Anolis carolinensis

A green lizard. A brown lizard. Which is it? The Carolina anole, a species abundant in the Coastal Plain and southern Piedmont, can change colors from bright green to dull olive to brown or gray. Often mistaken for chameleons, anoles actually are members of the iguana family. This five- to eight-inch lizard changes color according to mood and to regulate body temperature by minimizing or maximizing heat absorption, turning brown in cooler temperatures. The highly territorial males display bright red dewlaps on their throats and bob their heads to attract mates, as well as to dissuade other males from entering their territory.

Cool Links:

North Carolina Aquariums - Find out whether North Carolina has chameleons.

Great pictures and field notes - Wild Herps.com.

back to Nature Notebook