Invasive lizard species spreads in Central Florida counties

The Peters’s rock agama lizard, a non-native species, has been spreading throughout Central Florida, particularly in Seminole, Polk, and Volusia counties. This invasive lizard is larger and more aggressive than the brown anole lizard, which has been present in Florida for over a century. As the rock agama population increases, it appears to be reducing the density of brown anoles, potentially due to predation and competition for territory. The brown anole lizard plays a crucial role in controlling mosquito populations, as they are a primary food source for these insects. Mosquitoes can carry serious diseases, including the West Nile virus, but since anoles do not host these viruses, their presence may help mitigate the risk of human infections. As the brown anole population declines due to the encroachment of the rock agama, there are concerns that mosquitoes may shift their feeding habits towards birds, humans, and domestic animals, increasing the risk of disease transmission. This hypothesis is currently being investigated by a team of scientists from the University of Florida, who are conducting studies in St. Lucie County, where both lizard species coexist. The researchers are collecting mosquitoes to analyze their blood meals and are also removing rock agamas from certain areas to observe changes in mosquito feeding patterns. This ongoing study aims to better understand the complex dynamics between invasive species and their impact on public health and natural ecosystems in Florida.