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Green anole

Anolis carolinensis

Photo by MaryEvans2
Published on Project Noah
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30.4381, -84.2809

Field Notes

Description:

5 - 8 in (12 - 20 cm). May be either green or brown depending on environmental conditions. When brown, may have faint markings on the back. Males have a pinkish throat fan that is displayed in territorial rivalries or when approaching a potential mate. The green anole is most easily distinguished form the similar brown anole (Anolis sagrei) by green or lightly patterned brown coloration, pinkish throat fan, and by range.
third image is a green anole, that turned brown to blend in better with its surroundings.

Habitat:

The green anole is a common lizard throughout Georgia and South Carolina, but is absent from some areas in the mountains. Anoles are generally arboreal (living in trees) but can be found almost anywhere. Anoles are commonly found in suburban or even urban areas and can often be seen perched on fences and rooftops.
Anoles eat a wide variety of insects, spiders, and other invertebrates

Notes:

The anole's ability to change color has given it the nickname chameleon; however, this species' color changing abilities are not nearly as sophisticated as the true chameleons which inhabit the old world. Although the green anole is the only anole species native to the U.S., several other species have been introduced in Florida and are expanding their ranges northward.
They are often kept as pets or left to roam free inside of homes since they are harmless and keep the flies and other pests down.

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (8)

LOL @williamraysanchez Now that I would like to see :)
Thank you both alice and Nopayahnah - the second photo you can also see the scars from a recent fight (most likely over a mate). He displayed his throat fan, off and on for a few moments. I think he was celebrating his victory. or trying to get my attention lol
especially like the second photo showing the throat fan. Did you have to wait long for that to happen?
Thank you Gerardo - these are my favorite lizards and models as they are everywhere :)

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