American Chameleons - Anoles

American Chameleons - Anoles

Green Anole 

This green, six-inch lizard is one of the most abundant animals in the southeast. It can be seen on almost any warm day even in the winter months. The most amazing feature of this lizard is its ability to change from a dark brown to a vivid green color. This mechanism probably has more to do with temperature or mood than it does with matching its background for camouflage. Male Anoles have a large red or pink throat fan called a dewlap used to defend their territory from rival males and possibly to attract females. This dewlap display is often accompanied by head bobbing and “pushups.” Like other lizards, it feeds on a variety of invertebrates including insects and spiders. It poses no danger to humans and is actually a beneficial species feeding on pests.

Brown Anole

1. Anoles belong to the genus Anolis, the same family as iguanas. Even though they can rapidly change color, anoles are not in the same family as chameleons, which are native to Africa and Madagascar.

2. Three pronunciations are common and acceptable: uh-no’-lee, an’-ole, or uh-nole’.

3. Anoles have long toes with claws and adhesive toepads, enabling them to climb up almost any surface.

4. Both male and female anoles have dewlaps, but the male’s is larger. Dewlaps are used for threats, courtship, and defending territory. Doing “push-ups” is another threat display.

5. Mature male anoles may display a crest, called a roach, that runs down their backs and is used to impress other males when competing for territory or for females.

6. Anoles shed skin in pieces, like people peeling after a sunburn, rather than all at once like snakes. Anoles recycle (eat) the flakes, a good source of minerals.

7. There are over 200 species of anoles found in North and Central America; 11 are found in Florida but only two are regularly found in Corkscrew (so far).

8. Anoles do not change color for camouflage but because of temperature or as a form of communication; for Green Anoles, green is keen and brown is down when two males fight, the winner turns bright green while the loser turns brown 

9. Green and Brown Anoles are not natural enemies; until the 1970’s, Greens were the only anoles in Southwest Florida and expanded to ground habitats; with the introduction of Browns, they are returning to their natural canopy habitat.

10. As a defense mechanism, brown anoles can detach most of their tails when pursued or captured. The piece that breaks off will continue to move, hopefully distracting the predator and allowing the anole to escape.