Brown Anole (Note: Specimen is a Lizard, not a Snake)
Anolis sagrei • Order: Squamata, Suborder: Iguania, Family: Dactyloidae, Subfamily: N/A, Genus: Anolis, Species: Anolis sagrei
Native to Cuba and the Bahamas. Highly invasive in the Southeastern United States (Florida, Georgia, Texas, Louisiana), Hawaii, Mexico, and portions of Central/South America and Asia.
Look up Brown Anole (Note: Specimen is a Lizard, not a Snake) in the Snake Encyclopedia →Venomous Status
Non-venomous; lacks any venom delivery system.
Danger Level
Harmless; possesses no threat to humans or pets. Bites are weak and rarely break the skin.
Family
Order: Squamata, Suborder: Iguania, Family: Dactyloidae, Subfamily: N/A, Genus: Anolis, Species: Anolis sagrei
Conservation
Least Concern (IUCN). Highly successful invasive species often outcompeting native Green Anoles (Anolis carolinensis).
Physical Description
A small lizard with brown to grayish coloration. Features include a variable pattern of diamonds, triangles, or lines on the back. Males have a distinct orange-red dewlap with a yellow border. Large toe pads for climbing and a long tail.
Size & Dimensions
Specimen appears to be an adult around 5-8 inches. Typical range is 5 to 8.5 inches (12.7 to 21.6 cm), with males being significantly larger than females.
Habitat
Generalist species found in tropical and subtropical climates. Commonly inhabits urban gardens, parks, and disturbed secondary forests. Prefers vertical perches on tree trunks, walls, and fences at low to mid-elevations.
Behavior & Temperament
Diurnal and highly territorial. Males perform 'head-bobbing' and dewlap extensions to defend territory. Active foragers that scurry quickly when threatened. Generally flighty and avoids human contact.
Diet & Feeding
Insectivorous; primarily eats small invertebrates like crickets, spiders, moths, and ants. Occasionally opportunistically hunts smaller lizards, including juveniles of its own species.
Reproduction
Oviparous. Females lay a single egg every 1-2 weeks during the breeding season (spring to autumn). Eggs are buried in moist soil or leaf litter.
Venom Profile
Non-venomous - no medically significant venom.
Look-alikes
Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis), which can change to brown but maintains a white dewlap and sleeker snout. Also similar to other Anolis species in the Caribbean.
Conservation Status
Least Concern (IUCN). Highly successful invasive species often outcompeting native Green Anoles (Anolis carolinensis).
Cultural Significance
Commonly encountered in the exotic pet trade and widely used in biological research regarding island biogeography and evolution. Ecologically significant as an invasive species restructuring local food webs.
Notable Features
Distinguished by the ability to autotomize (drop) its tail to escape predators. Large specialized toe pads (lamellae) allow it to run up smooth vertical surfaces like glass.