Florida’s diverse ecosystems provide ideal habitats for a wide variety of reptiles. From its expansive wetlands and dense forests to its extensive coastlines and sandy uplands, the state supports numerous reptilian species. This biodiversity makes Florida a fascinating place to observe these animals. Many are integral to the state’s natural balance, playing distinct roles within their environments.
Alligators and Crocodiles
Florida is the only place where American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) and American crocodiles (Crocodylus acutus) coexist. These large reptiles, though similar, have distinct features and preferred habitats. Alligators typically inhabit freshwater swamps, marshes, lakes, and slow-moving rivers, though they can tolerate some brackish water for short periods. Their snout is broad and U-shaped, and when their mouth is closed, the fourth tooth on the lower jaw is not visible, fitting into a socket in the upper jaw.
In contrast, American crocodiles primarily live in coastal areas, preferring brackish or saltwater environments like mangrove swamps, coves, and creeks. They possess a more pointed, V-shaped snout, and a prominent fourth tooth on their lower jaw remains visible when their mouth is closed, interlocking with the upper jaw. Crocodiles also tend to have a lighter, more olive-gray coloration compared to alligators’ darker, blackish-gray. Both species function as apex predators, helping maintain ecosystem health by regulating prey populations.
Florida’s Diverse Snake Population
Florida hosts many snake species, most of which are non-venomous and harmless. However, a few venomous species are present. Understanding their identification and habitats promotes safety.
Venomous Snakes
Six native venomous snake species are found in Florida. The Eastern Diamondback Rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus) is a large, heavy-bodied snake with distinct diamond patterns and a prominent rattle. It is found throughout Florida in habitats like pine flatwoods, scrub, and coastal barrier islands, often using gopher tortoise burrows for refuge. The Timber Rattlesnake (Crotalus horridus) has a pinkish-tan or yellowish-gray body with black chevron-like crossbands and a rusty red stripe. This species is found in northern Florida’s moist wooded areas, including floodplain forests and pine flatwoods.
The Pygmy Rattlesnake (Sistrurus miliarius) is a smaller rattlesnake, about two feet long, with a tiny rattle producing a faint buzzing sound. It has a grayish body with dark blotches and is found across various habitats from pine flatwoods to swamps. The Cottonmouth (Agkistrodon piscivorus), also known as water moccasin, is a semi-aquatic snake with a dark, stout body and a facial pit. It inhabits freshwater environments, often found near ponds, lakes, and canals.
The Copperhead (Agkistrodon contortrix) is found primarily in the Florida panhandle, preferring wooded areas near water. It has a reddish-brown body with hourglass-shaped crossbands. The Eastern Coral Snake (Micrurus fulvius) is a slender, brightly colored snake with alternating red, yellow, and black bands, where red and yellow bands touch. These reclusive snakes inhabit forests, pinelands, and swamp edges, often remaining hidden underground or under debris.
Non-Venomous Snakes
Many non-venomous snakes in Florida play important ecosystem roles, often preying on rodents and insects. The Black Racer (Coluber constrictor) is a slender, fast-moving snake, uniformly black with a white chin and throat in adults. It is common throughout Florida in diverse habitats, from forests and grasslands to suburban areas, actively hunting small prey like lizards, frogs, and rodents.
The Corn Snake (Pantherophis guttatus) is a common non-venomous species, known for its attractive orange or brownish-yellow coloration with red or brownish blotches. These snakes are found across Florida in pinelands, hammocks, swamps, and urban areas, often preying on rodents. Kingsnakes (Lampropeltis species) are recognized for their shiny black bodies with white or yellow chain-link bands. They consume other snakes, including venomous ones, and are found in diverse habitats like pinelands, prairies, and marshes.
Turtles and Tortoises of Florida
Florida’s waters and lands host a diverse array of turtles and its only native tortoise. These chelonians occupy distinct ecological niches, from vast ocean environments to specialized terrestrial burrows.
Sea Turtles
Florida’s coasts are significant for several sea turtle species. The Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) is the most common sea turtle in Florida, recognizable by its large head and reddish-brown shell. Green Turtles (Chelonia mydas) are named for the greenish color of their body fat and possess an olive-colored shell. The Leatherback Sea Turtle (Dermochelys coriacea) is the largest living sea turtle, distinguished by its leathery, ridged shell. These species are primarily oceanic, spending most of their lives in the open sea or coastal waters.
Freshwater Turtles
Numerous freshwater turtle species thrive in Florida’s lakes, rivers, and ponds. The Florida Softshell (Apalone ferox) is a large, flattened turtle with a leathery, pliable shell, often found in aquatic habitats. Florida Cooters (Pseudemys floridana) are common basking turtles with distinctive shell markings, found in slow-moving waters with ample aquatic vegetation. Snapping Turtles (Chelydra serpentina) are robust, bottom-dwelling turtles found in a wide range of freshwater bodies, known for their powerful jaws and rough shells.
Terrestrial Tortoises
The Gopher Tortoise (Gopherus polyphemus) is Florida’s only native land tortoise, found in dry, sandy uplands like pine flatwoods and scrub. This species is notable for its extensive burrowing, digging tunnels up to 40 feet long and 10 feet deep. These burrows provide shelter for the tortoise and serve as refuges for over 350 other animal species, including snakes, frogs, and invertebrates, making the gopher tortoise a keystone species.
Lizards in the Sunshine State
Florida’s warm climate supports a variety of lizard species, including native residents and several invasive populations. These reptiles occupy diverse niches across the state’s landscapes.
Native Lizards
Native lizards contribute to Florida’s ecological balance. The Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis) is a slender lizard capable of changing color from green to brown, commonly found in trees and shrubs in wooded areas and suburban gardens. The Florida Fence Lizard (Sceloporus woodi) is a brownish-gray lizard with rough, keeled scales, seen on fences, trees, and other vertical surfaces in pine flatwoods and scrub. Skinks (Plestiodon species) are widespread, characterized by their smooth, shiny scales and often having striped or uniform patterns. These ground-dwelling skinks are found under logs, leaf litter, or rocks in forested and open habitats.
Invasive Lizards
Florida’s mild climate and trade routes have led to several invasive lizard species, some with significant ecological impacts. The Brown Anole (Anolis sagrei), from Cuba and the Bahamas, is a small, brownish lizard widespread across Florida, often outcompeting the native green anole. It is seen on walls, fences, and in gardens.
The Green Iguana (Iguana iguana) is a large, herbivorous lizard recognized by its vibrant green coloration and dorsal crest. Native to Central and South America, these iguanas are found in urban and suburban areas of South Florida, particularly near water bodies and in trees. The Black and White Tegu (Salvator merianae) is a large, omnivorous lizard from South America with a distinctive black and white patterned body. Tegus are adaptable and found in various habitats, including agricultural areas and natural wetlands, posing a concern due to their predatory nature and rapid reproduction.