Anolis carolinensis

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Anolis carolinensis

Common Name. Green Anole

General information. Anolis carolinensis is a diurnal lizard with a small territory, but this territory is aggressively defended. If an intruder approaches, the male will compress its body, extend the dewlap, and bob its head. Male green anoles will engage in combat with other males or chase them away. Color changes are brought on by temperature and light. Anoles feed on various insects and spiders. This lizard also sheds its skin several times a year.

Protected status. The Green Anole is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Small lizard with long claws and a long tail Light colored throat and neck

Coloration. This lizard possesses the ability to change colors: dorsal ground color ranges from bright green to dark brown. Dorsal pattern may consist of an irregular brown or white middorsal stripe. Males with pink dewlap; females with pale pink throat.

General distribution. In North America, Anolis carolinensis is found from North Carolina to the Florida Keys to Oklahoma and Texas.

Texas distribution. In Texas, Anolis carolinensis is found across much of central and eastern Texas as well as in portions of the lower Rio Grande Valley.

Habitat. Anolis carolinensis is an arboreal lizard mostly seen in trees, shrubs, vines, as well as on fences and buildings.

Reproduction. Breeding occurs for several months beginning in late spring. Males employ head bobbing and dewlap extension in courtship. A single, small, softshell egg is laid among leaf litter.

Size. Anolis carolinensis can grow to lengths of 12.5-20 cm (5-8 in), including tail.

Map. Orange counties indicate new county records since previous Herps of Texas update in 1998; all other colored counties reflect known distribution prior to 1998 for species and/or subspecies. Map is based on museum voucher specimens.

Anolis sagrei

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Anolis sagrei

Common Name. Brown Anole

General information. This diurnal lizard has a small territory, but will aggressively defend it. If an intruder approaches, the male will compress its body, extend the dewlap, and bob its head. Anolis sagrei is a terrestrial species, but is adept at climbing, enabling this species to feed on insects and spiders in a variety of habitats. It can hop to avoid being captured. This lizard species also sheds its skin several times a year.

Protected status. The Brown Anole is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. A relatively small lizard with a short snout, long claws and a long tail

Coloration. Dorsal ground color is light brown Dorsal pattern consists of dark blotches on either side of a light middorsal stripe Males have light colored streak on throat when dewlap is NOT extended Males have orange-red dewlap with light center stripe.

General distribution. In North America, Anolis sagrei is found in Florida and isolated population exist in Texas.

Texas distribution. In Texas, Anolis sagrei is found in the Houston and San Antonio areas, as well as the Rio Grande Valley and the Texas Gulf Coast,and may continue to be found in new regions around the southern portion of the state.

Habitat. Anolis sagrei is mostly seen in trees, shrubs, vines, and on fences in moist environments.

Reproduction. Breeding occurs for several months beginning in late spring. A single, small, softshell egg is laid about every two weeks until September. Incubation is

Size. Anolis sagrei can grow to 12.5-20 cm (5-8 in) in length (including tail), with males typically growing larger than females.

Map. Map is based on museum voucher specimens. Last updated 12 November 2014.

Anoles | Herps of Texas

Anolis carolinensis

Anolis sagrei