Florida’s Native Lizards: A Deep Dive into Their Diversity, Ecology, and Conservation
Florida is home to a fascinating array of native lizard species, thriving in diverse habitats ranging from dense pine forests and coastal dunes to suburban backyards. While many people associate Florida with the invasive Green Iguana or Brown Anole, the state also hosts a variety of unique and ecologically important native lizards that have adapted to its subtropical and tropical climate over thousands of years.
In this blog, we’ll explore Florida’s native lizard species, their ecological roles, threats they face, and conservation efforts to protect them.
Diversity of Native Lizards in Florida
Florida is home to 15 species of native lizards, ranging from small anoles to large glass lizards. Unlike their invasive counterparts, these species are critical to maintaining the state's natural balance.
Common Native Lizard Species
1. Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis)
Description: The only native anole in Florida, Green Anoles can change color from bright green to brown, depending on temperature, mood, and surroundings.
Habitat: Found in forests, gardens, and even urban areas.
Ecological Role: A key predator of insects and small arthropods.
Threats: Competition from the invasive Brown Anole (Anolis sagrei) has caused a decline in Green Anole populations.
2. Florida Scrub Lizard (Sceloporus woodi)
Description: A small, grayish-brown lizard with a distinct blue belly patch on males.
Habitat: Restricted to Florida’s sand pine scrub habitats, primarily in Central Florida.
Ecological Role: Important prey for birds and snakes.
Conservation Status: Threatened due to habitat destruction caused by urbanization and agriculture.
3. Eastern Fence Lizard (Sceloporus undulatus)
Description: A spiky, rough-scaled lizard with cryptic coloration, helping it blend into tree bark.
Habitat: Found in pine forests and sandy ridges.
Ecological Role: Feeds on insects and small invertebrates.
Interesting Fact: Can escape predators by running up trees and remaining motionless to avoid detection.
4. Six-Lined Racerunner (Aspidoscelis sexlineata)
Description: A sleek, fast-moving lizard with six yellow stripes running down its body.
Habitat: Prefers open, sandy areas like scrublands, dunes, and roadsides.
Ecological Role: An active predator of ants, spiders, and other insects.
Interesting Fact: One of the fastest lizards in Florida, capable of speeds up to 18 mph.
5. Eastern Glass Lizard (Ophisaurus ventralis)
Description: A legless lizard that looks like a snake but is actually more closely related to other lizards.
Habitat: Found in wetlands, grasslands, and pine flatwoods.
Ecological Role: Feeds on insects, small rodents, and other lizards.
Interesting Fact: Unlike snakes, it has eyelids and external ear openings.
Rare and Endangered Florida Native Lizards
1. Florida Worm Lizard (Rhineura floridana)
Description: A rare, burrowing reptile that resembles an earthworm.
Habitat: Lives underground in sandy soils of Central Florida.
Ecological Role: Helps aerate soil and control insect populations.
Conservation Concern: Very difficult to study due to its secretive nature.
2. Island Glass Lizard (Ophisaurus compressus)
Description: A legless lizard endemic to coastal areas of Florida.
Habitat: Found in salt marshes and sand dunes.
Threats: Habitat destruction due to coastal development.
The Ecological Role of Florida’s Native Lizards
1. Pest Control
Lizards consume insects, spiders, and other arthropods, making them valuable allies in controlling pest populations.
2. Prey for Other Animals
Many native lizards serve as a crucial food source for birds, snakes, and mammals. Their presence indicates a healthy ecosystem.
3. Seed Dispersers
Certain species contribute to seed dispersal by consuming small fruits and berries.
Threats to Florida’s Native Lizards
1. Habitat Loss
Urban expansion, agriculture, and deforestation have reduced the natural habitats of many native lizards. The Florida Scrub Lizard is particularly at risk due to the destruction of scrubland for development.
2. Invasive Species
The Brown Anole (Anolis sagrei), originally from Cuba and the Bahamas, has aggressively displaced Green Anoles by dominating ground-level territories.
Larger invasive lizards, such as Green Iguanas and Tegu Lizards, threaten native lizards through predation and competition.
3. Pesticide Use
Pesticides reduce the availability of insect prey and may poison lizards directly.
4. Climate Change
Rising temperatures and changing weather patterns could alter lizard habitats and affect reproduction rates.
Conservation Efforts for Florida’s Native Lizards
1. Protecting Natural Habitats
Conservation lands, such as Ocala National Forest, provide critical refuge for species like the Florida Scrub Lizard.
Efforts to restore Florida’s scrub habitat are essential for preserving biodiversity.
2. Reducing the Spread of Invasive Species
Efforts to control Brown Anole populations can help native Green Anoles recover.
Awareness campaigns encourage Floridians not to release exotic pets into the wild.
3. Creating Lizard-Friendly Gardens
Homeowners can help support native lizards by:
Planting native vegetation to provide shelter.
Avoiding pesticides, which kill insect prey.
Providing sunlit areas with rocks or logs for basking.
4. Citizen Science & Monitoring
Programs like iNaturalist allow people to record lizard sightings, helping researchers track populations and habitat changes.
How You Can Help
Support Conservation Groups – Organizations like the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) work to protect native species.
Participate in Citizen Science – Contribute to projects like HerpMapper or iNaturalist.
Educate Others – Spread awareness about native vs. invasive lizards.
Create Wildlife-Friendly Spaces – A native-friendly garden can serve as a mini habitat for local lizard species.
Final Thoughts
Florida’s native lizards are an essential part of the state’s ecosystems, helping to control insect populations and serving as prey for larger animals. However, many species face growing threats due to habitat loss, invasive species, and climate change. By supporting conservation efforts and creating lizard-friendly habitats, we can help protect these fascinating reptiles for future generations.