Green Iguana (Iguana iguana)
At over four feet from the end of the nose to the tip of the tail, the green iguana is the largest lizard in the Virgin Islands. They are vegetarians that typically graze on leaves and flowers. However, they can include a wide range of foods in their diet, especially as juveniles.
It is believed that green iguanas were brought from South America by indigenous people to be used as food. Today, most Virgin Islanders would balk at iguana on the dinner menu.
Non-confrontational by nature, iguanas can be quite formidable when threatened. They can deliver a painful bite or strike with a whip-like motion of their roughened tails.
Anole (Anolis cristatellus)
Small relatives of the green iguana, anoles are perhaps the most commonly observed reptile in the Virgin Islands. Several species are found throughout the islands. These lizards eat insects and are typically territorial. They can often be found in the same locations from day to day, sometimes even within peoples’ homes.
Anoles signal to each other by extending the dewlap (a colorful flap of skin beneath the chin). Anoles use this to impress members of the opposite sex and to intimidate intruders in the lizard’s territory.
Cotton Ginner (Sphaerodactylus macrolepis)
Cotton Ginners are small geckos that can be found hunting insects in leaf litter and under debris. They are one of the smallest lizard species in the world. They are also known as dwarf geckos.
Although they are very abundant in the Virgin Islands and active during the day, they are not commonly seen due to their small size (one to two inches) and secretive ways.
Unlike other lizards, geckos do not have eyelids. Like snakes, the eyes are protected by clear scales, which the gecko licks to clean.
Woodslave (Hemidactylus mabouia)
Originally from Africa, it is believed that woodslaves came to the Virgin Islands by traveling on ships that carried slaves.
These geckos are experts at catching insects and can frequently be found crawling on walls near lights at night and eating the insects that the lights attract.
Woodslaves are able to cling to smooth surfaces by having scales on their feet which are edged with tiny hooks. These hooks grasp the smallest irregularities.
The females lay small round eggs with hard white shells that are often found behind furniture and books or in other dark corners around the house.
Ground Lizard (Ameiva exsul)
Ground lizards are typically active during the hottest times of day. They are most often found in open areas in bright sunlight near man-made structures.
The eat a variety of foods such as insects, small frogs and lizards, carrion and fruits. They can reach a total length of about one to two feet.
Ground Snake (Arrhyton exiguus)
Like all species of snakes in the Virgin Islands, the ground snake is non-venomous and harmless to humans. Ground snakes are expecially tame and rarely bite, even when caught by people or house cats.
The snakes grow to over a foot in length and eat frogs and small lizards, as well as their eggs. Females lay 6-18 eggs in protected areas such as loose soil beneath logs.
Blind Snake (Typhlops richardii)
Also known as worm snakes, blind snakes are secretive Virgin Islands residents. They resemble large worms 5-10 inches in length. These harmless snakes spend most of their lives underground.
Their name can be misleading, for although their eyes are very small, the are quite well developed. Their teeth are greatly reduced and they feed on insects such as ants and termites. A blind snake feeds by crushing an insect, releasing the juices into the mouth, then discarding the solid part of the meal.
Although they can be common in moist areas, these snakes are rarely observed due to their choice of habitat, relatively small size, and nondescript appearance.
Red-Footed Tortoise (Geochelone carbonaria)
Also known as morocoy, the red-footed tortoise is the only non-marine turtle native to the Virgin Islands. It occurs throughout much of tropical South America as well as many islands in the Lesser Antilles.
It is believed that the tortoise originated in South America and was spread throughout the Caribbean by indigenous people who kept tortoises as pets and for food.
Juveniles are only two inches long, while adults can reach lengths of up to 18 inches. Their diet is broad, ranging from leaves and fruit to rotten meat and fish.