The orange-headed lizard spreading in parts of Florida is Peters’s rock agama (Agama picticauda), a nonnative lizard from East Africa. It has established populations in parts of the state, but current UF/IFAS guidance does not show that it is causing widespread major damage. Possible effects on imperiled butterflies remain a concern that has not been studied.
What is the orange lizard in Florida?
It is most likely Peters’s rock agama, a species introduced to Florida through the pet trade in 1976. UF/IFAS describes established populations in scattered areas, mainly along the peninsula’s coasts. The agency also notes that Florida has three times as many established nonnative lizard species as native lizard species; that is statewide context, not a count of agamas. UF/IFAS species fact sheet.
How to identify Peters’s rock agama
Breeding males are the most conspicuous: they can reach 12 inches long, including the tail, and have an orange or red head, a black body, and orange coloration near the black-tipped tail. Females are smaller and generally brownish-gray, with light green spots and short stripes on the head and neck. Females carrying eggs may have yellow or orange patches on the body. UF/IFAS species fact sheet.
Where has it spread?
UF/IFAS records early introductions in Homestead, in Miami-Dade County, and Palm City, in Martin County, and says those populations expanded. A 2024 UF/IFAS research account reported the agama in at least 20 Florida counties. That figure is a dated report, not a current statewide census. UF/IFAS research account, June 2024.
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UF/IFAS’s approximate 2025 distribution map is based on sighting records and describes its range as a minimum estimate. It leaves out a presumptive Duval County population because recent documented records were lacking, as well as some records of single animals. A map of documented sightings therefore cannot show every place the lizard may occur, and it does not by itself demonstrate ecological damage. UF/IFAS species fact sheet.
Is the agama causing significant damage?
Widespread major harm is not established by the cited UF/IFAS guidance. The agama is largely associated with residential and other human-dominated areas, where it may face less competition with native species for food and space. UF/IFAS says significant environmental impacts appear unlikely given that habitat use, while identifying possible effects on imperiled butterflies in South Florida and the Keys as an open question. UF/IFAS species fact sheet.
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Diet and effects on wildlife
Peters’s rock agama is carnivorous. In its native range it mainly eats insects, but it has also been observed eating small mammals, birds, small reptiles, flowers, grasses, and fruit. Its diet in Florida has not been studied; UF/IFAS says it likely eats insects and other small invertebrates. The agency reports no known negative economic impacts. UF/IFAS species fact sheet.
Do not assume impacts documented for other nonnative Florida reptiles apply to this agama. The available species-specific guidance describes a different habitat pattern and does not establish comparable harm.
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People, pets, and disease questions
UF/IFAS says the lizard poses no threat to people or pets. A large individual could still inflict a painful bite if someone handles it, so observe it without trying to catch it. UF/IFAS species fact sheet.
A 2024 UF/IFAS account described research examining whether changes in lizard populations could affect which animals mosquitoes bite and, in turn, pathogen transmission. It framed these as questions under investigation, not evidence that agamas have increased disease transmission in Florida. UF/IFAS research account, June 2024.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What to do if you spot one
- Observe and photograph it. A clear photo can help document the sighting and support identification. Do not handle the animal.
- Report the sighting. UF/IFAS asks people to report agamas, especially in areas where they have not been documented before, and identifies EDDMapS as a reporting route. See UF/IFAS’s species guidance.
- Do not release an unwanted pet. UF/IFAS says releasing nonnative animals is unethical and against Florida law. FWC recommends that owners who can no longer care for an exotic pet seek rescue or adoption options, or contact its Exotic Pet Amnesty Program. FWC Exotic Pet Amnesty Program.
UF/IFAS natural-resources agent Kenneth Gioeli described the agama in a 2020 article as preferring “disturbed urbanized areas.” That quotation reflects his characterization at the time; the agency’s species fact sheet provides the more current impact assessment. UF/IFAS Extension St. Lucie County, December 8, 2020.
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