Range

North America is the native home of the green anole. Here they live in the Southern United States from Florida across to Texas.

Green anoles are the only anole species found in North America out of the approximately 110 anole species found on Earth.

They have been introduced to a number of countries including Guam, Japan, Anguilla, Bahamas, Mexico and Spain.

Habitat

Green anoles live in forests, scrub, rocky escarpments and fields. They may inhabit human settlements and be seen climbing up walls.

Reproduction

Breeding takes place from Spring to Autumn. At this time the males will display for a potential mate by extending their dewlap (the fold of skin under their chin). They may also bob their head as part of this. Females may repeat this display to indicate they are receptive to mating.

During mating the male will bite the back of the females neck to keep her in the correct position.

Following a successful mating the female will dig a small hole in leaf litter or soil in to which they deposit a single egg. This may take place every 2 weeks throughout the breeding season.

Females have the ability to store sperm and this may give them the opportunity to delay fertilization and give birth later.

These eggs will hatch in between 5 and 7 weeks. At hatching the young are 25-35mm (1-1.4in). They are independent from birth with no parental involvement in their care.

Sexually maturity occurs at 8-9 months old.

Behaviour

The green anole is primarily arboreal. Most of their time is spent climbing in the tree tops. They will also climb up walls and windows in human habitations which they frequent. They can move fast and are able to fall from great heights without injury.

For the majority of the green anoles day they are foraging.

Males maintain a large home range which they will defend against other males. This will overlap with a number of females.

Predators and Threats

Natural predators of the green anole include snakes, birds, larger reptiles, frogs and domestic pets such as dogs and cats.

To avoid predation they are able to camouflage with trees and leaves on which they rest. They are also able to drop their tail and this distracts predators as an easy meal while the lizard escapes unharmed.

Humans have not had a large effect on their population and the species is considered to not be at threat of extinction. They are often captured to be sold in to the pet trade.

Quick facts

Anoles are an extremely large group of lizards with over 110 species known.

The green anole is also known as the common anole or American chameleon.

Green anoles are commonly kept as pets or used in research.