Anole lizards Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). Green and Brown (Cuban) anoles.
Hours of research went into writing about anoles. For more than three years I followed the life-cycle of our backyard lodgers. This article covers FAQs from the book The Lovable Little Garden Lizards by Eugene L Brill, photographer, and author.
The undisputable fact is, the population of brown anoles is expanding rapidly, while the greens decline. In studying the history and habitat of green and brown anoles, there is no disputing the fact that they are immensely interesting and entertaining.
Anole lizards have been studied extensively, and there is no shortage of scientific papers about them. The basis of my research is the book by Steven B. Isham, Anoles, Those Florida Yard Lizards. Other resources are listed in the biography.
Most anoles have a dewlap, a brightly colored flap of skin that extends from the throat/neck and is used in displays. Anoles are expert climbers and have the ability to voluntarily break off their tail (to escape predators).
Anoles are very versatile and will forage for food in dense underbrush and shrubs, but they also hunt in wide open areas. They are opportunistic feeders and may attempt to eat any attractive insect that is of the right size.
The taxonomic classification system, (taxonomy ‘arrangement’, and -nomia or ‘method’) is the scientific study of naming, defining, and classifying groups of biological organisms based on shared characteristics. This article includes the genus and species name of the anole garden lizards.
Most anole species are highly territorial. Territorial anoles will fan their dewlap, bob their head, perform “push-ups”, raise their crest, and do a wide range of other behaviors to scare away potential competitors. Most importantly, to attract a mate!
