Lizards

I love photographing lizards. They are territorial animals, and when you get close—sometimes too close—they’ll let you know. Head bobbing, push-ups, and dewlap displays (the colored flap under the throat) are common ways lizards communicate dominance, territory, or mating interest.

Stop! You are too close!

South Florida is a paradise for lizards. You can find both native species and ones imported from places like Cuba. Here in the central part of the state, they tend to disappear during the winter but return in the spring and summer.

So, What Happens to Common Florida Lizards in Winter?

1. Brown Anole (Anolis sagrei) – Non-Native (Cuban Origin)

• Behavior: Becomes sluggish during cold snaps, hides under debris or in warm crevices.

• Survival Strategy: Can handle short cold periods in central/south Florida but may die off in prolonged cold.

• Note: They're invasive, so cold winters sometimes help control their populations.

2. Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis) – Native

• Behavior: Brumates (goes dormant) during colder months, especially in central and northern Florida.

• Hiding Spots: Tree bark, logs, leaf litter, or inside buildings.

• Adaptability: More cold-hardy than brown anoles and can bounce back quickly when temps warm.

3. Knight Anole (Anolis equestris) – Non-Native (Cuban Origin)

• Behavior: Sensitive to cold. Often goes into torpor or dies during freezes.

• Region: More common in South Florida, rare in the center or north due to cold intolerance.

• Note: You may find them stunned on cold mornings.

4. Mediterranean Gecko – Non-Native

• Behavior: Hides in walls, attics, or warm places during winter.

• Adaptability: Can survive urban winters by living inside human structures.

5. Eastern Fence Lizard (Sceloporus undulatus) – Native

• Behavior: Brumates in logs, under rocks, or buried in loose soil.

• Location: More common in northern and central Florida; they are well adapted to seasonal temperature changes.