Dactyloidae

"Anole" redirects here. For the comic book character, see Anole (comics).

Polychrotidae
Carolina Anole with dewlap extended
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Reptilia
Order:	Squamata
Suborder:	Iguania
Family:	Polychrotidae
Genera
Anisolepis Anolis Chamaeleolis Chamaelinorops Ctenonotus - Eastern Antillean Anoles, Eastern Antillian Anoles Dactyloa - South American anoles Diplolaemus Enyalius Leiosaurus Norops Phenacosaurus Polychrus Pristidactylus Urostrophus Xiphosurus - Hispaniolan giant anole, Puerto Rican giant anole

Polychrotidae is a family of lizards commonly known as anoles (Template:Pron-en). NCBI places the anole in subfamily Polychrotinae of the family Iguanidae. Four genera are common: Anolis, Norops, Phenacosaurus and Polychrus.

Anole lizards are frequently and incorrectly called chameleons or geckos, although they are not closely related to either of those groups. In fact, they are more closely related to iguanas. These misconceptions are likely due to their ability to alter their skin color and run up walls, respectively.

Overview

Anoles are small and common lizards that can be found throughout the southeastern United States, the Caribbean, and various other regions of the Western world. A large majority of them sport a green coloration, including the only species native to North America, the aptly named Green anole, although the green anole can change its color based on its mood and surroundings. Anoles are an exorbitantly diverse and plentiful group of lizards. There are currently well over 300 known species. The knight, green, bark, and Cuban brown anoles can all be found in the United States, primarily in Florida, although the most prevalent of these species by far is the Cuban brown anole, which has pushed the native green (or "Carolina") anole population farther north.

Interestingly, when green anoles and brown anoles cohabit the same area, the brown anoles are primarily terrestrial or restrict themselves to the lower branches of bushes, while the green anoles stay higher. Brown anoles have also spread into East Texas. At a local nursery in the Heights neighborhood of Houston, Texas, a stable population has established itself, hatchlings having been observed in the Spring of 2005.

All species of anole in the U.S. except the green anole were introduced through eggs nested in imported plants. It is notable that while nearly all anoles can change their color, the extent and variations of this ability differ widely throughout the individual anole species. For example, the green anole can change its color from a bright, leafy green to a dull brown color, while the Cuban brown can only change its shade of brown, along with the patterns on its back.

Anole out of hiding

Many anoles are between 8 and 18 cm (3–7 inches) in length. Some larger species, such as the Knight Anole, can surpass 12 inches (300 mm); some males of the Knight Anole species can even reach 20 inches (510 mm) in length.

Anoles thrive on live insects and other invertebrates, with moths and spiders being some of the most commonly consumed prey. Anoles are opportunistic feeders, and may attempt to eat any attractive meal that is small enough. The primary food for captive anoles are small feeder crickets that can be purchased at most pet stores.

Green Anole on railing

These subtropical lizards are semiarboreal. They usually inhabit regions around 3–6 m (10–20 feet) high. Shrubs, walls, fences, bushes, and short trees are common hiding places.

Most anoles are said to live between 3 and 5 years. Even anoles captured from the wild can live for several years if given acceptable living space and cared for properly—a healthy anole in captivity, being free from predators and natural disaster, may live well beyond seven years. Some anoles may even reach 10 years with proper care.

Green anoles mating

Breeding occurs for several months beginning in late spring. Males employ head bobbing and dewlap extension in courtship. 1–2 small, softshell eggs are laid among leaf litter. More clutches may be laid before mating season has ended.

Territory

Anoles are very territorial. Although the lizards are small, their territories are usually quite big: around three square yards, females' usually smaller. Their territories often contain a basking area, a shady area, a high lookout, and always a place to hide from predators. They do not take kindly to other anoles in their territory. Often when an intruder is in the area, the anole raises its spine, fans its dewlap, and does "push-ups" accompanied by intermittent ultrasonic hisses. If this does not scare off the intruder, a fight proceeds in which the two anoles bite at each other's necks. If the anole loses (gives up) the intruder gains entrance, otherwise he leaves. Females rarely fight. Anoles have a wide range of territorial behavior from one head bob to a pressurized bite usually aimed for the snout or jaw of the lizard.

When caught by a person the will tend to bite if agitated and and require some effort to remove from skin. They very very rarely drow blood or cause injury. because of their tendancy to latch on agressively they can be used as earings for a minute or two if you are playing with it although not suggested. (Referencing personal experience with cuban and green anoles)

Miscellaneous

Female Green Anole on fake plant in captivity

Anoles have many features that make them readily identifiable. They have a dewlap, made of erectile cartilage, that extends from the neck/throat area. Their toes are covered with structures that allow them to cling to many different surfaces. Also, their tails have the ability to break off at special segments in order to escape predators or fights. The tail itself continues to wriggle strongly for some minutes after detaching. This ability is known as autotomy. Anoles are also diurnal, which means that they are active during the daytime.

Some species of anoles exhibit sexual dimorphism which allows one to discern between males and females fairly easily with the naked eye. In green anoles, the females are characterized by a pale dorsal stripe extending from neck to tail, generally smaller body, and a smaller head with a shorter snout. Female brown anoles share these characteristics, although their dorsal stripe is often times wider with diamond-shaped or squiggly edges. This stripe may be present sometimes in males, especially young ones not yet fully grown, but it is always fainter with less defined edges. Some females have a small dewlap (pale and much smaller than those of the males); others not at all.

Anoles, though relatively inexpensive themselves, are costly lizards to keep and raise. They require somewhat intricate setups to mimic their subtropical habitats. It's often difficult for most people to imagine such an inexpensive lizard as being such a responsibility. This is why many pet anoles are considered to be neglected.

They function well as a native pest control as they will eat spiders, roaches, and other bugs and will run from humans whenever possible. Since they are food to certain bird species they will generally increase bird variety in their area. (Referencing personal observations of cuban and green anoles)

Gallery

• 
  Green Carolina Anole extending dewlap, Pine Knoll Shores, NC
• 
  Green Carolina Anole eating a beekiller.
• 
  Molting Green Anole
• 
  Cuban brown anole
• 
  Green Anole, Texas
• 
  Anole Mating (angle shot), Gainesville, FL
• 
  Anole Mating, Gainesville, FL
• 
  female green anole crawling on string (UK)

External links

• Complete anole care
• Caribbean Anole Database
• polychrotidae family