Green Anole
Anolis carolinensis

This green, six inch lizard is one of the most abundant animals in the southeast. It can be seen on almost any warm day even in the winter months. The most amazing feature of this lizard is its ability to change from a dark brown to a vivid green color. This mechanism probably has more to do with temperature or mood than it does with matching its background for camouflage. Male Anoles have a large red or pink throat fan called a dewlap used to defend their territory from rival males and possibly to attract females. This dewlap display is often accompanied by head bobbing and "pushups." Like other lizards in our area, it feeds on a variety of invertebrates including insects and spiders. It poses no danger to humans and is actually a beneficial species feeding on pests.

Green Anole 

This information is provided as a public service by the Savannah River Ecology Laboratory Outreach Program.