Alternate name: Carinate Curly-tailed Lizard

Family: Phrynosomatidae, Earless and Horned Lizards view all from this family

Description 7-10 1/2" (18.0-26.6 cm). Large-keeled and pointed scales on back form raised crest on vaguely banded tail. Gray to brown; darker spotting or bands on head and sides. Throat speckled.

Subspecies Twelve; 1 in our range: Little Bahama Curly-tailed Lizard (L. c. armouri).

Breeding Mates March to April. Eggs laid in midsummer.

Habitat Open woods, coconut strands, beach dunes. Also, lawns and gardens.

Range Introduced into s. Florida; native to Cuba, Bahamas.

Discussion Diurnal. The Curly-tail is usually found sunning itself atop a rock or log. Although it will climb, it is primarily terrestrial. Males curl the tail over the back like a loose watch spring in displays that attract females and drive away other males. The species feeds on any small prey it can catch.