Very little is known about the demography, life history, ecology, and behavior of the Florida Scrub Lizard. There is extraodinarily little published on the habits and life history of this interesting species (Smith 1946). The large populations of lizards found in the Ocala National Forest offers excellent opportunities for research in these areas. Preservation of important scrub habitats would serve to protect a number of scrub species in addition to the Srcub Lizard. An immediate effort should be made to prevent the Gulf Coast population from going extinct (Moler 1992).
Sceloporus woodi has been referred to by many common names such as: the Pine Scrub Lizard, the Rosemary Lizard, the Scrub Lizard, as well as the Florida Scrub Lizard.
An increase in urbanization and conservation of scrub patches to citrus groves has resulted in a loss of habitat for species which must make their homes in scrub areas to survive (Mosesso, 1996).
US Federal List: threatened
CITES: no special status
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: near threatened
Because this species consumes insects, spiders, etc. on a daily basis, it effectively keeps the population of these small arthropods "in check."
The Florida Scrub Lizard is a "sit and wait" predator that eats ants, beetles, spiders, and other small arthropods.
The general distribution of the Florida Scrub Lizard is restricted to Florida, specifically in Peninsular Florida. It is distributed in scattered sand pine and rosemary srcub areas from Marion and Putnam counties southward to Dade county (Carr 1959). The distribution of the Scrub Lizard is highly disjunct, probably due to the patchy distribution of suitable habitat. Most can be found in the extensive Sand Pine scrubs in the Ocala National Forest in north-central Florida. Atlantic coast populations can still be found in Brevard, Indian River, St. Lucie, Martin, Palm Beach, and Broward Counties. Populations of Scrub Lizards along the southwestern Gulf Coast of Florida in Lee and Collier counties may still exist (Moler 1992).
Biogeographic Regions: nearctic (Native )
This "heliothermic" lizard prefers open sandy areas bordering Sand Pine scrub and sandhill associations. Sceloporus woodi could be described as a forest-edge species. A dense crown of Sand Pine comprises the 'overstory' of the scrub habitat. The 'understory' is composed primarily of scrub oaks (Quercus chapmanii , Q. myrtifolia , and Q. virginiana) , while much of the ground is covered with lichen and leaf litter. Sandhill habitats are dominated by Longleaf Pine (Pinus palustris) and Turkey Oak (Q. laevis) . Wiregrasses are characteristic of this plant association. Rosemary occurs in both types of habitats, especially where fire is uncommon. Both plant associations occur on well drained, deep sand soil (Moler 1992).
Terrestrial Biomes: chaparral ; scrub forest
Average lifespan
Sex: male
Status: captivity: 1.7 years.
Sceloporous woodi is known by its rough, overlapping scales, which usually number 40 or more from the occiput to the base of the tail, and by its clear-cut dark lateral stripe. It also has fermoral pores which number from 14-20, and a brownish color, with a conspicuous dark band on the side from the neck to the base of the tail. On the back of the lizard is a series of 8-10 more or less distinct wavy bars. There is an unmarked mid-dorsal area. These vertical markings are stronger in females than in males. Males have a conspicuous blue patch bordered with black on each side of the throat, and a similar blue area with a less heavy black border on each side of the belly. Females are generally white on the ventral area except for weaker blue patches like those of males. Average Snout-Vent Length is about 1.75 inches (Carr 1959).
Females reach sexual maturity around 47mm SVL(snout-vent length). Male SVL is probably slightly smaller at maturity. Courtship and mating occur from late March through June. For females in their second reproductive season, vitellogenesis begins in March, and oviposition of the first clutch occurs around mid-April. Smaller females that are in their first reproductive season may begin to develop follicles somewhat later, in April or May. Females that have not reached maturity by March may mature and yolk a clutch in mid- to late summer. It has been estimated that the largest females could lay up to five clutches in a single reproductive season under optimal conditions; however three clutches in a season is more likely. No females are gravid after August. Average clutch size is four, and clutches range from 2-8 eggs. Hatching occurs from late June until early November. Hatchlings reach sexual maturity in 10-11 months (Moler 1992).
The Florida scrub lizard (Sceloporus woodi) is a species of lizard in the family Phrynosomatidae. The species is endemic to Florida, the United States.[1][2]
The specific name, woodi, is in honor of taxidermist Nelson R. Wood (died 1920) of the Smithsonian Institution who collected the holotype.[3]
The adult Florida scrub lizard is about 5 inches (13 cm) in total length (including tail). It is gray or brownish with a longitudinal brown stripe down each side of the body. The male has turquoise patches on the throat and belly. The female usually lacks the throat patches but may have lighter patches on the abdomen.[4]
Courtship and mating of S. woodi occur in spring. The female buries up to 5 clutches of 2 to 8 eggs each. Eggs take about 75 days to hatch, probably depending on ambient temperature. The last hatchlings of the year emerge in November. The lizard becomes sexually mature in 10 to 11 months.[4]
The preferred natural habitat of S. woodi is Florida scrub, including evergreen oak and sand pine scrub. It is found less often in the ecotone between scrub and sandhill habitat, flatwoods, and citrus groves. It is most common in dry habitat with open areas for basking and nesting with nearby pines or oaks for shelter. A closed canopy makes the habitat unsuitable.[1]
S. woodi has a disjunct distribution with four main population areas, the Atlantic coast scrubs, the Gulf Coast scrubs, the inland central peninsula, and Ocala National Forest and environs. It occurs on the Lake Wales Ridge.[1] It is common in the Ocala National Forest, but it is slowly declining in most of its range due to loss of habitat. It was more widespread before the intensive development of Florida's scrub zones and sandy ridges.[1] Habitat loss to development, including the establishment of citrus groves, has reduced populations. Fire suppression causes habitat changes such as closure of the canopy, which eliminates the open spaces required by the species.[4][1]
This species occurs in widely spaced patches of a habitat type that is naturally fragmented, and it does not disperse far from its natal area. The main population groups have remained separate for many thousands of years, causing isolation that has led to the development of high genetic diversity in the species as a whole. During conservation efforts, it is important to maintain such diversity.[4]
The Florida scrub lizard (Sceloporus woodi) is a species of lizard in the family Phrynosomatidae. The species is endemic to Florida, the United States.
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