Northern Curly-tailed Lizard

Also known as Saw-scaled Curlytail, Cuban Curlytail, Curly-tailed Lizard

Northern curly-tailed lizards are sturdy, ground-dwelling reptiles easily recognized by their tightly curled tails, which they raise and wave when alert or defending territory. Native to the Bahamas, Cayman Islands, and Cuba, they have established thriving introduced populations throughout southern Florida in sunny urban and suburban settings. They hunt aggressively on foot, snatching beetles, grasshoppers, and even smaller lizards along stone walls and paved walkways.