Green Anole Anolis carolinensis

Anoles are several species of small lizards native to the Americas. The Green Anole, also called the Carolina Anole, is an arboreal lizard native to the southeastern United States and the Caribbean.

Many anoles are green and the Green Anole can change its colour with its mood from bright green to mid or dark brown. Although sometimes called the American chameleon in the US, anoles are not related to chameleons but are related to the larger iguanas. Like many lizards, they can detach their tail (which continues to move to detract predators) and regrow a new one. Female Green Anoles often have a white or pale line along the back.

Male Green Anoles are territorially defensive and when courting or confronting a rival or threat they will inflate their red throat like a flag. Females also have smaller inflatable dewlaps. (They are sometimes called Red-throated Anoles.) Thanks to Penny Tuturea in Texas for the photo above left with the extended red throat.