Descriptive Information
- Field
marks: A brown lizard,they can change
from light to dark brown. They have a white streak down the center
of throat. The streak is the underside of the dewlap, which, when
extended, may range in color from mustard yellow to chocolate to
brilliant orange-red with a whitish border sometimes flecked with
dark brown. They have a striped diamond pattern on their backs
and are usually light colored on their bellies. Their heads are
triangle shaped and their eyes are on the sides of their heads.
They can move each eye separately from the other. They have a compact
body that tapers into a long tail.
- Size: 5-8 3/4 inches
- General habitat: Requires greenery, occasional shade and a moist environment. Found in bushes, trees (not above 15'), in and on rock walls, woods, around houses. Primarily terrestrial, these diurnal lizards inhabit low bushes and the ground underneath. Often found sunning on exposed walls and branches.
- Geographic range: Introduced and established in most of pennisular Florida and at isolated locations in Texas; also in coastal locations from southern Mexico to Honduras; Cuba, Jamaica, and the Bahamas
- Ecosystem(s) where observed: Coastal Prarie, Mahogany Hammocks, Pine Lands
- Other information: Originally from Cuba, but established throughout much of southern Florida
|
