Blogs & News

Stay up to date on all AutoGlass, free windshield replacements and News in the states of Florida & Arizona

Invasive Peter's Rock Agama Lizard Spreads North in Florida, Raising Environmental Concerns

An invasive lizard from Africa, now settled in South Florida, has been spotted migrating up the coast of the Sunshine State. The Peter's rock agama has reached parts of Central Florida, with residents of West Melbourne noting the presence of these red-headed reptiles.

"I saw the head. It is red, and it’s pretty abnormal, and I have never seen a lizard that big," resident Jingchen Bi told FOX35 Orlando.

Ken Gioeli, a natural resources extension agent with the University of Florida, referred to the lizards’ northward movement as "the invasion front."

"They’re causing some impact to the environment, but we still don’t yet have a total handle on what it is that they’re doing," Gioeli explained.

First documented in Florida in 1976, the Peter’s rock agama has established itself in 20 counties, from Monroe to Volusia, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The species is native to tropical, sub-Saharan Africa.

The lizards' size and high population densities could affect other species by preying on natives and competing for resources, wildlife officials said. The FWC notes that the species primarily feeds on ants, grasshoppers, crickets, and other insects but has also been observed eating snakes, lizards, birds, and small mammals.

Adult male Peter’s rock agamas can grow up to 12 inches long, while females reach lengths of 4 to 5 inches. The lizard was likely introduced to Florida through the pet trade, either as escaped or released pets.

The FWC reports that while the ecological impact of these lizards is still being studied, their full effect on the local environment remains unknown. This uncertainty has prompted further research into their behavior and interactions with native species.

The spread of the Peter’s rock agama is part of a broader issue of invasive species affecting Florida's ecosystems. These invasions often lead to competition with native wildlife for food and habitat, potentially disrupting local biodiversity. Residents are encouraged to report sightings to local wildlife authorities to help track the lizard's spread.

As for whether the growing population can be controlled, the FWC states that "eradication of established populations in Florida is likely not feasible." Despite this, efforts continue to manage and mitigate the impact of these invasive lizards on Florida's delicate ecosystems.

#1 Free Windshield Replacement Service in Arizona and Florida!

Our services include free windshield replacements, door glass, sunroof and back glass replacements on any automotive vehicle. Our service includes mobile service, that way you can enjoy and relax at the comfort of home, work or your choice of address as soon as next day.


Schedule Appointment Now or Call (813) 951-2455 to schedule today.

Areas Served in Florida

Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale, Destin, Naples, Key West, Sarasota, Pensacola, West Palm Beach, St. Augustine, FT Myers, Clearwater, Daytona Beach, St. Petersburg, Gainesville, Kissimmee, Boca Raton, Ocala, Panama City, Panama City Beach, Miami Beach, Bradenton, Cape Coral, The Villages, Palm Beach, Siesta Key, Cocoa Beach, Marco Island, Vero Beach, Port St. Lucie, Pompano Beach, Florida City, Punta Gorda, Stuart, Crystal River, Palm Coast, Port Charlotte and more!

Areas Served in Arizona

Phoenix, Sedona, Scottsdale, Mesa, Flagstaff, Tempe, Grand Canyon Village, Yuma, Chandler, Glendale, Prescott, Surprise, Kingman, Peoria, Lake Havasu City, Arizona City, Goodyear, Buckeye, Casa Grande, Page, Sierra Vista, Queen Creek and more!

We work on every year, make and model including

Acura, Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ferrari, Fiat, Ford, Freightliner, Geo, GM, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Infinity, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Lamborghini, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Maserati, Mazda, McLaren, Mercedes Benz, Mercury, Mini Cooper, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Oldsmobile, Peugeot, Pontiac, Plymouth, Porsche, Ram, Saab, Saturn, Scion, Smart Car, Subaru, Suzuki, Tesla, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo and more!

All insurance companies are accepted including

Allstate, State Farm, Geico (Government Employees Insurance Company), Progressive, USAA (United Services Automobile Association), Liberty Mutual, Nationwide, Travelers, Farmers Insurance, American Family Insurance, AAA (American Automobile Association), AIG (American International Group), Zurich Insurance Group, AXA, The Hartford, Erie Insurance, Amica Mutual Insurance, Mercury Insurance, Esurance, MetLife Auto & Home, Safeway and many , many more!

States We Service

Front Windshield Replacement, Door Glass Replacement, Back Glass Replacement, Sun Roof Replacement, Quarter Panel Replacement, Windshield Repair

AutoGlass Services Provided

Front Windshield Replacement, Door Glass Replacement, Back Glass Replacement, Sun Roof Replacement, Quarter Panel Replacement, Windshield Repair

#1 Free Windshield Replacement Service in Arizona and Florida!

Our services include free windshield replacements, door glass, sunroof and back glass replacements on any automotive vehicle. Our service includes mobile service, that way you can enjoy and relax at the comfort of home, work or your choice of address as soon as next day.


Schedule Appointment Now or Call (813) 951-2455 to schedule today.

Areas Served in Florida

Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale, Destin, Naples, Key West, Sarasota, Pensacola, West Palm Beach, St. Augustine, FT Myers, Clearwater, Daytona Beach, St. Petersburg, Gainesville, Kissimmee, Boca Raton, Ocala, Panama City, Panama City Beach, Miami Beach, Bradenton, Cape Coral, The Villages, Palm Beach, Siesta Key, Cocoa Beach, Marco Island, Vero Beach, Port St. Lucie, Pompano Beach, Florida City, Punta Gorda, Stuart, Crystal River, Palm Coast, Port Charlotte and more!

Areas Served in Arizona

Phoenix, Sedona, Scottsdale, Mesa, Flagstaff, Tempe, Grand Canyon Village, Yuma, Chandler, Glendale, Prescott, Surprise, Kingman, Peoria, Lake Havasu City, Arizona City, Goodyear, Buckeye, Casa Grande, Page, Sierra Vista, Queen Creek and more!

We work on every year, make and model including

Acura, Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ferrari, Fiat, Ford, Freightliner, Geo, GM, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Infinity, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Lamborghini, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Maserati, Mazda, McLaren, Mercedes Benz, Mercury, Mini Cooper, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Oldsmobile, Peugeot, Pontiac, Plymouth, Porsche, Ram, Saab, Saturn, Scion, Smart Car, Subaru, Suzuki, Tesla, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo and more!

All insurance companies are accepted including

Allstate, State Farm, Geico (Government Employees Insurance Company), Progressive, USAA (United Services Automobile Association), Liberty Mutual, Nationwide, Travelers, Farmers Insurance, American Family Insurance, AAA (American Automobile Association), AIG (American International Group), Zurich Insurance Group, AXA, The Hartford, Erie Insurance, Amica Mutual Insurance, Mercury Insurance, Esurance, MetLife Auto & Home, Safeway and many , many more!

States We Service

Front Windshield Replacement, Door Glass Replacement, Back Glass Replacement, Sun Roof Replacement, Quarter Panel Replacement, Windshield Repair

AutoGlass Services Provided

Front Windshield Replacement, Door Glass Replacement, Back Glass Replacement, Sun Roof Replacement, Quarter Panel Replacement, Windshield Repair

#1 Free Windshield Replacement Service in Arizona and Florida!

Our services include free windshield replacements, door glass, sunroof and back glass replacements on any automotive vehicle. Our service includes mobile service, that way you can enjoy and relax at the comfort of home, work or your choice of address as soon as next day.


Schedule Appointment Now or Call (813) 951-2455 to schedule today.

Areas Served in Florida

Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale, Destin, Naples, Key West, Sarasota, Pensacola, West Palm Beach, St. Augustine, FT Myers, Clearwater, Daytona Beach, St. Petersburg, Gainesville, Kissimmee, Boca Raton, Ocala, Panama City, Panama City Beach, Miami Beach, Bradenton, Cape Coral, The Villages, Palm Beach, Siesta Key, Cocoa Beach, Marco Island, Vero Beach, Port St. Lucie, Pompano Beach, Florida City, Punta Gorda, Stuart, Crystal River, Palm Coast, Port Charlotte and more!

Areas Served in Arizona

Phoenix, Sedona, Scottsdale, Mesa, Flagstaff, Tempe, Grand Canyon Village, Yuma, Chandler, Glendale, Prescott, Surprise, Kingman, Peoria, Lake Havasu City, Arizona City, Goodyear, Buckeye, Casa Grande, Page, Sierra Vista, Queen Creek and more!

We work on every year, make and model including

Acura, Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Chrysler, Dodge, Ferrari, Fiat, Ford, Freightliner, Geo, GM, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Infinity, Jaguar, Jeep, Kia, Lamborghini, Land Rover, Lexus, Lincoln, Maserati, Mazda, McLaren, Mercedes Benz, Mercury, Mini Cooper, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Oldsmobile, Peugeot, Pontiac, Plymouth, Porsche, Ram, Saab, Saturn, Scion, Smart Car, Subaru, Suzuki, Tesla, Toyota, Volkswagen, Volvo and more!

All insurance companies are accepted including

Allstate, State Farm, Geico (Government Employees Insurance Company), Progressive, USAA (United Services Automobile Association), Liberty Mutual, Nationwide, Travelers, Farmers Insurance, American Family Insurance, AAA (American Automobile Association), AIG (American International Group), Zurich Insurance Group, AXA, The Hartford, Erie Insurance, Amica Mutual Insurance, Mercury Insurance, Esurance, MetLife Auto & Home, Safeway and many , many more!

States We Service

Front Windshield Replacement, Door Glass Replacement, Back Glass Replacement, Sun Roof Replacement, Quarter Panel Replacement, Windshield Repair

AutoGlass Services Provided

Front Windshield Replacement, Door Glass Replacement, Back Glass Replacement, Sun Roof Replacement, Quarter Panel Replacement, Windshield Repair

Invasive Peter's Rock Agama Lizard Spreads North in Florida, Raising Environmental Concerns

An invasive lizard from Africa, now settled in South Florida, has been spotted migrating up the coast of the Sunshine State. The Peter's rock agama has reached parts of Central Florida, with residents of West Melbourne noting the presence of these red-headed reptiles.

"I saw the head. It is red, and it’s pretty abnormal, and I have never seen a lizard that big," resident Jingchen Bi told FOX35 Orlando.

Ken Gioeli, a natural resources extension agent with the University of Florida, referred to the lizards’ northward movement as "the invasion front."

"They’re causing some impact to the environment, but we still don’t yet have a total handle on what it is that they’re doing," Gioeli explained.

First documented in Florida in 1976, the Peter’s rock agama has established itself in 20 counties, from Monroe to Volusia, according to the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). The species is native to tropical, sub-Saharan Africa.

The lizards' size and high population densities could affect other species by preying on natives and competing for resources, wildlife officials said. The FWC notes that the species primarily feeds on ants, grasshoppers, crickets, and other insects but has also been observed eating snakes, lizards, birds, and small mammals.

Adult male Peter’s rock agamas can grow up to 12 inches long, while females reach lengths of 4 to 5 inches. The lizard was likely introduced to Florida through the pet trade, either as escaped or released pets.

The FWC reports that while the ecological impact of these lizards is still being studied, their full effect on the local environment remains unknown. This uncertainty has prompted further research into their behavior and interactions with native species.

The spread of the Peter’s rock agama is part of a broader issue of invasive species affecting Florida's ecosystems. These invasions often lead to competition with native wildlife for food and habitat, potentially disrupting local biodiversity. Residents are encouraged to report sightings to local wildlife authorities to help track the lizard's spread.

As for whether the growing population can be controlled, the FWC states that "eradication of established populations in Florida is likely not feasible." Despite this, efforts continue to manage and mitigate the impact of these invasive lizards on Florida's delicate ecosystems.

Blogs & News

Stay up to date on all AutoGlass, free windshield replacements and News in the states of Florida & Arizona

Blogs & News

Stay up to date on all AutoGlass, free windshield replacements and News in the states of Florida & Arizona