... Read moreOh my gosh, I totally get it! Living in Florida, you get used to these little reptile encounters, but sometimes they still catch you off guard. Just the other day, I was having my morning coffee when I noticed a tiny pair of eyes peeking at me. There it was, a lizard clinging to my window screen, just like yours! It was positioned horizontally, looking right in, with the vibrant green lawn in the background. It made me wonder, what is this little guy?
Most of the time, when you see a lizard on your window screen in Florida, it's one of two common types: the Green Anole or the Brown Anole. They are fascinating creatures and are pretty harmless. They're often attracted to the insects that gather around lights at night, or they might just be seeking shelter or warmth. It's a prime hunting spot!
The Green Anole is absolutely beautiful. When I've seen them on my screen, their full body and long tail are often a brilliant emerald green, perfectly camouflaged against the lush green lawn. They have this amazing ability to change color, shifting from bright green to brown or grayish depending on their mood or environment, which is super cool! You might see them doing push-ups to display their dewlap (a flap of skin under their throat) to attract mates or ward off rivals. They love to hang out on screens because it's a great spot to catch insects attracted to the light inside your house, or just to warm up in the sun.
Then there's the Brown Anole, which is usually a bit smaller and, as the name suggests, brown or grayish. They're actually an invasive species but are everywhere now. I often see them scurrying around the edges of my window frame or clinging to the screen. They're super quick! You might get a close-up shot of its head and upper body if it's really checking you out, just like my little visitor seemed to be doing. They're generally a bit more ground-dwelling than their green cousins but are still frequent window visitors.
Sometimes, though less common during the day, it could even be a Gecko, like the Mediterranean Gecko. They have those amazing sticky toe pads that let them cling to almost any surface, including your window screen, and they often come out at night. Their skin looks a bit more translucent and bumpy compared to anoles. I've only seen them a few times, but they're equally fascinating to watch as they hunt for bugs around outdoor lights. If your mystery guest has large, unblinking eyes, it might be a gecko!
Next time you see one clinging to your screen, try to get a good look at its full body and tail, and especially its head, to see if you can spot any distinct markings or color changes. Observe its behavior – is it hunting? Basking in the sun? It's like having your own mini nature show right outside your window! Embrace these curious Florida residents! They're a charming part of the local ecosystem, and spotting them is just another day in the Florida life. It's always a fun little mystery to identify them. Who knows, maybe your 'stalker' is just trying to say hello!
He’s probably just trying to get you to switch to Geico.