Green Anole

Scientific Name: Anolis carolinensis

Photo Credit: Todd Pierson

Green anoles (Anolis carolinensis) are diurnal, slender lizards typically measuring between 5 and 8 inches (12.5–20 cm), tail included. They possess adhesive toe pads that help them climb walls, fences, shrubs, and trees . Their coloring ranges from vivid green to brown or gray, and sometimes includes darker streaks or spots; females and juveniles often display a light stripe along the spine.

Adult males feature a bright pink or red throat fan (dewlap), while females have smaller, paler ones. Males may also develop a faint crest or ridge along their neck and back during territorial or courtship displays. These lizards have movable eyelids, independent eye movement, and slim heads with clear eyelid borders.

Green anoles primarily feed on small arthropods like insects, including flies, crickets, moths, butterflies, termites, ants, beetles, and sometimes small worms and slugs. They inhabit the coastal plain and southern Piedmont regions of North Carolina and are prevalent in urban and suburban areas . They thrive in humid environments such as swamps, forests, and backyard gardens, using perches like trees, fences, and leaf litter.

Breeding occurs mainly from spring to late summer (March–September). Females deposit one egg approximately every two weeks, often burying it in moist soil, leaf litter, or decaying wood, and may lay up to 10–18 eggs in a season. Eggs hatch after five to seven weeks, and the young emerge fully independent.

These lizards are active during the day and have strong territorial instincts. Males perform head bobbing, "push-ups," and extend their dewlap to assert dominance or court mates. Although flexible in color change, their shifts do not serve camouflage like true chameleons.

In the wild, they live around 2–8 years. Often nicknamed “American chameleons,” green anoles are harmless and delight observers with their vibrant courtship displays and dynamic behaviors.

Explore the full species profile, including their habitat, diet, and behavior on Herps of NC.