From the Herald-Tribune:

There are lizards on Siesta Key — and we’re not talking about bling-laden 50-somethings lounging around the island’s nightspots.

What scientists refer to as a reproducing colony of black spiny-tailed iguanas has established itself along Midnight Pass Road south of Siesta Key Beach. Previously, these colonies had only been found in Venice, Englewood and Manasota Key.

The invasion of reptiles — not just iguanas, but also the more muscular and often nastier monitor lizards and even pythons — is extending northward based on reported sightings and may be on the verge of a major population explosion, said Meg Lowman, director of environmental initiatives at New College of Florida.

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How to Identify Invasive Reptiles in SW Florida Power Point slideshow compiled by Ecology students at New College of Florida.

Invasive reptiles covered in this guide:

• Black Spiny-Tailed Iguana (Ctenosaura similis)
• Brown Basilisk (Basiliscus vittatis)
• Burmese Python (Python molurus bivittatus)
• Nile Monitor (Varanus niloticus or Varanus niloticus ornatus)
• Savannah Monitor (Varanus exanthematicus)