Cnemidophorus lemniscatus                              Photo Olivier Haligon ©

Rainbow lizards are native to South and Central America, but a small breeding population has become established in Dade County in south Florida. Scientists believe the Florida rainbow lizard population originated with escapees from the pet trade.

Male Rainbow Lizards are extremely colorful, with turquoise face, legs, and tail, and yellow and lime green stripes and spots on their backs and sides. Females are duller in color, with yellow stripes on a greenish brown body and a bright green tail and hind limb.

These spectacular looking lizards can be quite large; some males may grow to 30 cms. They feed on insects, leaves and flowers and retreat to the shade or burrow when the sun gets too hot.

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