Green Anole (Lizard - Not a Snake)
Anolis carolinensis • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Iguania, Family: Dactyloidae, Subfamily: Anolinae, Genus: Anolis, Species: A. carolinensis (Note: This is a lizard, not a snake)
Southeastern United States, from North Carolina to Florida and west to Texas and Oklahoma; also introduced in Hawaii, Ogasawara Islands, and Guam.
Look up Green Anole (Lizard - Not a Snake) in the Snake Encyclopedia →Venomous Status
Non-venomous; lacks fangs and venom glands.
Danger Level
Harmless; they may attempt to bite if handled, but they lack the jaw strength or teeth to cause significant injury to humans.
Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Iguania, Family: Dactyloidae, Subfamily: Anolinae, Genus: Anolis, Species: A. carolinensis (Note: This is a lizard, not a snake)
Conservation
Least Concern (IUCN); widespread and common, though facing competition from the invasive Brown Anole (Anolis sagrei).
Physical Description
Slender body with a long, pointed snout. Capable of changing color from bright green to brown. Large toe pads for climbing and a prominent pink/red dewlap (throat fan) in males.
Size & Dimensions
The specimen appears to be an adult around 5-7 inches; species range is typically 5 to 8 inches (12.5 to 20 cm) including the long tail.
Habitat
Arboreal; commonly found in forests, parks, and residential gardens on trees, shrubs, and fences. Prefers humid environments with ample sunlight.
Behavior & Temperament
Diurnal and active. Territorial males display by bobbing their heads and extending their colorful dewlaps. Generally shy and will flee if approached.
Diet & Feeding
Insectivorous; primarily eats small insects and spiders. Uses an active foraging and ambush strategy to catch prey.
Reproduction
Oviparous; females lay a single egg every two weeks during the breeding season (April to August), often in moist soil or leaf litter.
Venom Profile
Non-venomous - no medically significant venom.
Look-alikes
Brown Anole (Anolis sagrei), which is always brown/tan and has a ridge on the back; and various Mediterranean house geckos, which have more granular skin.
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN); widespread and common, though facing competition from the invasive Brown Anole (Anolis sagrei).
Cultural Significance
Often called 'American Chameleons' due to their color-changing ability (though not true chameleons). Popular in the pet trade and vital for garden pest control.
Notable Features
Features include zygodactylous-like grip via adhesive toe pads, autotomy (the ability to drop and regrow its tail), and a expandable throat dewlap for communication.