Florida Scrub Lizard
Sceloporus woodi
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 cas…
How to identify
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.
Range
The scrub lizard is native to Florida.
Habitat
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.
Similar species
The Fence lizard (Sceloporus undulatus) which is slightly larger can be distinguished from the scrub lizard by its lack of the signature brown stripes.
Name and etymology
Woodi: Honoring Nelson R. Wood
More illustrations
Florida Scrub Lizard Female
At a glance
Range
The scrub lizard is native to Florida.
Habitat
Scrub lizards are usually encountered in Sandhills, scrubby Flatwoods, scrubs and other dry uplands. They inhabit sunny areas…
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap