Florida’s warm climate and varied habitats support a remarkable array of lizard species. This subtropical environment allows many reptiles to thrive, making the state a hub for lizard populations. The diversity found across Florida, from its sandy coasts to its dense woodlands, includes both native and introduced species.
Florida’s Native Lizard Residents
Florida is home to several native lizard species. Among the most commonly encountered is the Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis), often recognized for its ability to change color from bright green to brown, influenced by temperature, mood, or surroundings. These slender lizards, typically five to eight inches long including their tail, possess adhesive toe pads that aid their climbing on various surfaces. Green Anoles are primarily insectivores, inhabiting gardens, woodlands, and urban areas where they can be seen clinging to trees, shrubs, and walls. Males display a pink or red dewlap, a flap of skin under their throat, during courtship or territorial displays, accompanied by head-bobbing movements.
Another native species is the Six-lined Racerunner (Aspidoscelis sexlineata), a swift ground-dwelling lizard living up to its name. These small to medium-sized lizards, typically six to nine inches long, are identifiable by their dark green, brown, or black bodies adorned with six pale yellow or green-yellow stripes running from head to tail. Six-lined Racerunners are active on hot days in dry, open habitats such as fields, sand barrens, and forest edges, where they rapidly pursue small invertebrates. Their exceptional speed, reaching up to 18 miles per hour, helps them evade predators.
The Broad-headed Skink (Plestiodon laticeps) is another native Florida lizard. These are relatively large skinks, reaching lengths of six to thirteen inches, with smooth, shiny bodies. Juveniles and females often exhibit five light stripes on a darker body, with juveniles sometimes having bright blue tails. Adult males develop enlarged, orange-red heads during the breeding season. Broad-headed Skinks prefer wooded areas with hollow trees or rotting logs, and are skilled climbers, often seeking refuge in trees when disturbed.
Non-Native and Invasive Lizards
Florida’s warm climate and role as a major port of entry have led to the establishment of numerous non-native lizard species, many considered invasive.
The Brown Anole (Anolis sagrei) is a common non-native lizard, accidentally introduced from Cuba, the Bahamas, and the Cayman Islands in the late 1800s. These lizards are typically brown or gray, often with darker markings. Males possess an orange or red dewlap, extended during territorial displays or courtship. Brown Anoles are found in nearly all of Florida’s habitats, often outcompeting the native Green Anole for resources.
The Green Iguana (Iguana iguana), native to Central and South America, is another non-native species. These large, primarily herbivorous lizards can grow up to 6.5 feet in length, including their tail, and are typically bright green, though coloration can vary. Green Iguanas were introduced to Florida through the pet trade, with populations first reported in the 1960s. They thrive in Florida’s subtropical climate, particularly in urban canals and surrounding areas, often found high in trees near water sources.
The Argentine Black and White Tegu (Salvator merianae) is another invasive species in Florida. These large omnivorous lizards, native to South America, can reach nearly five feet in length. They are characterized by mottled black and white scales, often arranged in a banding pattern, with hatchlings initially displaying bright green heads that fade with age. Tegus were introduced to Florida primarily through the pet trade and have established breeding populations. They are terrestrial, inhabiting savannas and disturbed landscapes, and consume fruits, eggs, insects, and small animals, posing a threat to native ground-nesting wildlife.
Essential Identification Tips
Identifying lizards in Florida involves observing key physical and behavioral characteristics.
Size and overall body shape provide initial clues, as lizards range from small anoles to large iguanas and tegus. Pay attention to tail length and thickness; some species have tails longer than their bodies, while others have short, thick tails. For instance, Six-lined Racerunners have tails nearly twice their body length, used for balance and steering.
Examining scale patterns can also be helpful, noting whether scales are smooth and shiny, like skinks, or rough and keeled. The presence and color of a dewlap, the throat fan prominent in many male anoles, can distinguish species like the native Green Anole’s pink dewlap and the non-native Brown Anole’s orange or red one. Distinct color patterns, such as stripes, spots, or bands, are often reliable indicators, though some species can change their base color.
Observing a lizard’s typical behavior and preferred microhabitat offers further insight. Some lizards are primarily arboreal, spending most time in trees, while others are terrestrial, scurrying across the ground. Noticing if a lizard is active during the day (diurnal) or night (nocturnal) can narrow down possibilities. Recognizing these traits helps in distinguishing species.
The Factors Behind Florida’s Lizard Diversity
Florida’s lizard diversity stems from a combination of its geographical features and human influences.
The state’s subtropical climate, characterized by consistent warmth, abundant sunshine, and high humidity, provides an ideal environment for many reptile species to flourish year-round. Unlike regions with harsh winters, Florida lacks the cold stress that limits lizard populations, allowing for rapid growth and expansion. This climate closely mimics the native habitats of many lizard species found in tropical and subtropical regions globally.
Florida’s role as a major transportation hub further contributes to its diverse lizard population. Its numerous ports and airports serve as gateways for goods and people from around the world. This global trade, particularly in the pet industry, has inadvertently led to the introduction of many non-native lizard species. Lizards often arrive as accidental stowaways in cargo containers, on imported plants, or are intentionally released or escape from the pet trade. The adaptability of many introduced species, coupled with a lack of natural predators, allows them to establish and spread.