Florida is home to a diverse array of lizards, including both native species and those introduced from other regions. Its warm, humid climate supports a wide variety of these reptiles, from small anoles common in backyards to larger, more elusive species.
Florida’s Native Lizards
The green anole (Anolis carolinensis) is a well-known native lizard found throughout the southeastern United States, including Florida. These slender lizards are 4 to 8 inches long. Males display a pink or red dewlap, a skin flap under the chin, during courtship or territorial displays. Green anoles can change color from bright green to brown or gray, depending on mood, temperature, or surroundings. They are found in trees, shrubs, and gardens, feeding on insects and spiders.
The Florida scrub lizard (Sceloporus woodi) is a small, grayish-brown lizard about 5 inches long. A thick brown stripe runs along each side of its body from the neck to the tail. Males have bright turquoise patches on their bellies and throats. They specialize in dry, sandy habitats such as scrub, sandhill, and scrubby flatwoods, foraging for insects and spiders.
The six-lined racerunner (Aspidoscelis sexlineatus) is a speedy native lizard, running up to 18 miles per hour. These lizards are typically dark green, brown, or black with six bright yellow or green-yellow stripes running from head to tail. Juveniles often have bright blue tails. Active on warm days, they feed on insects and prefer dry, open habitats like coastal dunes, fields, and forest edges.
Florida’s Non-Native Lizards
Florida’s mild climate has allowed numerous non-native lizard species to establish populations, often introduced via the pet trade or as stowaways.
The brown anole (Anolis sagrei) is a common non-native lizard from Cuba and the Bahamas. These lizards are typically brown or grayish, sometimes with dorsal stripes, spots, or bars. They are 5 to 9 inches long, and males have an orange or red dewlap with a white edge. Brown anoles are found on the ground or in low vegetation, competing with native green anoles for resources.
Green iguanas (Iguana iguana) are large non-native lizards, over 5 feet long, with males up to 17 pounds. Typically green, their color can vary to brown, black, orange, or pink during breeding season. Native to Central and South America, these herbivorous lizards were likely introduced via the pet trade. They prefer areas with vegetation and water, found in trees or near water bodies, and their burrowing can damage infrastructure.
Another introduced species is the northern curly-tailed lizard (Leiocephalus carinatus), recognized by its tail, which is often held in a distinct curl over its back. These lizards are gray to tan and can grow up to 11 inches long. Native to the Bahamas, Cuba, and the Cayman Islands, they are aggressive predators of native lizards and insects, thriving in disturbed and urban habitats.
The Argentine black and white tegu (Salvator merianae) is a large, omnivorous lizard, nearly 5 feet long. They have a mottled black and white pattern, often arranged in bands, and hatchlings may have bright green heads that fade with age. Introduced via the pet trade, tegus have established breeding populations, threatening native wildlife by consuming eggs. Terrestrial, they rarely climb high and are found in savannas and disturbed habitats.
Spotting the Differences
Distinguishing similar-looking lizard species in Florida involves observing specific physical and behavioral cues.
The green anole and brown anole are often confused, but key differences exist. Native green anoles can change from green to brown, while brown anoles are always brown. Green anoles typically have a pink dewlap, while brown anoles display a dark red or orange dewlap. Green anoles also have a more pointed snout and are found higher in trees, whereas brown anoles commonly exhibit dorsal stripes or spots and stay closer to the ground.
Differentiating iguanas in Florida relies on distinct characteristics. Green iguanas are larger, with males reaching over 5 feet, and can change color from green to shades of brown, black, orange, or pink. They have a prominent dewlap and a row of spikes down their back. In contrast, Mexican spiny-tailed and black spiny-tailed iguanas are smaller, usually brown or gray, and are identified by the ridged scales on their tails. Black spiny-tailed iguanas often have dark bands across their bodies.
Where Lizards Live in Florida
Lizards in Florida inhabit a wide range of environments, adapting to various microhabitats.
Many common species, native and non-native, are found in urban and suburban areas including residential yards, gardens, and along fences and walls. These areas provide insect prey and structures for basking and shelter. Some lizards, like the brown anole, thrive in these disturbed habitats, often becoming the most prevalent lizard in developed areas.
Beyond urban settings, lizards occupy natural ecosystems across the state. Native species like the Florida scrub lizard specialize in dry upland habitats such as sand pine scrub and scrubby flatwoods, requiring sunny areas with bare sand and shrubs for cover. Other lizards, including the green anole, inhabit forests and wooded areas, found on trees and shrubs. Ground-dwelling species like the six-lined racerunner prefer open, sandy areas such as coastal dunes and pine flatwoods. Larger non-native species, such as green iguanas and tegus, are found in various environments, from dense vegetation near water bodies to agricultural fields and burrowing under infrastructure.