Green Anole - Anolis Carolinensis - NatureWorks

Characteristics

Green AnoleThe green anole is five to eight inches in length. It has a sharp nose, a narrow head, a slender body and a long, skinny tail. It has pads on its feet that help it climb, run on and cling to lots of different surfaces. It has a white belly and lips, very long hind legs, and moveable eyelids. Its eyes can move independent of each other.

Green AnoleOn most green anole, the eyes are surrounded by a thin turquoise border. The green anole is normally bright green, but it can change its color to brownish-green or dark brown in seconds.

It is sometimes call the American chameleon because it can change color, but it is not a true chameleon. The green anole changes color because of changes in temperature, humidity, health and mood, not to blend into its background. Males have a pink or red throat fan or dewlap.

Range

mapThe green anole can be found in the Southeastern United States from southern Virginia to the Florida Keys and west to Central Texas and Oklahoma.

It has been introduced to Hawaii.

Habitat
Green AnoleThe green anole lives in habitats with very high humidity. It can be found in swamps, forests, wooded beaches and other areas with trees. It may also be found in parks and yards. The green anole is often found basking in the sun as it clings to trees, shrubs, vines, palm fronds, fence posts and walls.

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