With the green anole, it's now you see it, now you don't. This active reptile runs through grass, hops through shrubs, climbs trees and even scales slick surfaces. Wherever it is, this quick-change artist can easily hide itself from view by changing the color of its skin, much like the way a chameleon does. This tricky lizard is also an avid insect hunter, plus it can display a terrible temper around other anoles.
Wall Climber: This lizard can climb on almost anything it likes. A combination of small claws and sticky pads on its toes help it cling to any surface in any position, even hanging upside down on glass!
Hop, Skip & Jump: Whether hunting down insects or escaping from predators, green anoles are nimble little lizards. This creature can leap from a leaf to a blade of grass, then scurry up a tree trunk in seconds; its long tail gives it great balance.
Colorful Character[]
The male green anole shows off his red dewlap when he wants to attract a female.
Like magic, the green anole can change the color of its scales. If it strays into areas where it needs to hide, it changes its color to blend in with its habitat. The lizard automatically darkens when it moves from a green leaf of step to a brown branch so its many enemies (and potential prey) can't see it. The lizard will also change to an extremely dark shade when it's low on energy and needs to absorb heat (dark colors absorb sunlight better). Also, the anole will become nearly black to show others that it's in a dark, bad mood.
Seeing Red: One of the most surprising things to see a green anole do is unfold the bright red flap of skin on its neck, called a dewlap. Only males have these, and they display them to intimidate rivals, attract females and startle enemies with a sudden flash of color.
Green to Brown: Green anoles are becoming harder to find because brown anoles are taking over their habitat. Native to Cuba, brown anoles are more aggressive, and often drive green anoles into smaller and smaller territories in the areas they share.
Temper, Temper[]
- As a male green anole is sunning itself on a branch, it sees another male anole approaching. It bobs its head up and down in a show of aggression, and unfolds its bright red dewlap to warn away its rival.
- The invading anole won't back away, which leads to a furious battle. The two lizards chase around the tree, inflicting minor wounds on each other with bites and scratches. Only when one tires and runs away will the fight end.