Reptile
Green Anole
Anolis carolinensisAlso known as Carolina Anole, American Chameleon, Red-throated Anole
Green anoles are agile, tree-dwelling lizards famous for shifting color between vibrant emerald green and dark brown depending on temperature, stress, and humidity. Males defend territories by bobbing their heads and extending a bright pink dewlap beneath their throats to court females and intimidate rivals. While native to the southeastern United States, their populations in lower foliage have declined where invasive brown anoles push them higher into the forest canopy.
ArborealDiurnalColor-Changing
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & preyCrickets, Spiders, Flies
Predators
- Birds
- Snakes
- Domestic cats
ThreatsHabitat loss and competition with invasive brown anoles
HabitatsSubtropical forests, shrublands, residential gardens, and urban parks
Life span3–6 years in the wild
Classification
- FamilyDactyloidae
- GenusAnolis
- SpeciesAnolis carolinensis
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Spotting: Scan sunny leaves, fences, and garden walls during warm mornings.
- Watching Displays: Look for males extending their bright pink dewlap and bobbing their heads.
- Gentle Observation: Maintain a few steps of distance to prevent scaring them higher into trees.
Invasive Competitor Nosferattus / CC0 · cc0
Close Relative (c) Sandra H Statner, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Sandra H Statner · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Jennifer Aitkens, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
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