Green Anole (Lizard)
Anolis carolinensis • Note: This is not a snake. Status: Kingdom Animalia, Phylum Chordata, Class Reptilia, Order Squamata, Suborder Iguania, Family Dactyloidae, Genus Anolis, Species A. carolinensis.
Southeastern United States, from North Carolina to Florida and west to Texas; introduced in Hawaii and parts of Japan.
Look up Green Anole (Lizard) in the Snake Encyclopedia →Venomous Status
Non-venomous
Danger Level
Harmless - poses no threat to humans; bite is weak and rarely breaks skin.
Family
Note: This is not a snake. Status: Kingdom Animalia, Phylum Chordata, Class Reptilia, Order Squamata, Suborder Iguania, Family Dactyloidae, Genus Anolis, Species A. carolinensis.
Conservation
Least Concern (IUCN). Population is stable but faces competition from the invasive Brown Anole in some regions.
Physical Description
A slender lizard with a pointed snout and movable eyelids. Capable of changing color from bright green to dark brown. Possesses a pink or red dewlap (throat fan) in males.
Size & Dimensions
Typically 5 to 8 inches (13-20 cm) in total length, including the long tail. Specimen pictured appears to be a mature adult.
Habitat
Arboreal and semi-arboreal, frequently found in forests, parks, and residential gardens. Prefers humid environments with high foliage density.
Behavior & Temperament
Diurnal, active hunter. Males are territorial and display by bobbing their heads and extending their dewlaps. Generally shy around humans.
Diet & Feeding
Insectivorous, eating spiders, crickets, flies, and other small invertebrates through active foraging and ambush.
Reproduction
Oviparous. Females lay a single egg every two weeks during the breeding season (April to August).
Venom Profile
Non-venomous - no medically significant venom.
Look-alikes
Brown Anole (Anolis sagrei), which has distinct ridge markings and cannot turn green. Often mistaken for a 'chameleon' due to color-changing abilities.
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN). Population is stable but faces competition from the invasive Brown Anole in some regions.
Cultural Significance
Commonly sold as 'American Chameleons' in the pet trade. Important for pest control in suburban gardens.
Notable Features
Known for the ability to change color based on mood and temperature, and the ability to autotomize (drop) its tail to escape predators.