The green anole, scientifically known as Anolis carolinensis, is a familiar sight across the southeastern United States. This tree-dwelling lizard is often called the Carolina anole, American green anole, or even the American chameleon due to its ability to change color. It is a common species found in various habitats, from natural woodlands to suburban yards. Its distinctive appearance and widespread presence make it one of the most recognized lizards in the region.
Identifying the Green Anole
This lizard measures between 12 to 20 centimeters (5 to 8 inches) in total length, with its long, slender tail accounting for over half of its body length. It possesses a narrow head with a pointed snout and specialized toe pads that aid in climbing and clinging to various surfaces. The eyes can move independently, allowing for a wide field of vision.
Its ability to change color, ranging from bright green to various shades of brown, olive, or yellowish, is influenced by temperature, humidity, stress levels, and mood, not solely for camouflage. Males feature a prominent, extendable throat fan called a dewlap, which is usually pink, though it can sometimes appear grayish or greenish. The dewlap is significantly larger in males compared to females, who have much smaller dewlaps that they rarely use.
The dewlap plays a role in communication and display. Males extend and retract their dewlaps with head bobs and “push-up” movements to signal intent. These displays attract mates, establish and defend territories from rival males, and respond to threats. The dewlap’s ability to reflect both ultraviolet and long-wavelength light also helps ensure clear communication in various light conditions.
Habitat and Behavior
The green anole is an arboreal lizard, living in trees and shrubs. Its natural habitat includes swamps, forests, and wooded areas, but it adapts to human-modified environments like parks, gardens, fences, and walls. These lizards often bask in sunny spots on vegetation to maintain their body temperature.
The green anole’s diet consists of insects and other small invertebrates. They are opportunistic carnivores, feeding on prey like spiders, flies, crickets, beetles, moths, slugs, and worms. Green anoles are active foragers, constantly moving through their arboreal environment in search of prey, and they primarily react to the movement of potential food items. During cooler weather, they may seek refuge under tree bark, shingles, or rotten logs.
Green anoles exhibit territorial behaviors, especially males. Males establish and patrol their territories, using visual displays like head bobbing, push-ups, and dewlap extensions to assert dominance and ward off other males. Females also consider a male’s territory size and dominance when selecting a mate. Breeding occurs from March to September, with females laying single eggs in moist soil or rotten wood, often laying one egg every two weeks during the warm months.
Green Anole Versus Brown Anole
Distinguishing the native Anolis carolinensis (Green Anole) from the invasive Anolis sagrei (Brown Anole) is a common challenge, as both species often inhabit the same regions. Green anoles can change their color to brown, but brown anoles are never green. If a lizard is consistently green, it is likely Anolis carolinensis.
Beyond coloration, other features help differentiate the two species. The green anole has a longer, more pointed snout compared to the brown anole’s shorter head. The dewlap color also differs: male green anoles display a pink dewlap, whereas male brown anoles have an orange or yellow-red dewlap. Female brown anoles have a distinct pattern of diamonds, bars, or a stripe down their back, which is less common in green anoles. Brown anoles are found closer to the ground, while green anoles occupy higher perches in trees.