Brown Anole (Anolis sagrei) (September 4, 2005)

Anoles are the most commonly seen lizards in Florida. Most people call anoles "chameleons" due to the green anole's ability to change color; however, anoles are only distantly related to the chameleon, and in fact, are more closely related to the iguana. Anoles are small lizards adapted for climbing trees, shrubs, fences, and walls. They are frequently seen basking in the sun or hunting insects around Florida homes. Male anoles have a large throat fan which is often displayed, along with "push-ups" and head-bobbing behaviors when they court or defend territories.

The maximum length of the brown anole is up to 8.5 inches. They are gray, black, brown to very dark brown and sometimes speckled coloration which may vary in hue. The males turn almost black during territorial displays; females have diamond-shaped patterns down back; mature males will also have a crest-like ridge along their back.

The Brown Anole is a lizard native to Cuba and the Bahamas. It has been widely introduced elsewhere, and is now found in South Florida and as far north as Southern Georgia, Texas, Taiwan, Hawaii, and other Caribbean islands. Its introduction in the USA has altered the behavior and potentially triggered a negative effect on populations of the native Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis).

This little guy just kept watching as I was taking pictures of the chrysanthemum. The closer I got to the plant - the more curious he seemed to get. So, I figured - what the heck and I snapped the shutter :)

Brown Anole (Anolis sagrei) (September 4, 2005)

Anoles are the most commonly seen lizards in Florida. Most people call anoles "chameleons" due to the green anole's ability to change color; however, anoles are only distantly related to the chameleon, and in fact, are more closely related to the iguana. Anoles are small lizards adapted for climbing trees, shrubs, fences, and walls. They are frequently seen basking in the sun or hunting insects around Florida homes. Male anoles have a large throat fan which is often displayed, along with "push-ups" and head-bobbing behaviors when they court or defend territories.

The maximum length of the brown anole is up to 8.5 inches. They are gray, black, brown to very dark brown and sometimes speckled coloration which may vary in hue. The males turn almost black during territorial displays; females have diamond-shaped patterns down back; mature males will also have a crest-like ridge along their back.

The Brown Anole is a lizard native to Cuba and the Bahamas. It has been widely introduced elsewhere, and is now found in South Florida and as far north as Southern Georgia, Texas, Taiwan, Hawaii, and other Caribbean islands. Its introduction in the USA has altered the behavior and potentially triggered a negative effect on populations of the native Green Anole (Anolis carolinensis).

This little guy just kept watching as I was taking pictures of the chrysanthemum. The closer I got to the plant - the more curious he seemed to get. So, I figured - what the heck and I snapped the shutter :)