Anolis carolinensis

Anolis carolinensis or green anole is a tree-dwelling species of anole lizard native to the south eastern United States and introduced to islands in the Pacific and Caribbean. A small to medium-sized lizard, the green anole is a trunk-crown ecomorph and can change its color to several shades from brown to green. It is commonly called chameleon in the southeastern United States and sometimes referred to as the American chameleon (typically in the pet trade) due to its color-changing ability; however, it is not a true chameleon.

DESCRIPTION

The green anole is a small to medium-sized lizard, with a slender body. The head is long and pointed with ridges between the eyes and nostrils, and smaller ones on the top of the head. The toes have adhesive pads to facilitate climbing.

They exhibit sexual dimorphism, the males being fifteen percent larger. Adult males within a population can be classified within a heavyweight and a lightweight morph. The male dewlap (throat fan) is three times the size of the female's and bright orange to pink, whereas that of the female is lighter in color. The dewlap is usually pink for Anolis carolinensis (more orange-red in A. sagrei) and is very rarely present in females.

Adult males are usually 12.5–20.3 cm (4.9–8.0 in) long, with about 60-70% of which is made up of its tail, with a body length up to 7.5 cm (3.0 in) and can weigh from 3–7 g.

REPRODUCTION

Mating Behavior:

• During the breeding season, which typically occurs in the spring and early summer, male Green Anoles become more active and display territorial behaviors.

• Male anoles often extend their dewlaps, which are throat fan-like structures, to attract females and establish their territories. Dewlap displays and head-bobbing are common courtship behaviors.

Courtship and Female Choice:

• When a female enters a male's territory and shows receptivity, the male engages in courtship rituals, which can include bobbing his head and extending his dewlap.

• The female assesses the male's displays, and if she is receptive, mating may occur.

Copulation:

If the female accepts the male's advances, copulation takes place. Copulation can be brief and typically occurs on branches or other suitable perching sites.

Egg-Laying:

• After mating, the female Green Anole typically finds a suitable location to lay her eggs. Common egg-laying sites include leaf litter, soil, rotting wood, and other hidden, humid, and well-protected locations.

• The female digs a small burrow or nest cavity and deposits a clutch of eggs. The number of eggs in a clutch can vary but usually ranges from 1 to 2 eggs.

Incubation:

• The eggs are left to incubate in the nest. The duration of incubation can vary depending on environmental conditions, but it generally takes several weeks.

• Green Anoles do not provide parental care beyond egg-laying.

Hatching:

After the incubation period, the eggs hatch, and the young anoles emerge. Hatchlings are small and resemble miniature versions of adult anoles.

Juvenile Stage:

• The juvenile anoles begin their lives in the same arboreal habitat as the adults. They are initially vulnerable to predators and face competition for resources.

• As they grow, they shed their skin periodically, allowing them to grow larger and acquire the adult coloration.

Adulthood:

• As they reach adulthood, Green Anoles become sexually mature and engage in the reproduction process themselves.

• They continue their lives in their chosen habitats, which include trees and shrubs, where they hunt insects and engage in territorial behaviors during the breeding season.

HABITAT:

The green anole lives in habitats with very high humidity. It can be found in swamps, forests, wooded beaches and other areas with trees. It may also be found in parks and yards. The green anole is often found basking in the sun as it clings to trees, shrubs, vines, palm fronds, fence posts and walls.