Types of small lizards

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FIGURE 1. Anoles are alert lizards for good reason: they are preyed upon by cats, birds and snakes.

FIGURE 2. Male anoles have a pink colored throat fan (called a dewlap), which is used in both territorial and courtship displays. Anoles grow to 5-7 inches in length.

FIGURE 3. Anoles are often seen sunbathing, especially on cool days during early spring and late fall and also during mild winter days.

FIGURE 4. Anoles are often called chameleons because they can change color from green to brown and vice versa, which can be triggered by temperature, background color or “mood.”

Quick Facts

Common Name:

Green anole lizard

Anolis carolinensis

Insect predator

Reproduction:

Breeding occurs March through November in the Galveston-Houston region. Adult females lay eggs throughout the spring and summer months. Eggs are laid one at a time and buried in moist soil, rotten stumps or logs, or forest floor litter.

Prey:

Primary prey are insects. Also preys on other types of invertebrates such as spiders.

Occurrence:

Widespread across the county