Florida Lizards: A Guide to the Sunshine State's Most Common Species
Florida lizards thrive in the warm and humid climate, which provides the perfect habitat for a diverse array of lizard species. From urban landscapes to wild, untamed forests and marshes, these fast and sometimes misunderstood creatures can be found thriving in various environments across the Sunshine State.
There are roughly 40 lizard species in Florida, but there are 7 that are the most common lizards running around most anywhere you look! And these little creatures play an important role in Florida’s ecosystem, so it’s best to leave them alone and wish them well.
Have you seen these little brown lizards? They are small, fast and all over the place! If you haven’t seen one while in Florida… you haven’t been looking!
Did you know? As comfortable as they are in Florida, they aren’t from here!
Key Takeaways
- Florida is home to a diverse range of lizard species (both native and invasive), currently more than 40 types!
- Florida Lizards play an important role in the ecosystem, including controlling insect populations (so leave them alone and wish them well!)
- The brown anole is the most common lizard found in Florida (if you haven’t seen them, you aren’t looking!) and around 5-7 types of lizards that you’ll easily spot most anywhere in Florida!
Can you name this type of lizard? (this one is a baby about 2 ft. long, hanging out on the window screen)
Can you name this one? He’s green and full grown, and a cousin to the lizard in the previous photo!
Overview of the Most Common Lizards in Florida
Florida offers a variety of habitats that support different species of lizards. From the sandy beaches to the dense forests and marshes, lizards can be found in almost every corner of the state (even inside homes)!
In the coastal areas, you can find species like the Green Anole and the Six-lined Racerunner. These lizards are well adapted to the sandy beaches and dunes, using their camouflage abilities to blend in with their surroundings.
In the wetlands and marshes, you can find species like the Eastern Fence Lizard and the Five-lined Skink. These lizards are excellent swimmers and can often be seen basking on logs or rocks near the water.
In the pine forests and oak hammocks, you may come across species like the Florida Scrub Lizard and the Southeastern Five-lined Skink. These lizards are well adapted to climbing trees and can often be found sunning themselves on branches.
The Role of Lizards in Florida's Ecosystem
Lizards play a crucial role in Florida’s ecosystem. They are important predators, feeding on insects and other small invertebrates. By controlling populations of pests like mosquitoes and flies, lizards help to maintain a healthy balance in the ecosystem. They also serve as prey for larger predators such as birds and snakes, contributing to the food chain.
Florida lizards also contribute to seed dispersal by consuming fruits and then excreting the seeds in different locations. This helps to spread plant species and promote biodiversity. Additionally, lizards are important pollinators for certain plants, as they transfer pollen from one flower to another while feeding on nectar.
The Most Common Lizards Found in Florida
Can you spot the lizard?
He’s sitting on a green bromeliad!
Brown Anole (Anolis sagrei)
- Size range: typically 5-8 inches in length
- Not native but considered beneficial
- Found abundantly throughout Florida
- Lives in most all Florida habitats
- They mostly eat insects, spiders, roaches
Native to Cuba and the Bahamas, the Brown Anole was introduced to Florida in the early 20th century and has since become one of the state’s most common lizard species. And in South Florida… they are everywhere!
Known for its ability to change color from brown to green, these lizards are often seen basking on walls, fences, and trees.
With their distinctive throat fan displays during mating season, Brown Anoles add a touch of charm to Florida’s outdoor spaces. And don’t worry if you garden… they’ll help by eating pests but won’t harm your vegetables, fruits or flowers!
Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis)
- Size range: typically 5-8 inches in length
- Native to southeastern United States and Florida
- Habitat: Forests, shrubs, gardens
- Diet: Insects, spiders
The Green Anole is an iconic lizard of the region. These arboreal lizards are commonly found in wooded areas, parks, and gardens, where they display their vibrant green coloration.
With their agile climbing abilities, Green Anoles gracefully navigate through foliage, making them a delight to observe in their natural habitat.
They are often confused for baby iguanas, but up close, these green anoles are clearly just larger, green versions of the little brown lizards (anoles).
Peter's Rock Agama (Agama picticauda)
also known as "Rainbow Lizard"
This agama has a yellow head (instead of red) indicating he’s young. When he saw me, he stopped and froze as if I couldn’t see him ha ha ha aha haa!
- Size range: 14-24 inches in total length, with males being larger than females
- Native to Sub-Saharan Africa. They are invasive to Florida, likely introduced through the pet trade.
- Habitat: Rocky outcrops, savannas, woodlands.
- Diet: Primarily insectivorous, feeding on ants, grasshoppers, crickets, beetles, and other insects. They may also eat small lizards, snakes, birds, and mammals, as well as fruits and flowers.
This “Rainbow Lizard” is not native to Florida but has become a well-established resident. These sun-loving lizards thrive in rocky outcrops and open areas, basking on warm surfaces to regulate their body temperature.
Males, particularly during breeding season, are known for their striking appearance. Their bodies transform into a vibrant blue, contrasted by a fiery red or orange head.
Females and non-breeding males typically display a more subdued coloration, with brown or gray bodies and striped tails. When young, their heads may look yellow instead of red.
They are agile climbers and fast. They mostly eat insects, so they are beneficial to the Florida eco-system. And they pose no known threat to pets or people.
Agamas are quite a bit larger and thicker than the common brown lizards (anoles). They are very fast and love hiding out in trees and bushes.
Brown Basilisk (Basiliscus vittatus)
- Size range: adults can grow up to feet in length
- Invasive, this species is native to Central America
The Brown Basilisk was introduced to Florida and has established breeding populations, particularly in the southern regions.
Known colloquially as the Jesus lizard for its remarkable ability to run on water, the Brown Basilisk is a captivating sight along Florida’s waterways.
Typically found near water sources such as canals, lakes, and streams, these lizards are known for their striking appearance and impressive athleticism.
Green Iguana (Iguana iguana)
- Size range: adults can reach lengths of 5 to 7 feet, including the tail
- Invasive: this species is native to Central and South America
The Green Iguana was introduced to Florida and has established breeding populations, particularly in the southern regions.
These large, herbivorous lizards are often seen basking in trees or near bodies of water, adding a tropical flair to Florida’s landscape.
While their presence may be controversial due to their impact on native species, Green Iguanas undeniably contribute to the state’s biodiversity.
Green iguana in a tree by the sea
Green iguana at the front door
Six-lined Racerunner (Aspidoscelis sexlineata)
- Size range: typically 6019 inches in length
- Native to southeastern United States and Florida
This species of lizard inhabits open habitats like fields, sand dunes, and coastal scrubland.
Recognized for their incredible speed and agility, Six-lined Racerunners blend seamlessly into their surroundings with their six distinct stripes.
Encounter a Six-lined Racerunner in its natural habitat, and you’ll witness firsthand the beauty of nature’s design and adaptation.
Florida Scrub Lizard (Sceloporus woodi)
- Size range: typically 3 to 4 inches in length
- Endemic to Florida but its population is threatened
- Habitat: Sandy areas, scrublands
- Diet: Insets, spiders
The Florida Scrub Lizard is specially adapted to sandy scrub habitats, showcasing nature’s resilience in challenging environments.
These small lizards are often confused for brown anoles as they are the same basic size and shape, and similarly brownish. The main difference is that the male scrub lizard has a bright blue stripe towards his underbelly, and the females have a may have a slight bluish tone to their bellies.
Spotting a Florida Scrub Lizard amidst the scrubland is a testament to the importance of preserving the state’s unique ecosystems. Their numbers were far larger years ago. As population growth and construction hit all time highs, the natural habitat of these Florida Scrub Lizards gets smaller and smaller.
Here’s more about the Florida Scrub Lizard with a photo.
Florida Sand Skink (Plestiodon reynoldsi)
- Size range: adults are usually less than 6 inches in length
- Endemic to Florida, mainly found in Central Florida
- Habitat: Sandy areas, dunes
- Diet: Insects, spiders, small lizards
The Florida Sand Skink is a small, secretive lizard that inhabits loose, sandy soils.
With reduced limbs and a cryptic appearance, these lizards are expert burrowers, spending most of their time underground.
Encounters with the elusive Florida Sand Skink highlight the intricacies of Florida’s biodiversity and the importance of habitat conservation efforts.
Skinks can look like snakes at first glance, and there are many kinds of skinks in Florida. They are long and slender, and come in different colors. Here’s more information on many different species of Florida skinks here, with photos.
Here’s more on the Florida Sand Skink with a photo, here.
And no, even though many people think Alligators are lizards, they are not... but they are commonly grouped with lizards as "Reptiles"
If you’re in Florida near water, chances are there could be an alligator!
They can be found in freshwater springs and rivers, and can also be spotted along the shore and in mangroves.
Sometimes alligators are even spotted swimming at the beach!
Alligators, decades ago, were considered threatened. And their population was subsequently protected. Today, there are more alligators in Florida than ever before!
Where’s the one place in Florida you’re almost guaranteed to see alligators in the wild? Visit the Florida Everglades!
Conclusion
Florida lizards play a vital role in the state’s ecosystem. Whether native or introduced, each species contributes to the rich tapestry of Florida’s wildlife. By understanding and appreciating the complexities of Florida’s lizard fauna, we can work towards preserving their habitats and ensuring their continued presence for generations to come.