5 Most Common Lizards Found in Florida – All You Need To Know

Florida is home to a diverse range of lizard species, many of which are fascinating to both locals and visitors alike.

The five most common lizards found in Florida include the Brown Anole, Green Anole, Eastern Fence Lizard, Florida Scrub Lizard, and Island Glass Lizard.

These lizards thrive in various habitats, from sandy scrub regions to urban areas and coastal dunes.

1. Green Anole

The Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis) showcases a bright, lime green body with a white throat and underbelly. Under stress or in colder temperatures, it can change to a darker brown while keeping its white throat marking.

These lizards typically measure 5 to 8 inches in length. Males are generally larger than females and have a pink throat fan, or dewlap, used for display. Their slim bodies and long tails aid in agility and quick movement through their arboreal habitats.

Behavior and Diet

Green Anoles are primarily arboreal, favoring trees, shrubs, and other vertical structures. They are diurnal, being most active during the day. These lizards are territorial and males often engage in displays of dominance, including extending their dewlap and performing push-ups.

Their diet consists mainly of small insects and arachnids. Green Anoles are efficient hunters, often seen darting after prey.

They are commonly found in suburban areas, including gardens and parks. They are harmless to humans and can be beneficial by keeping insect populations in check.

These lizards can sometimes be found inside homes, particularly near windows and doors.

In areas where Green Anoles are common, they often become part of the local wildlife scenery.

2. Brown Anole

The Brown Anole (Anolis sagrei) usually exhibits a light brown or grayish color, often with darker patterns on its body. Males typically have bright orange or red throat fans called dewlaps. They can reach up to 8 inches in length, including the tail.

Brown Anoles are easily recognized by their high tail crest, which is more pronounced in males. Unlike the Green Anole, Brown Anoles never change their color to green, remaining in various shades of brown throughout their lives.

Brown Anoles are prolific breeders, with breeding season occurring from March to October. Females lay single eggs every one to two weeks during this period, often hiding them in moist soil or leaf litter.

Females can store sperm, enabling them to fertilize eggs multiple times from a single mating. The eggs usually hatch within 4-6 weeks. This high reproductive rate contributes significantly to their invasive presence in Florida.

The presence of Brown Anoles in Florida has led to a decline in native lizard species, particularly the Green Anole. They are aggressive competitors for food and habitat, often displacing native species from their preferred environments.

3. Florida Scrub Lizard

This species is native to the sandy, well-drained scrublands of Florida and faces significant challenges due to habitat loss.

• Size: Typically around 5 inches in total length, including the tail.
• Coloration: Gray or gray-brown with longitudinal brown stripes on each side of the body.
• Sexual Dimorphism: Males have turquoise patches on the throat and belly, while females may have lighter patches on the abdomen but usually lack throat patches.

Habitat

• Preferred Habitat: Sandy, well-drained scrublands with open canopies of scrub oaks and sparse vegetation.
• Geographic Distribution: Found in three disjunct regions of the Florida peninsula.

Survival Strategies

• Camouflage: Its coloration provides excellent camouflage against sandy soil and dry leaf litter.
• Escape Tactics: When threatened, the lizard can quickly dart into burrows or under vegetation.
• Protection: Spiny scales may offer some protection against predators.

Due to significant habitat loss from development and agriculture, the Florida Scrub Lizard faces considerable threats.

It is being petitioned for listing under the Endangered Species Act due to these challenges.

4. Eastern Fence Lizard

The Eastern Fence Lizard, also known by its scientific name Sceloporus undulatus, is a fascinating small to medium-sized reptile.

Measuring between 4 to 7.5 inches in length, these lizards are known for their distinctive back pattern featuring a row of W-shaped dark lines, each bordered by a lighter edge.

Their color can range from tan to gray, and even nearly black.

Male lizards are especially notable during the mating season when they display bright blue patches on their bellies and throats, making them easier to distinguish from females.

• Size: 4-7.5 inches
• Coloration: Tan, gray, or nearly black
• Distinctive Markings: W-shaped dark lines with lighter edges on the back
• Male Identification: Bright blue patches on the belly and throat during mating season

Adaptations for Survival

• Protective Scales: Their rough, keeled scales provide protection against predators and harsh environmental conditions.
• Camouflage: Their coloration helps them blend into their surroundings, such as tree bark and rocky surfaces, which aids in evading predators.
• Climbing Ability: They are excellent climbers, often seen on tree trunks, fences, and walls. Their sharp claws give them a strong grip, allowing for quick escapes by climbing.

Predators and Threats

Eastern Fence Lizards face a range of predators and threats. Predatory birds like hawks and kestrels, as well as snakes such as the eastern racer and rat snake, are common dangers.

Additionally, habitat destruction and fragmentation due to human activities pose significant risks to their population.

Despite these challenges, the Eastern Fence Lizard demonstrates remarkable resilience, adapting and surviving in various environments.

Habitat Preferences

• Environments: Forests, grasslands, suburban areas
• Climbing Spots: Tree trunks, fences, walls
• Activity Pattern: Diurnal (active during the day)

5. Knight Anole