Florida’s warm climate and diverse ecosystems are home to many lizard species. Most Florida lizards, both native and introduced, reproduce by laying eggs. This reproductive strategy, known as oviparity, is typical for most reptiles globally.
The Truth About Florida Lizard Eggs
Oviparity means a female lizard produces eggs that develop and hatch outside her body, unlike live-bearing animals where offspring develop internally. Florida lizard eggs have a soft, leathery, or parchment-like shell, unlike the hard shells of bird eggs. These eggs are small, ranging from the size of a pea to a grape, and are white or off-white. As hatching approaches, faint pinkish veins may become visible on the egg’s surface. The soft shell allows the eggs to absorb moisture from their surroundings, necessary for embryo development.
Where and When Florida Lizards Nest
Female lizards in Florida select nesting sites that offer protection, stable temperatures, and sufficient humidity. Common locations include loose soil, under leaf litter, within rotting logs or stumps, beneath rocks, and in garden beds or under structures like sheds. This choice helps prevent eggs from drying out and shields them from predators.
The breeding season for most Florida lizards spans from spring through summer (March to August). This period is influenced by warmer temperatures and rainfall, creating favorable conditions for reproduction and egg development. Some species, particularly in southern Florida, may breed year-round due to consistently mild winters.
From Egg to Hatchling
After eggs are laid, the incubation period varies by lizard species and environmental conditions, especially temperature. This period ranges from 4 to 10 weeks, or longer for some species. The developing embryo relies on the yolk for nutritional needs.
Temperature also plays a significant role in determining the sex of some lizard hatchlings, a phenomenon known as temperature-dependent sex determination. Once development is complete, young lizards emerge from their eggs using a specialized “egg tooth” to cut through the leathery shell. Hatchlings are fully formed and independent upon emergence, ready to find food and shelter.
Common Egg-Laying Lizards You Might See
Several common lizard species in Florida are prolific egg-layers. Green Anoles, native to Florida, lay a single egg every one to two weeks during their breeding season, burying them in moist soil or leaf litter. Brown Anoles, an introduced species, also lay single eggs in similar sheltered spots like under debris or in garden soil.
Five-lined Skinks lay clutches of multiple eggs (4 to 18) in secluded cavities under logs or rocks; females guard their eggs until they hatch. Mediterranean Geckos, another introduced species, lay small clutches (two eggs) in hidden crevices or under baseboards, and their eggs adhere to surfaces. These species demonstrate the prevalent egg-laying reproductive strategy among Florida’s diverse lizard population.