Our yard has lots of anoles. Sometimes they’re green; sometimes they’re brown. I can tell the males from the females because they have the red throats that protrude when they’re trying to attract a mate. Since I have just pretty much imparted the sum total of my knowledge I have attempted to edify myself with a bit of research. Anoles have adhesive lamellae on their foot-pads for crawling along walls, much like geckos. Though they are often referred to as the American chameleon, they are unrelated. Their color change is a result of body temperature, stress, and activity rather than just blending in. Oh, and the flap of skin that hangs below their neck is called a dewlap. Not only used for attracting females, it can be flared for territorial displays as well. Anoles are native to the southeastern United States and the Caribbean. I had forgotten they also have tails which drop off their body when grabbed, allowing them to escape. They will grow new ones in time although they are usually shorter. Anoles feed on cockroaches, spiders, moths and grubs, so they’re beneficial to have around. I think they’re cute critters and I enjoy seeing them sunning around our yard. American author Elizabeth McCracken said:
“It’s an amazing thing to watch a lizard fold a moth into its mouth, like a sword swallower who specializes in umbrellas.”
Leaping lizards!
