Reptiles
Curly-Tailed Lizard
Leiocephalus · also called curly-tailed lizards
A curly-tailed lizard freezes on a sunny rock, then curls its tail up and forward over its back in a tight, deliberate spiral, a posture unlike almost anything else in the lizard world. The likely message is simple and a little unnerving for whatever predator is watching: I already see you, so there is no point pretending otherwise.
Overview
The curly-tailed lizard, genus Leiocephalus, is a fast-moving ground lizard native to Cuba, the Bahamas, and other Caribbean islands, with some species also introduced to Florida. Its signature curled-tail posture likely signals to predators that it has already been spotted.
A signal with more than one job
Beyond its probable role discouraging predator pursuit, the same distinctive tail curl also shows up during territorial encounters with other curly-tailed lizards, suggesting this single unusual posture carries more than one social meaning depending on who is watching.
Status
Least Concern — common and widespread across its native Caribbean range, with several species also successfully established in parts of Florida.
Curly-Tailed Lizard: common questions
Why does a curly-tailed lizard curl its tail over its back?
Researchers generally interpret a curly-tailed lizard's distinctive tail-curling behaviour as a pursuit-deterrent signal, communicating to a nearby predator that it has already been noticed, which may discourage the predator from wasting energy on a chase it is now less likely to succeed at since the element of surprise has been lost.
Are curly-tailed lizards found in the United States?
Yes, while curly-tailed lizard species are native to Cuba, the Bahamas, and other Caribbean islands, several species have also been deliberately introduced to parts of Florida, in some cases specifically to help control populations of pest insects, and these introduced populations have generally established successfully.
Does a curly-tailed lizard only curl its tail to avoid predators?
No, in addition to its likely role as a predator deterrent signal, a curly-tailed lizard's tail-curling behaviour is also used during territorial displays and interactions with other curly-tailed lizards, suggesting the distinctive posture serves more than one social or defensive function depending on the situation.
What kind of habitat does a curly-tailed lizard prefer?
A curly-tailed lizard generally favours open, sunny ground, rocky outcrops, sandy areas, and low coastal vegetation, habitat types well suited to its fast, active foraging style and consistent with the coastal and forest edge conditions typical of much of its native Caribbean range.