Peter’s rock agama is one of the most eye-catching nonnative lizards now established in Florida.

Breeding males can show a vivid orange or red head, a dark indigo-blue to black body and a multicolored tail with pale blue, orange and black sections.

Females, juveniles and non-breeding males are much less dramatic, often appearing brownish with rough scales and pale markings.

The species is native to tropical sub-Saharan Africa, not Florida.

Florida wildlife officials say it was first documented in the state in 1976 and has since established populations across multiple counties in southern, southwestern and central Florida.

Agamas commonly bask on concrete, rocks, walls and other sunny surfaces, then dart into cracks or cover when approached.

The bright red head can make people think they have discovered a completely new Florida reptile.

In reality, established populations have been present for decades and are linked largely to escaped or released pets.

They eat ants, grasshoppers, crickets, beetles and other insects, but larger individuals can also take small lizards, snakes, birds and mammals.

That broad diet creates concern about competition with and predation on small native wildlife.

FWC encourages reports of nonnative wildlife, but it does not need repeated agama reports from counties where the species is already established.

A sighting in a new area or outside a known population is more useful because it may help document spread.

Peter’s rock agamas are not protected as native wildlife in Florida, although anti-cruelty laws still apply.

They are regulated as Class III wildlife for exhibition or sale, while a permit is not required simply to keep one as a personal pet.

What is never legal or responsible is releasing a pet agama into the wild.

Florida’s Exotic Pet Amnesty Program provides a rehoming path for nonnative pets that owners can no longer keep.

The Wild Suncoast clue: a red-orange head on a dark blue-bodied lizard basking on pavement strongly suggests an adult male Peter’s rock agama.