Lizards

Lizards

Closely related to snakes, lizards have dry, scaly skins that protect them from dehydration. Unable to regulate their internal body temperature, lizards warm up by basking in the sun and cool off by laying in the shade. Unlike snakes, most lizards have eyelids that blink, tongues that are not forked, and ear openings for hearing sounds. Some species are vegetarians, but most feed on insects, rodents, and other small prey. With the exception of the glass and worm lizards, all Florida lizards have four legs. There are approximately 20 native species of lizards commonly found in Florida and about another 20 species that have been introduced. They include anoles, skinks, and geckos.

Brown Anole - Anolis sagrei

The Brown Anole (Cuban Brown Anole) is an introduced species that is native to the islands of the West Indies. It has been present in the Keys and Dade County for decades, but since the 1970s, it has been spreading to other parts of Florida. When Brown Anoles appear in a location, they usually become much more abundant than the Green Anole, which seem to become scarce.

Brown Anoles are usually about 7-8 inches in length and may be gray, brown, black, or speckled in color. They can change colors from brown to dark brown and sometimes black. The male Brown Anoles have a crest along their back a an orange-red dewlap under their chins. The crest can be raised and the dewlap displayed to attract females or as a threat to other males entering their territory. They feed on insects and have about a three-year life span.

Green Anole - Anolis carolinenis

The green anole is the only native member of the genus in Florida. Green Anoles cn be found in the countryside and wooded areas where there are few cats. The more numerous Brown Anoles are usually found wherever there are people and disturbed environments.

This medium sized lizard reaches a maximum length of 8 inches. Its color can change rapidly from bright green to brown, tan, or gray. When it is on green vegetation, the Green Anole's color changes to green. If it moves to a dark-colored tree, its color will start to become darker. Cold weather tends to makes its color turn brown and warmer weather to green. Their dewlaps are usually gray or pink in color. They feed on insects.

Six-lined Racerunner - Cnemidophorus sexlimeatus

Racerunners belong to the family Teiidae, of which there are more than 225 species. Only one, the Six-lined Racerunner, is native to Florida. This species may reach a length of 9.5 inches. The head and body are brown with six yellow to tan stripes (more than any other Florida lizard) down the back. The hind legs are much larger than the front legs and the fourth toe on the hind foot is very long. Males have a light blue coloration on their throat and body.

They are found in dry habitat, where there is open ground and sandy areas. It is most active during the heat of the day. During the night they retreat to burrows in the ground. They feed on insects.

Southeastern Five-lined Skink - Eumeces inexpectatus

This species is one of the more common Skinks found in Florida. Juveniles are darker in color with five golden stripes that merge into a blue tail. As the Skink matures, it becomes uniformly brown with the top stripe fading away. A beeding male has a reddish face and throat.