This site can be characterized as dry, bare, rocky, old field habitat along a roadside which is likely the result of disturbance associated with construction of the road and not a natural community. The surrounding habitat is mesic northern forest. This population is disjunct from the rest of the species' range which is located primarily south and west of Michigan. In other parts of the species’ range, Six-lined Racerunners typically occur in sunny, open, well-drained, grassy habitats with areas of bare sand or loose sandy soil such as prairies, oak savannas, riverbanks, abandoned fields, vacant lots and road cuts.
Natural Community Types
Management
Although it is still unclear whether the one known population of Six-lined Racerunners in Michigan is a natural or introduced population, it should be protected and maintained until this can be determined with further research. Natural succession or management activities that result in increased shade or increased ground cover could pose a serious threat to this species. The open, sparsely vegetated habitat at the known site should be maintained. Management activities should occur during times of the year when the lizards are inactive or less active (e.g., Oct-Apr) to minimize the potential for adverse impacts to the species. Pesticide use which could reduce insect prey abundance should be limited or avoided.
Active Period
Breeding from first week of May to second week of June
Nesting from first week of June to third week of July
Active from first week of May to fourth week of August
Survey Methods
Six-lined Racerunners have a fairly short activity season and are rarely observed between mid-August and late May. The best way to survey for this species to visually search for this species on the surface and under cover in suitable habitat on warm, sunny days from late May to mid-August. At night or on cool, cloudy days, Six-lined Racerunners remain in burrows or under cover (e.g., woody debris, leaf litter, rocks).
- Visual encounter survey
- Survey Period: From fourth week of May to third week of August
- Time: Daytime
Cloud Cover: Clear
Air Temperature: Warm
- Time: Daytime
Cloud Cover: Clear
Air Temperature: Warm
- Time: Daytime
Cloud Cover: Clear
- Survey Period: From fourth week of May to third week of August
References
Survey References
- Karns, D.R. 1986. Field Herpetology: Methods for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles in Minnesota. Occ. Pap. No. 18. J.F. Bell Museum of Natural History, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis.
Technical References
- Harding, J.H. 1997.Amphibians and Reptiles of the Great Lakes Region. The University of Michigan Press, Ann Arbor. 378pp.
- Harding, J.H. and J.A. Holman. 1990. Michigan Turtles and Lizards. East Lansing Cooperative Extension Service, Michigan State University Bulletin E-2234. 94pp.