Animal Profiles
Reptiles

Anole Lizard

Anolis

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Anoles are climbing lizards. This account focuses on the green anole (Anolis carolinensis), a day-active species native to the southeastern United States.

Green anole (Anolis carolinensis), the representative species, photographed in its introduced range in Hilo, Hawaii.

Green anole (Anolis carolinensis), the representative species, photographed in its introduced range in Hilo, Hawaii.

Paul Hirst ( Phirst ) · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
Green anoles occupy trees, shrubs and tall vegetation in the southeastern United States. They also perch on fences and buildings. Introduced populations occur outside their native range, including Hawaii.
Habitat
Temperate forest, Towns and cities
Diet
Insectivore
Food
Insects and other small invertebrates provide most meals. An anole may wait on a perch before striking at nearby prey. Males defend territories and combine head movements with dewlap displays during courtship.

Classification

Common name
Anole Lizard
Browse group
Reptiles
Scientific name or taxon
Anolis
Taxon rank
genus
Family
Dactyloidae
Genus
Anolis
Source classification
Reptilia

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • Green anoles hunt during the day.
  • Males display a throat fan called a dewlap.
  • Their colour can change between green and brown.

Habitat and range

Green anoles occupy trees, shrubs and tall vegetation in the southeastern United States. They also perch on fences and buildings. Introduced populations occur outside their native range, including Hawaii.

Appearance and adaptations

A long tail and slender body suit movement through vegetation. Skin can change between green and brown shades. Males display a pinkish throat fan, called a dewlap, during social encounters.

Diet and behaviour

Insects and other small invertebrates provide most meals. An anole may wait on a perch before striking at nearby prey. Males defend territories and combine head movements with dewlap displays during courtship.

Sources

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