Florida’s warm, humid, subtropical climate and diverse geography provide an ideal habitat for a wide array of lizard species. The state’s landscape, ranging from coastal areas and wetlands to pine forests and urban environments, supports a rich reptilian population. Florida is home to many native and non-native lizards, creating a dynamic ecological system. Year-round favorable temperatures allow these reptiles to thrive and reproduce, contributing to a vibrant lizard presence across the state.
Common Native Lizards
The Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis) is a familiar native lizard often observed in gardens and on buildings. This slender lizard measures 4 to 8 inches, featuring a pointed head and the ability to change its skin color from bright green to brown, influenced by mood or temperature. Male green anoles possess a distinctive pinkish dewlap, a throat fan used during courtship or territorial defense. These arboreal lizards primarily consume insects like crickets, flies, and spiders.
The Florida Fence Lizard (Sceloporus undulatus floridanus) is another common native, a medium-sized reptile with mottled gray and brown coloration. Its rough, keeled scales help it blend with tree bark and other textured surfaces. Males exhibit bright blue patches on their bellies, displayed during territorial encounters. These lizards frequently bask in sunny areas. They are found on tree trunks, fallen logs, or in pine forests and oak hammocks, feeding primarily on insects and spiders.
The Six-lined Racerunner (Aspidoscelis sexlineatus) is a slender, fast-moving lizard distinguished by its dark green, brown, or black body with six prominent yellow or green-yellow stripes. Its tail can be nearly twice the length of its body, aiding balance and quick escapes. Males often have a pale blue underside, sometimes with a light green throat. These diurnal lizards prefer dry, open habitats such as sandy areas, grasslands, and roadsides, actively hunting various insects.
Prominent Non-Native Lizards
Florida’s subtropical climate has also allowed numerous non-native lizard species to establish populations, often due to accidental introductions or releases from the pet trade.
The Brown Anole (Anolis sagrei), originally from Cuba, the Bahamas, and the Cayman Islands, is now one of the most widespread lizards in the state. This species grows to 5 to 8.5 inches and ranges in color from light brown to grayish, often displaying a yellowish diamond pattern on its back. Male brown anoles have an orange or red dewlap with a white edge, used for communication. They are commonly found on the ground or in low vegetation and are known to outcompete native anoles for resources.
The Green Iguana (Iguana iguana) is another prominent non-native species, easily recognized by its large size, reaching 4 to 6 feet in length. Juveniles are vibrant green, while adults often become duller, and males develop larger spikes along their backs. These arboreal lizards are often seen in trees and urban settings, particularly near water bodies. Introduced through the pet trade, via escaped or released individuals.
The Argentine Black and White Tegu (Salvator merianae) is a large, terrestrial lizard growing up to 4 to 5 feet long, characterized by its distinctive speckled black and white pattern, often forming bands. Hatchlings initially have a green head that fades. Tegus are omnivores, consuming fruits, insects, small mammals, and other reptile eggs. Introduced through the pet trade, these lizards have established populations in many Florida counties.
The Knight Anole (Anolis equestris), one of the largest anole species, reaches 13 to 19.5 inches. This species can change its color from bright green to brown and features a yellow facial band. Like other anoles, it is arboreal, inhabiting trees and shrubs. Introduced through the pet trade.
Key Identification Features
Identifying lizards involves observing a combination of physical characteristics. Body size and overall shape provide initial clues, ranging from the slender build of a Six-lined Racerunner to the robust form of a tegu or iguana. Color patterns and their ability to change are also important. For example, the Green Anole’s shift between green and brown is a notable feature, while racerunners display distinct stripes.
The presence and appearance of a dewlap, an expandable throat fan, are key for identifying male anoles; color and size vary between species. Scale texture helps differentiate groups, such as the rough, keeled scales of fence lizards compared to the smooth skin of skinks. Tail characteristics, including length, slenderness, and color, offer additional identification points. Some lizards can detach their tails as a defense mechanism.
Ecological Role and Human Interaction
Lizards in Florida play an important role within the ecosystem. Native species function as insect predators, consuming crickets, cockroaches, spiders, and beetles, aiding natural pest control. These lizards also serve as a food source for a variety of larger wildlife, including snakes, birds, and mammals, forming a food chain link.
Conversely, non-native lizard species can disrupt this balance through competition with native species for food and habitat. Some non-native lizards also prey on native wildlife, such as the Brown Anole consuming young Green Anoles, or tegus preying on the eggs of other reptiles. Larger non-native species, like Green Iguanas, can cause damage to landscaping and property infrastructure. Most species in Florida are not venomous and pose no threat to humans. While small lizard bites rarely break the skin, larger species may bite or scratch if provoked. Observe lizards from a distance rather than attempting to handle them.