The "American chameleon" — the only anole native to the US, capable of changing from bright green to brown based on temperature, mood, and stress (NOT camouflage). Now competing with invasive Cuban brown anoles across much of the Southeast.
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
Anolis carolinensis or green anole is a tree-dwelling species of anole lizard native to the southeastern United States and introduced to islands in the Pacific and Caribbean. A small to medium-sized lizard, the green anole is a trunk-crown ecomorph and can change its color to several shades from brown to green.
Source: Wikipedia — Anolis carolinensis Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Slender lizard with pointed snout; adhesive toe pads.
Similar species. Cuban Knight Anole (much larger). Brown Anole (smaller).
Voice. N/A; pink throat-fan display is primary communication.
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. Insects (caterpillars, spiders, beetles, ants).
Behavior. Famously color-changing. Males do push-up displays.
§ Range
Southeastern US from North Carolina to Texas
§ Habitat
Trees, shrubs, fences, gardens, building exteriors
§ Threats
Displacement by invasive Cuban brown anoles, pesticides, predation by outdoor cats.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the green anole is currently classified as Least Concern.
§ What helps
Don't release pet anoles. Maintain native shrubs and ground cover. Keep cats indoors.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Anolis carolinensis
- www.nwf.org — authoritative profile of Anolis carolinensis
- IUCN Red List · taxon 178243
- iNaturalist · taxon 36504
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Anolis carolinensis
§ Sources cited
- NWF Wildlife Guide
- Anole Annals
- iNaturalist
- IUCN Red List 2010
