Green Anole
Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Reptilia Order: Squamata Family: Dactyloidae Genus: Anolis
Species: Anolis carolinensis
The Green Anole, also known as the American Chameleon, is a small yet stunning lizard that has the ability to change color. It can change its scales from green to brown and back again based on its environment, temperature, or even emotions. Because of this, it is a master at camouflage, and it relies on this skill when it hunts by sitting still and waiting for an unsuspecting insect to venture into its territory. If handled, the Green Anole may thrash about, and bite. It has a large mouth for its size, but it rarely breaks the skin. Males have a large, red flap of skin under their throat known as a dewlap, and they use this to show off to females, ward off other males, and communicate. The Green Anole can generally be found in areas with dense vegetation. They sun themselves in the open but they are always near a crevice or underbrush to retreat into. Its tail may fall off if pulled, and although it grows back, it will be shorter than the first.
Conservation status: Least concern
Description: Slender body, long tail, and distinctive red or pink throat fan on males (smaller and lighter on females); males are 15 percent larger than females and can extend a pronounced dorsal ridge behind the head; females have a prominent white stripe running down their back that most males lack; This species can morph their color from a bright green to a dark brown
Size: Ranges from 5 to 8 inches in length
Diet: Small insects such as crickets, flies, grasshoppers, and other arthropods
Habitat: Brushy clearings and edges of forests with abundant plants and sunlight
Defensive behavior: Will run away when approached; thrashes wildly and bites if harassed; tail may fall off if pulled
Credit source: Animal Diversity Web
