The warm, subtropical environment of Florida is an ideal habitat for a large number of reptile species. Residents and visitors frequently encounter quick-moving, small reptiles darting across patios, sidewalks, and tree trunks. The most commonly observed small lizards belong primarily to two distinct groups: the native and introduced anoles, and various species of house geckos.
The Native: Florida’s Green Anole
The only anole species native to the United States is the Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis). This slender lizard can reach up to eight inches in length, including its long tail. It is known for its remarkable ability to change its body color, shifting rapidly from a vibrant emerald green to a dull brown or gray. This change is triggered by temperature, stress levels, and emotional state, leading some to mistakenly call it the American “chameleon.”
Green Anoles are primarily arboreal, preferring to inhabit higher perches such as tree canopies and tall shrubs. They possess long, tapered heads and adhesive toe pads that allow for agile movement across smooth surfaces. As insectivores, they consume a diet consisting of spiders, flies, and other invertebrates.
The Invasive and Dominant: Brown Anole
The invasive Brown Anole (Anolis sagrei) is the small lizard most frequently seen scrambling across the ground, fences, and low vegetation in Florida. Originating from Cuba and the Bahamas, this species was introduced to Florida in the late 1800s. Due to its adaptability and high reproductive rate, the Brown Anole has become one of the most common terrestrial vertebrates in the state.
Unlike the native species, the Brown Anole only changes between various shades of brown, gray, or black. Males often display a noticeable ridge or crest of scales running down their neck and back, a feature absent in the Green Anole. This aggressive species outcompetes the native Green Anole for food and territory, and they have been documented preying on the native species’ eggs.
How to Tell the Difference Between Anoles
Distinguishing between the two most common anole species requires observing specific physical and behavioral markers. The most straightforward identifier is the male’s dewlap, the expandable flap of skin beneath the throat used for territorial displays and courtship.
- Dewlap Color: The male Green Anole extends a dewlap that is typically a solid pink or bright red color, while the male Brown Anole’s dewlap is usually a vivid orange or reddish-orange shade.
- Head Shape: The Green Anole exhibits a longer, more pointed snout compared to the shorter, blunter head of the Brown Anole.
- Perch Height: The Brown Anole remains mostly on the ground or low on tree trunks, while the native Green Anole has shifted its habitat higher into the tree canopy to escape competition.
- Female Markings: A female Brown Anole often has a distinct light stripe or pattern of diamonds running down the center of her back, a pattern generally absent on the native Green Anole.
Small House Guests: Common Geckos
Not every small lizard found on a Florida wall is an anole; many are geckos. The most common species encountered near human structures are invasive house geckos, such as the Mediterranean House Gecko (Hemidactylus turcicus). This nocturnal lizard is highly attracted to outdoor lights, where it congregates to ambush insects.
Geckos are easily identified by their unique features. They have large, bulbous eyes that lack movable eyelids, instead possessing a fixed, transparent scale called a spectacle. They also possess specialized toe pads, known as lamellae, which allow them to cling effortlessly to smooth surfaces like glass and ceilings. House geckos typically have a translucent or waxy skin appearance, often with small bumps, and their presence is considered beneficial due to their appetite for pests like roaches and spiders.