Lizards - Orchid Board

Lilac · #1 10-12-2013, 04:19 PM

I noticed the other night a small lizard darting around on the orchids. They are all outside on the porch as I live in the tropics. Some are hanging from a rack and some are in pots on the shelves.

I haven't noticed any damage to leaves, but I think the bark medium is being disturbed, not sure yet. But it seems to look like something's been in it.

Has anyone had any experience with lizards in their orchids? Should I be worried?

Cym Ladye · #2 10-12-2013, 04:27 PM

In my experience, lizards are beneficial to an orchid collection in acting as a natural predator for insects of all types.

CL

Lilac · #3 10-12-2013, 05:15 PM

Thanks Cym Ladye! Glad to hear that! I was beginning to worry

King_of_orchid_growing:) · #4 10-12-2013, 05:47 PM

Depending on the lizard species, they lay their eggs by burying them in the potting media.

Lilac · #5 10-12-2013, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

Depending on the lizard species, they lay their eggs by burying them in the potting media.

Uh oh! Then the hatchlings will or might eat at the root systems!

Paul · #6 10-13-2013, 11:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lilac

Uh oh! Then the hatchlings will or might eat at the root systems!

As others have mentioned ... highly unlikely -- I'd even say impossible. All the fossorial (live life underground) dwelling lizards are carnivores/insectivores. Those that live above ground and lay their eggs underground do so only to provide a stable favorable environment for their eggs and to hide the eggs from predators. Hatchlings surface soon after breaking shell.

Odds are your lizards are either some type of anole gecko -- though without a photo that is just an educated guess. Neither pose any threat to your plants.

Quote:

Originally Posted by King_of_orchid_growing:)

@Kevin - I no longer need any snails. Got enough to feed the snake with. The time I had posted that request was during an unusual shortage and I used to have 2 Slug Eating Snakes. I now have 1. The other snake probably died from being kept too warm during the summer from a faulty air conditioner.

Must admit, I'm surprised you have been able to find enough snails of appropriate size to do that. There are some beautiful molluscivores out there, but their dietary needs make them impossible for most folks.

Too bad about losing the one snake. I assume both were wild caught imports? If so, the one that died may have also had a parasite load as a contributing factor.

Orchid Whisperer · #7 10-14-2013, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lilac

Uh oh! Then the hatchlings will or might eat at the root systems!

No. I would not be worried about this. Those small lizards are all insect eaters.

Although they could potentially lay eggs in orchid media, this is very unlikely to happen. The presence of the lizards is beneficial, nothing to be concerned about.

kindrag23 · #8 10-12-2013, 06:18 PM

No I dont think so they may come out munching on the bugs that may be in it.

---------- Post added at 05:18 PM ---------- Previous post was at 05:17 PM ----------

Ahhh and if they did lay eggs you may have your own army of bug fighting squads!!

Bloomin_Aussie · #9 10-12-2013, 06:24 PM

Besides, who doesn't love a baby lizard?

Bud · #10 10-12-2013, 06:25 PM

Lizards are a welcome sight for me....they not only eat the bugs they also eat the eggs on the mix....if they happen to lay their own eggs then good....I have an army of bug eaters....they also go to the mix to drink some dew or moisture= it was always a puzzle to me at dusk when they come down from the ceiling to kiss the ground....but they were drinking after all. Now I want a predator for slugs and snails....