What are the Little Lizards in Florida Called?

If you’ve ever been to Florida, you’re probably familiar with tiny lizards crawling across the sidewalks. When I was a kid visiting Florida, I was fascinated by those little critters. Even after living in Florida for several years during college, I still adore them.

While I looked up information about them during my time in Florida, a lot of people simply call them “little lizards” without knowing what kind of lizards they are. So, if you’ve ever wondered “what are the little lizards in Florida called?,” now is the perfect time to find out. You might be surprised to hear that they’re not geckos.

What are the Little Lizards Called in Florida?

The little lizards in Florida are called anoles (pronounced “uh-noles”). There are two different species of anole currently in Florida: green anoles and brown anoles. They’re small lizards that grow 5 to 8 inches long. These lizards have a fold of skin known as a dewlap that they sometimes extend as a form of communication. The dewlaps are usually orange or red.

While brown anoles are more widespread across Florida, green anoles are the native species while brown anoles are not. Brown anoles (also known as Cuban brown anoles) are native to Cuba, the Bahamas, and surrounding islands, but they were introduced to Florida and now compete with the native lizards.

Brown Anoles are Invasive

Brown anoles didn’t appear in Florida until the 1880s when they were spotted in the Florida Keys. They were stowaways on ships coming from their native islands. They have a high reproductive rate, so they quickly spread across the tropical state.

As cute as they are, being an invasive species means they have negative effects on Florida's ecosystem. They compete with the native green anoles for food and territory, which is why you see brown anoles so much more often than green anoles. While these little lizards can help reduce the number of pesky insects in Florida, eating too many insects could harm the balance of the ecosystem.

What to Do About Invasive Brown Anoles

Since brown anoles have spread so much across Florida already, there’s not much that can be done about the existing Florida population. However, it’s important for people to ensure they’re not introducing more of them to Florida. People bringing boats into Florida should check their boats to make sure no lizards are tagging along. People with pet anoles should never release them into the wild.

Luckily, we can still help the native species thrive. Green anoles have been moving higher in shrubs and trees to stay away from brown anoles. By growing more tall plants, we can provide areas for green anoles where they don’t have to compete with brown anoles. Plus, since these lizards eat insects, they can help keep pests away from plants.

Other Common Small Florida Lizards

There’s a chance that anoles aren’t the little Florida lizards you were thinking of. After all, there are a ton of reptile species across Florida. If you’re thinking about lizards that come out at night and climb on the walls and ceilings of balconies, you’re probably thinking of geckos rather than anoles. I saw lots of those in Florida, and they’re just as cute.

Here are some other little lizard species in Florida:

• Broadhead skink

• Eastern fence lizard

• Five-lined skink

• Florida scrub lizard

• Mediterranean house gecko

• Reef gecko

• Six-lined racerunner

• Tropical house gecko

While tropical house geckos are one of the most common lizards in Florida, like brown anoles, they’re invasive. They’re originally from Africa but quickly spread across other locations like Florida.

Why Are There So Many Little Lizards in Florida?

There are lots of lizards in Florida because the warm climate is ideal for many reptiles to thrive. There are also lots of insects for lizards to eat, along with dense vegetation for them to hide in. Since the environment meets the needs of many lizard species, those lizards breed quickly, causing lizards to appear all over the state.

Unfortunately, since Florida is a popular tourist destination and a port of entry for the pet trade, it’s also a popular spot for invasive species to enter. In addition to the many native lizards, lizards from other locations enter and survive there due to its suitable climate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are the Little Lizards in Florida Harmless?

Yes, the green anoles and brown anoles in Florida are generally harmless. They may bite if startled, but their small bites don’t hurt much, and luckily, the lizards don’t have any venom.

What’s the Difference Between an Anole and Gecko in Florida?

The body shapes of these lizards are different if you look closely. Yet, the most distinguishing factor is that anoles are most active during the day while geckos are active at night. Geckos also have round, sticky pads on their toes, which anoles lack.

Can Anole Lizards Change Colors?

Anoles can change colors slightly due to temperature and mood. While it’s not as extreme as chameleon colors, green anoles can turn brown in cold temperatures while brown anoles can turn darker brown or gray.

Can Anoles Be Kept as Pets?

Yes, anoles can make great pets for those with experience in reptile keeping. However, you should buy captive-bred anoles and never take them out of the wild. Not only does keeping wild animals harm the ecosystem, but those animals could carry diseases and parasites. Before buying a captive-bred anole, make sure it’s legal to own one in your area.

The Little Lizards in Florida are Adorable!

Now you know that the little lizards in Florida are called anoles. While brown anoles are the ones you’ll usually see scurrying across sidewalks, keep an eye out for green anoles too. Brown anoles are invasive, but green anoles are native to Florida. They usually stay high in plants, and they have beautiful bright green scales. While you’re at it, see how many other unique lizards (and other animals) you can spot at this tropical destination.