Animal of the Day #6

Today’s animal is... the Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis)!!

The green anole is a small arboreal lizard native to much of North America. It is found mostly in the southern subtropical parts of the continent, like the Atlantic coast plains, North and South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, among other places. The species has also been introduced to many places in the Pacific and Caribbean.

                        Distribution map of the green anole

Green anoles are sexually dimorphic, meaning males and females of the species look different. Male green anoles are typically 15% larger than female green anoles and have a larger, more brightly colored dewlap (throat fan). Adult male green anoles are 4.9–8 inches long, 60–70% of this length being tail. Green anoles can be green or brown, depending on the conditions. Female and juvenile green anoles also have a white strip along their backs.

The diet of the green anole is primarily small insects like crickets, grasshoppers, flies, or other arthropods. Occasionally, they will feed on mollusks, grains, and seeds.

Some facts about the green anole:

• The green anole is listed as of least concern and stable on the IUCN red list.

• Though it isn't considered typical behavior, anoles have been observed preying on smaller reptiles.

• Anoles have autonomic tails (tails that can break off and regrow).

• Green anoles are kept as house pets.

    Two male green anoles      A male green anole with   A female green anole

      showing aggression          an extended dewlap      with brown coloration

comment below if you have any animals you'd like to see in the future! :]