Bernard DUPONT/Flickr The lizards are native to almost all of Sub-Saharan Africa and grow up to 5 feet long on average, with large specimens reaching 7 or 8 feet. The checklist of Florida lizards is below this photo gallery.--Click on thumbnails for a larger view-- Monster lizards that prey on native wildlife could begin a jaw-chomping trek north after establishing themselves in parts of Florida, a new study says. Florida Scrub Lizard He had recently moved from California to South Florida, and the bright green lizards seemed to fit right into the subtropical vibe of his new home. A large lizard, known as the tegu, has started to take root in Tampa, Florida. The Cuban Knight anole is firmly established in much of south Florida. It was an every day thing in Georgia for my friends and I to catch little critters and handle them for a few minutes and let them go. Their populations are self-sustaining and expanding. Florida Lizards. Information on lizards found in Florida at the UF's Herpetology Division. They utilize Florida’s arboreal and suburban habitats, where they prey on smaller lizards, frogs, and birds. A Nile monitor in South Africa. Share. Florida is considered by many to be a land of sand and sea, not a land of lizards. Giant South American lizards are taking over Florida — just one of the latest in a slew of invasive species that have colonized the Sunshine State. The Cuban Knight anole (Anolis equestris) was introduced via the pet trade in the 1950’s. However, Florida is home to a plethora of native and non-native species of lizards. Florida has warm temperatures year-round, which is perfect for cold-blooded lizards. Florida Worm Lizard. New Scary Invader Totally Bites The latest invasive species in South Florida is big, cold-blooded, and eats meat. Fence Lizard. I've been bitten dozens of times by lizards, snakes, and turtles. Green Anole. Invasive lizards in Florida can eat birds, house cats. Aris Folley, AOL.com . Brown Anole. Argentine black and white tegu lizards have been threatening native species and even targeting cats and dogs, leading some biologists to call them the most troublesome invasive species in the Everglades. MIAMI – Tegu lizards are reproducing all over South Florida, and they're taking over the Everglades.. The moderate climate and abundance of insects make Florida a hotbed of lizard activity. June 30, 2011 -- They slither through doggie doors, eat small households pets and have nasty dispositions, and now the 7-foot Nile Monitor lizards are stalking South Florida. The tegu lizard is native to South America but is now common in Florida Lizards: Florida has several lizard species that are easy to find and interesting to watch. Monitor lizards are not native to Florida, but there are breeding populations of Nile monitors (Varanus niloticus) established in several counties, and they have been sighted across the state. Apr 25th 2017 12:26PM. Geckos are so common in buildings in South Florida that they are called ‘house lizards.’ Anoles and skinks are easy to watch in almost any park or garden. Invasive lizard populations have increased since the 19th century and pose as a threat to the survival of the native types of lizards in Florida, which have to compete for food and habitat space. Leapin’ Lizards! Native … More Large South American lizard with sharp teeth and powerful jaws is the latest invasive species to wreak havoc in Florida. I caught lizards and snakes when I was young. Monitor lizards are not native to Florida, according to wildlife officials.