Origin Ameiva ameiva is native to Central and South America. South American ground lizards were introduced to the United States as escaped pets from the pet trade. Life Cycle South American ground lizards are brown and green in coloration for both sexes. They are a medium-sized lizard with a weight of 2 oz (60 g) and a length of 4.7-5.1 in. (120-130 mm). A. ameiva primarily consumes invertebrates. Sexual maturity is reached when individuals reach a length of 3.9 in. (100 mm) or approximately 8 months after hatching. During reproduction, females lay eggs and incubate for about 5 months with young hatching typically during the rainy season. South American ground lizards are diurnal and solitary with not much else know about their behavior. Distribution A. ameiva are established in south Florida. Control Efforts South American ground lizards can harbor diseases and are aggressive. https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Ameiva_ameiva/