If you've ever spent any amount of time in Florida, you've undoubtedly encountered these prehistoric-looking reptiles running across sidewalks, leaping to and from plants and trees, and sneaking into dwellings.
Florida lizards range in color from bright green to black, they munch on bugs, and they turn up in some unusual places (mailboxes, shoes, cars, etc).
Most anoles found in Florida are scientifically Carolina Anoles (Anolis carolinensis). These small lizards grow up to 8 inches long (20 cm) and weigh up to .25 ounce (7 grams).
Anoles have been around a long time. They've been found in fossils dating back at least 6,000,000 years. That's a couple million years before humans emerged.
Anoles are territorial. Stress in an anole can be identified by symptoms including a black semicircle behind their eyes and a darkening skin tone.
Anoles are curious. A healthy lizard patrols his territory. The males will fight with other males and defend their territory, often against intruders from afar like the Cuban Brown Anole (below). Also known as Anolis sagrei, this lizard is native to Cuba and the Bahamas but has become naturalized in parts of Florida. Larger than Carolina Anoles, this lizard grows to 8-10 inches (20-25 cm).
Breeding season starts in April and lasts through August. The dewlap (red throat) is sometimes a display used to entice a mate. Sometimes it appears to be used to defend territory from encroaching males. Empty egg shells are turning up everywhere along with little ones (below). If they are unfortunate enough to find their way into the house, they don't last long. The cats love nothing better than chasing anoles.
