Florida 4-H Forest Ecology

4-H youth learn about nature during a talk at a walking trail

Green Anole

Anolis carolinensis

g-anole
Photo credit: Dr. Steve A. Johnson, University of Florida

The Green Anole is common in natural and suburban habitats through the state. This lizard is an excellent climber, and uses its claw-tipped toes with adhesive toe pads to climb high into the forest canopy.

Although not a true chameleon (chameleons are native to Africa and Madagascar), Green Anoles can quickly change from bright green to dull brown. Males have a pink throat fan (called a dewlap) that they extend while perched on a tree branch or fence.

Florida is home to many species of introduced anole lizards, but the Green Anole is our only native species. Adults grow five to eight inches long. Invasive Brown Anoles displace native Green Anoles higher into trees and even prey upon baby Green Anoles.

Learn More

Wikipedia - Carolina Anole
Savannah River Ecology Laboratory - Green Anole