Florida is home to a diverse array of small lizards, each with its own unique characteristics and adaptations. These tiny creatures play an important role in the state's ecosystem, helping to control insect populations and serving as a food source for larger animals. In this article, we will introduce you to some of the most common small lizards found in Florida and provide information on their habitat, diet, and behavior.
From the tiny green anole, found in gardens and forests throughout the state, to the elusive Florida scrub lizard, which makes its home in the sandy scrublands of central Florida, these small lizards are a fascinating and integral part of Florida's natural heritage. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, a homeowner, or simply curious about the wildlife in your backyard, learning more about these creatures can help you appreciate the diversity and beauty of Florida's natural world.
In the following sections, we will take a closer look at some of the most common small lizards found in Florida, exploring their unique adaptations, habitat preferences, and ecological roles. We will also provide tips on how to identify these lizards and how to create a welcoming environment for them in your own backyard.
small lizards in florida
Florida's diverse ecosystems are home to a variety of small lizard species, each with unique adaptations and ecological roles.
- Green anole: common, adaptable, changes color.
- Florida scrub lizard: rare, sandy scrub habitat.
- Six-lined racerunner: fast, long tail, open areas.
- Eastern fence lizard: widespread, fences, walls.
- Southeastern five-lined skink: shiny, five stripes.
- Ground skink: secretive, burrows, moist areas.
- Brown anole: Cuban native, urban areas.
- Bahaman anole: large, colorful, trees and shrubs.
These small lizards play vital roles in Florida's ecosystems, controlling insects and serving as food for larger animals.
Green anole: common, adaptable, changes color.
The green anole is one of the most common and adaptable small lizards in Florida. Found in a variety of habitats, including gardens, forests, and even urban areas, the green anole is a true survivor.
- Widespread and adaptable:
Green anoles can be found throughout Florida, from the northern panhandle to the southernmost tip of the state. They are also found in a variety of habitats, including forests, gardens, parks, and even urban areas.
- Color-changing ability:
Green anoles are known for their ability to change color, from bright green to brown or gray. This ability helps them camouflage themselves in their environment and avoid predators.
- Excellent climbers:
Green anoles are agile climbers and can be found perching on trees, shrubs, fences, and even walls. Their long toes and sharp claws help them grip surfaces easily.
- Insectivorous diet:
Green anoles are insectivores, meaning they primarily eat insects. Their diet includes a variety of insects, such as flies, mosquitoes, moths, and beetles.
Green anoles play an important role in the Florida ecosystem by helping to control insect populations. They are also a food source for larger animals, such as snakes, hawks, and owls.
Florida scrub lizard: rare, sandy scrub habitat.
The Florida scrub lizard is a small, rare lizard that is found only in the sandy scrublands of central Florida. This unique habitat is characterized by its sandy soil, scrub oaks, and saw palmettos.
- Endangered species:
The Florida scrub lizard is listed as a threatened species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service due to habitat loss and fragmentation.
- Sandy scrub habitat:
Florida scrub lizards are found exclusively in sandy scrublands, a unique habitat type found in central Florida. These scrublands are characterized by their sandy soil, scrub oaks, and saw palmettos.
- Small size and cryptic coloration:
Florida scrub lizards are small, typically reaching a maximum length of about 6 inches. They also have cryptic coloration, which helps them blend in with their sandy surroundings.
- Insectivorous diet:
Florida scrub lizards are insectivores, meaning they primarily eat insects. Their diet includes a variety of insects, such as ants, beetles, and grasshoppers.
Florida scrub lizards play an important role in the scrubland ecosystem by helping to control insect populations. They are also a food source for larger animals, such as snakes, hawks, and owls.
Six-lined racerunner: fast, long tail, open areas.
The six-lined racerunner is a small, fast-moving lizard that is found in open areas throughout Florida, including grasslands, fields, and sandy scrublands. It is known for its long tail, which is often twice as long as its body, and its ability to run at speeds of up to 18 miles per hour.
Here are some more details about the six-lined racerunner:
Habitat: Six-lined racerunners prefer open areas with sandy or loose soil, such as grasslands, fields, sandy scrublands, and even disturbed areas. They are also found in coastal dunes and along the edges of forests.
Physical characteristics: Six-lined racerunners are small lizards, typically reaching a maximum length of about 8 inches. They have a long, slender body with a long tail that is often twice as long as their body. Their coloration can vary, but they typically have a brown or gray back with six light-colored stripes running down their sides.
Behavior: Six-lined racerunners are active during the day and spend most of their time basking in the sun or searching for food. They are very fast runners and can quickly escape from predators. When threatened, they will often run in a zigzag pattern to confuse their pursuer.
Diet: Six-lined racerunners are insectivores, meaning they primarily eat insects. Their diet includes a variety of insects, such as ants, beetles, grasshoppers, and crickets.
Six-lined racerunners play an important role in the Florida ecosystem by helping to control insect populations. They are also a food source for larger animals, such as snakes, hawks, and owls.
Eastern fence lizard: widespread, fences, walls.
The eastern fence lizard is a small, common lizard that is found throughout Florida. It is a member of the family Sceloporus, which includes over 100 species of lizards found in North and Central America.
- Widespread and adaptable:
Eastern fence lizards are found throughout Florida, from the northern panhandle to the southernmost tip of the state. They are also found in a variety of habitats, including forests, fields, gardens, and even urban areas.
- Fences and walls:
Eastern fence lizards are often seen perched on fences, walls, and other structures. They use these elevated perches to survey their surroundings for prey and to bask in the sun.
- Excellent climbers:
Eastern fence lizards are agile climbers and can be found on trees, shrubs, and even buildings. Their long toes and sharp claws help them grip surfaces easily.
- Insectivorous diet:
Eastern fence lizards are insectivores, meaning they primarily eat insects. Their diet includes a variety of insects, such as flies, mosquitoes, moths, and beetles.
Eastern fence lizards play an important role in the Florida ecosystem by helping to control insect populations. They are also a food source for larger animals, such as snakes, hawks, and owls.
Southeastern five-lined skink: shiny, five stripes.
The southeastern five-lined skink is a small, shiny lizard that is found in Florida and other southeastern states. It is a member of the family Scincidae, which includes over 1,500 species of lizards found all over the world.
- Shiny scales:
Southeastern five-lined skinks have smooth, shiny scales that give them a metallic appearance. This shiny coloration helps them reflect sunlight and stay cool in their warm habitat.
- Five stripes:
Southeastern five-lined skinks have five light-colored stripes running down their backs. These stripes are typically yellow or cream-colored and are separated by dark brown or black stripes.
- Habitat:
Southeastern five-lined skinks are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, fields, gardens, and even urban areas. They prefer moist areas with plenty of vegetation.
- Diet:
Southeastern five-lined skinks are insectivores, meaning they primarily eat insects. Their diet includes a variety of insects, such as ants, beetles, grasshoppers, and crickets.
Southeastern five-lined skinks play an important role in the Florida ecosystem by helping to control insect populations. They are also a food source for larger animals, such as snakes, hawks, and owls.
Ground skink: secretive, burrows, moist areas.
The ground skink is a small, secretive lizard that is found in Florida and other southeastern states. It is a member of the family Scincidae, which includes over 1,500 species of lizards found all over the world.
- Secretive behavior:
Ground skinks are very secretive and spend most of their time hidden under rocks, logs, and other debris. They are rarely seen out in the open.
- Burrowing:
Ground skinks are excellent burrowers and can quickly dig tunnels in the ground. They use these burrows to escape from predators and to lay their eggs.
- Moist areas:
Ground skinks prefer moist areas with plenty of vegetation. They are often found near streams, ponds, and marshes.
- Diet:
Ground skinks are insectivores, meaning they primarily eat insects. Their diet includes a variety of insects, such as ants, beetles, grasshoppers, and crickets.
Ground skinks play an important role in the Florida ecosystem by helping to control insect populations. They are also a food source for larger animals, such as snakes, hawks, and owls.
Brown anole: Cuban native, urban areas.
The brown anole is a small lizard that is native to Cuba. It has been introduced to Florida and other parts of the southeastern United States, where it has become a common sight in urban areas.
Here are some more details about the brown anole:
Habitat: Brown anoles are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, fields, gardens, and even urban areas. They prefer warm, humid climates and are often found near water.
Physical characteristics: Brown anoles are small lizards, typically reaching a maximum length of about 8 inches. They have a brown or gray back with a lighter-colored belly. Males are typically larger than females and have a distinctive dewlap, which is a flap of skin under their chin.
Behavior: Brown anoles are active during the day and spend most of their time basking in the sun or searching for food. They are very territorial and will often fight with other brown anoles that enter their territory.
Diet: Brown anoles are insectivores, meaning they primarily eat insects. Their diet includes a variety of insects, such as flies, mosquitoes, moths, and beetles.
Brown anoles play an important role in the Florida ecosystem by helping to control insect populations. They are also a food source for larger animals, such as snakes, hawks, and owls.
Bahaman anole: large, colorful, trees and shrubs.
The Bahaman anole is a large, colorful lizard that is native to the Bahamas. It has been introduced to Florida and other parts of the southeastern United States, where it has become a popular pet.
- Large size:
Bahaman anoles are one of the largest anole species, reaching a maximum length of about 12 inches.
- Colorful coloration:
Bahaman anoles are known for their bright and colorful coloration. Males are typically more colorful than females and can have a variety of colors, including green, blue, red, and yellow.
- Habitat:
Bahaman anoles are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, fields, gardens, and even urban areas. They prefer warm, humid climates and are often found near water.
- Diet:
Bahaman anoles are insectivores, meaning they primarily eat insects. Their diet includes a variety of insects, such as flies, mosquitoes, moths, and beetles.
Bahaman anoles play an important role in the Florida ecosystem by helping to control insect populations. They are also a food source for larger animals, such as snakes, hawks, and owls.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about small lizards in Florida:
Question 1: What are some common small lizards found in Florida?
Answer 1: Some common small lizards found in Florida include the green anole, Florida scrub lizard, six-lined racerunner, eastern fence lizard, southeastern five-lined skink, ground skink, brown anole, and Bahaman anole.
Question 2: Where can I find small lizards in Florida?
Answer 2: Small lizards can be found in a variety of habitats throughout Florida, including forests, fields, gardens, parks, and even urban areas.
Question 3: What do small lizards eat?
Answer 3: Small lizards are insectivores, meaning they primarily eat insects. Their diet includes a variety of insects, such as flies, mosquitoes, moths, and beetles.
Question 4: Are small lizards harmful to humans?
Answer 4: No, small lizards are not harmful to humans. They are generally shy and non-aggressive.
Question 5: How can I attract small lizards to my yard?
Answer 5: You can attract small lizards to your yard by providing them with food, water, and shelter. This can be done by planting flowering plants, leaving piles of leaves and brush, and adding a water feature to your yard.
Question 6: What should I do if I find a small lizard in my home?
Answer 6: If you find a small lizard in your home, the best thing to do is to catch it and release it outside. You can do this by gently placing a cup over the lizard and sliding a piece of paper underneath. Then, take the lizard outside and release it in a safe place.
Question 7: Are there any small lizard species in Florida that are endangered or threatened?
Answer 7: Yes, there are a few small lizard species in Florida that are endangered or threatened. These include the Florida scrub lizard, which is listed as a threatened species by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
Question 8: How can I help protect small lizards in Florida?
Answer 8: There are a few things you can do to help protect small lizards in Florida. These include creating a welcoming habitat for them in your yard, avoiding the use of pesticides and herbicides, and being careful when driving to avoid running over small lizards.
Closing Paragraph for FAQ:
These are just a few of the most frequently asked questions about small lizards in Florida. If you have any other questions, please feel free to contact your local wildlife agency or visit a reputable online resource.
In addition to the FAQ, here are a few tips for interacting with small lizards in Florida:
Tips
Here are a few tips for interacting with small lizards in Florida:
Tip 1: Observe from a distance:
The best way to enjoy small lizards is to observe them from a distance. This will help to minimize stress to the lizards and allow you to appreciate their natural behavior.
Tip 2: Avoid handling:
Small lizards are delicate creatures and can be easily injured. It is best to avoid handling them unless absolutely necessary. If you do need to handle a lizard, be sure to do so gently and support its body.
Tip 3: Create a welcoming habitat:
You can attract small lizards to your yard and garden by providing them with food, water, and shelter. This can be done by planting flowering plants, leaving piles of leaves and brush, and adding a water feature to your yard.
Tip 4: Be careful when driving:
Small lizards are often found on roads and sidewalks, especially after rain. Be careful when driving to avoid running over these small creatures.
Closing Paragraph for Tips:
By following these tips, you can help to protect small lizards in Florida and enjoy their presence in your yard and garden.
In conclusion, small lizards are an important part of the Florida ecosystem. They help to control insect populations and serve as a food source for larger animals. By learning more about these fascinating creatures and taking steps to protect them, we can help to ensure their survival for generations to come.
Conclusion
Small lizards are a fascinating and diverse group of animals that play an important role in the Florida ecosystem. They help to control insect populations and serve as a food source for larger animals. By learning more about these creatures and taking steps to protect them, we can help to ensure their survival for generations to come.
Here are a few key points to remember about small lizards in Florida:
- There are a variety of small lizard species found in Florida, each with its own unique characteristics and adaptations.
- Small lizards can be found in a variety of habitats throughout the state, including forests, fields, gardens, parks, and even urban areas.
- Small lizards are insectivores, meaning they primarily eat insects.
- Small lizards are generally shy and non-aggressive, and they are not harmful to humans.
- There are a few things you can do to help protect small lizards in Florida, such as creating a welcoming habitat for them in your yard, avoiding the use of pesticides and herbicides, and being careful when driving to avoid running over small lizards.
Closing Message:
The next time you see a small lizard in Florida, take a moment to appreciate its beauty and its role in the ecosystem. These tiny creatures are an important part of our natural heritage, and we should all do our part to protect them.