Texas chameleon lizard

Anolis carolinensis porcatus Family: Iguanidae

Green Anole Lizard
common name: American chameleon (although it is not from the chameleon family)

Anoles form the largest genus of the Iguanidae with about 300 forms. They inhabit tropical and subtropical America. They can vary their skin color between green and shades of brown and are sometimes called "American chameleons" although they are not related to the Old World chameleons. These variations in color are caused by the rearrangement of pigment cells in the skin in response to temperature, humidity, activity and emotional state.

The anoles are slender, climbing lizards with well-developed adhesive toes. They are 6 - 8 inches in length. A pink dewlap (throat fan) under the neck is found in both genders although it is much larger in the males. Females also have a white line down their backs. Anoles spread the dewlap in defending their territories, during courtship and during threat behavior. When excited they can also erect a fold of skin to form a crest along the back.

Anoles are diurnal - becoming active as soon as the sun warms its body. They feed on insects and spiders. In the wild they live only one to two years. They live up to three years in captivity, are highly territorial and have sticky feet. Anoles are almost perfect terrarium specimens. They require little room, do little damage to the plants in their cages and reproduce easily. The female buries eggs in a shallow hole in the ground.

above info courtesy of hilozoo.com
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