Florida Scrub Lizard

Range

The scrub lizard is native to Florida.

Habitats

Scrub lizards are usually encountered in Sandhills, scrubby Flatwoods, scrubs and other dry uplands. They inhabit sunny areas with a generous amount of sand usually adjacent to scrubs which provide shade and escape. They can be found in areas that have been kept open by human activities. Their diet includes insects, spiders, small arthropods and even lizards. They mate between February and June and females lay about 5 clutches of 2 to 8 eggs each. It takes about 75 days for the eggs to hatch and the hatching period is reduced as ground temperature rises.

Identification

The Florida scrub lizard is 5 inches long and gray or brownish-gray with a thick brown stripe running on each side from its head to it's tail.They also have a reddish cast and spiny scales. The males usually have a torquise coloration on its throat and underbelly while the females have lighter blemishes on the abdomen. The adult male has a relatively plain back while the female has wavy brown lines.

Learn more with Schechter Natural History's Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians