Shift in Florida’s Lizard Population Could Influence Spread of Mosquito-Borne Diseases, UF/IFAS Scientists Probing Impacts

The brown anole, a nonnative lizard and common sight in Florida has long served as an important host for disease-carrying mosquitoes. However, its population in South Florida may be declining, apparently displaced by the more recent arrival and spread of the Peters’s rock agama, an aggressive and large nonnative lizard.

“This battle over Florida territory by two lizard species may seem minor, given the myriad of problems that Florida faces from other invaders such as Burmese pythons,” said Nathan Burkett-Cadena, associate professor at the UF/IFAS Florida Medical Entomology Laboratory (FMEL). “However, this reptile rumpus could have implications for public health.”

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