List of reptiles of Florida

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The American alligator is the state reptile of Florida. AmericanAlligator3.jpg
The American alligator is the state reptile of Florida.

This is a list of reptiles which are found in the U.S. state of Florida. This list includes both native and introduced species. Introduced species are put on this list only if they have an established population (large breeding population, numerous specimens caught, invasive, etc.). Three out of the four orders of reptiles can be found in Florida, with the order Tuatara being absent. Though many sources have different amounts (due to introduced species), this lists 118 species, which is about right. [1]

Contents

Testudines

This order includes all the freshwater and sea turtles, as well as the land tortoises. Overall, 26 species can be found. Florida has many turtles, but only one species of tortoise. [2]

Emydids

Snapping turtles

Mud turtles

Softshells

Leatherback

Sea turtles

Tortoises

Crocodilians

There are three species of Crocodilians found in Florida. They are the largest reptiles and the largest predators of the state.

Alligators

Crocodiles

Squamates (suborder Lacertilia)

The squamates are by far the largest reptile order. It is therefore divided into suborders. Lizards may be the most numerous reptiles in the state, though many species were introduced.

Phrynosomatidae

Leiocephalidae

Agamidae

Dactyloidae

Iguanidae

Corytophanidae

Chamaeleonidae

Varanidae

Teiidae

Gekkota

Scincidae

Anguidae

Squamates (suborder Serpentes)

This suborder includes all kinds of snakes. There are many snakes in Florida, some venomous and others non-venomous, and unlike lizards, nearly all are native. Two species are introduced, including the Burmese python, which was introduced when Hurricane Andrew destroyed a holding facility full of imported snakes, and which created a huge media storm and fears it would become widely invasive, but this species has proven unable to withstand colder weather outside of extreme South Florida.

Blind snakes

Boidae

Colubrids

Elapids

Pythons

Vipers

Squamates (suborder Amphisbaenidae)

This is the smallest and least known squamate suborder. It contains the wormlike amphisbaenids. Florida has one species.

Amphisbaenids

See also

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References

  1. ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2018-09-09. Retrieved 2018-09-09.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  2. ↑ https://myfwc.com/research/wildlife/sea-turtles/florida/species/
  3. 1 2 "MTN 101:23-25 the First Records of Olive Ridleys in Florida, USA".
  4. ↑ "Chameleons - Everglades CISMA". 21 September 2022.
  5. ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2018-06-11. Retrieved 2018-06-06.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  6. ↑ (Campbell, 2003; Enge et al. 2004).
  7. ↑ "NAS - Invasive Species FactSheet: Varanus niloticus (Nile monitor)". Nonindenous Aquatic Species. USGS Nonindigenous Aquatic Species Database. Gainesville, FL: United States Geological Survey. Archived from the original on 2009-05-09.
  8. ↑ "Everglades CISMA". Archived from the original on 2012-01-25. Retrieved 2011-10-11.
  9. ↑ Hofmeyer, Erik (10 June 2008). "Homestead ARB home to diverse array of wildlife". Homestead Air Reserve Base News. Homestead Air Reserve Base. Archived from the original on 17 May 2009. Retrieved 15 December 2013.
  10. ↑ "Argentine black and white tegu". Archived from the original on 2018-05-25. Retrieved 2018-06-06.
  11. ↑ "Nonnatives - Giant Day Gecko". Archived from the original on 2018-10-20. Retrieved 2018-06-24.

Sources

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