Florida’s Agama Lizards May Be Changing Mosquito-Borne Disease Patterns All Over Florida

A bright orange-headed lizard from East Africa could be influencing mosquito behavior—and potentially increasing human exposure to mosquito-borne diseases in Florida, researchers say.

Known as Peter’s rock agama, the reptile has been in South Florida since the 1970s after escaping or being released from the pet trade. Although not considered an ecological disaster, the species’ growing range has caught scientists’ attention.

According to Dr. Nathan Burkett-Cadena of the University of Florida’s Entomology Lab, the agama may be shifting mosquito feeding habits. “When mosquitoes bite lizards instead of birds or humans, disease risk drops,” he explained. “But if the agama population replaces other lizards that mosquitoes avoid biting, humans may face more bites.”

Because agamas often hide in crevices—where mosquitoes can’t reach them—mosquitoes may seek alternative hosts, including people and birds. This shift could impact transmission rates of viruses like West Nile.

Researchers emphasize that the link is theoretical but concerning, urging more studies to understand how introduced reptiles might affect Florida’s delicate ecological and public health balance.