Anoles are reptiles that are also called the American Chameleon. They are
mostly green because the are usually arboreal and are very well
camouflaged. They tend to inhabit low bushes rather than trees so that the
can scurry around on the ground. The can change colors with their
surroundings from a bright green to a dark brown. Anoles are diurnal,
which means that they are active primarily during the day. They usually
grow to about 7 inches including the tail. Nine inches is considered big
in captivity. Males have an orange dewlap and females sometimes a have a
white strike down their back.
RANGE
Anoles are found in the southeastern United States and in the Carribean.
Habitat
Anoles live everywhere. They can be found in bushes, trees, rock walls,
woods, and around houses. Anoles are frequently found in residential
gardens and greenhouses adn can be found basking on rocks and fences in the
early morning sun. They are very fast and agile climberss, and can climb
vertical surfaces aided by their clawed feet.
DIET
They are insectivoures which means they eat mostly insects. Some of the
insects that they eat are grubs, crickets, cockroaches, spiders, moths, and
any arthropod that would fit in their mouths. They try to avoid sowbugs
and other types of beetles.
GESTATION
Anoles are egg layers, which usually lay their eggs in most soil or humus
beneath a tree or bush, The young are 2-3 inches at hatching.
LONGEVITY
Anoles do not have a long life spand They live up to four years in
captivity and the life spand in the wild is unknown.
CONSERVATION
Although anoles are commonly sold in petstores, their numbers do not seem
to be drastically decreasing.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Wynne, Richard. Lizards in Captivity. T.F.H Publications Inc, 1981.
