# Green Anole (*Anolis carolinensis*)

> The green anole (Anolis carolinensis) is a colour-changing lizard of southeastern United States gardens and woodland edges, able to shift between emerald green and brown. Males flash a pink dewlap in displays. Adults weigh only a few grams, eat insects, and are listed Least Concern — though invasive brown anoles displace them in some Florida suburbs.

- **Category:** Reptile
- **Conservation status (IUCN):** Least Concern
- **Range:** Southeastern United States; introduced to Hawaii and other islands.
- **Canonical page:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/green-anole/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Scientific classification

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Chordata
- **Class:** Reptilia
- **Order:** Squamata
- **Family:** Dactyloidae
- **Genus:** Anolis

## Facts at a glance

| Attribute | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Scientific name | Anolis carolinensis |
| Diet | Insectivore |
| Habitat | Gardens, woodland edges, and shrubs |
| Lifespan | Around 5 years in the wild (varies by population and captivity). |
| Weight | About 0.005 kg typical adult mass (sex and region vary). |
| Top speed | Up to roughly 5 km/h when moving at speed. |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |

## Dewlaps and colour shifts

Colour change reflects mood, temperature, and camouflage — not true chameleon matching of patterns. Sticky toe pads climb smooth walls. Males extend a pink throat fan in territorial and courtship displays.

## Garden insectivore

Diet is insects and spiders gleaned from shrubs, fences, and house walls — crickets, flies, moths, and similar prey. Across its range it is tied to gardens, woodland edges, and shrubs, and field accounts emphasise this species’ distinctive ecology rather than generic habitat labels.

## Southeast yards — and beyond

Native to the southeastern United States; introduced to Hawaii and other islands. Prefers gardens, woodland edges, and shrubs with sun and cover.

## Competition with brown anoles

Least Concern overall, but Cuban brown anoles (Anolis sagrei) push green anoles higher into the canopy in parts of Florida, changing local behaviour and abundance.

## Frequently asked questions

### Can green anoles change colour like chameleons?

They shift between green and brown with temperature and stress, but they do not match complex background patterns like chameleons.

### What is the pink flap on a green anole?

The dewlap — used by males in visual displays to rivals and mates.

### Why are green anoles disappearing from some Florida yards?

Invasive brown anoles compete for space and drive greens higher into trees.

### What do green anoles eat?

Small insects and spiders.

### Where do green anoles live?

Southeastern United States gardens and woodland edges; also introduced elsewhere.

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Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/green-anole/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.