Green Anole
Anolis carolinensis
Description: maximum length 8 inches; bright green but can change color to light brown but always evenly hued; whitish chin; females have light stripe down the back and males don't , three factors influence color and change of color: camouflage, temperature, emotion. When on green vegetation or light background, tend to be green; when on bark or dark background, tend to be brown. When temperatures are around 70 or higher, tend to stay green; when in 60's are lower, tend to be brown. When males display for territory or females, turn bright green; when males fight, the winner turns bright green and the loser turns brown. Both males and females have dewlaps although males' slightly larger; used for breeding and territorial displays
2 comments:
This looks like my little skink, I think. I have several in my yard, some are brown and some are green. I've seen them "display" their bloated dewlap many many times. I always enjoy watching them and they seem to stay still for long periods of time, allowing me to watch all I want.
We always said to them "show me your money or I'll kill you".
Post a Comment