What is an Anole?

The American Anole, scientific name Anolis carolinensis, is actually only one of about 100 species of small New World lizards that all share many common traits and that will henceforth all be referred to simply as Anoles. Anoles resemble tiny alligators or crocodiles, the largest of them (the Knight or Cuban Anole) grow to a total length of about 20 inches. Like all lizards they’re scaly and cold-blooded (meaning that unlike you and me they have no constant internal temperature). Anoles have relatively sharp claws and teeth, and they’re active hunters; being almost strictly carnivorous. If kept healthy and happy, Anoles have a captive lifespan of about 5 years. Anoles are also excellent climbers, being able to literally walk on walls and even up and down the glass sides of their enclosures. Anoles can also change color.

Walk on glass? Change color?

Yes to both questions. Thanks to specialized pads on their feet, Anoles can walk across virtually any surface; even a smooth, vertical sheet of glass! This ability makes a properly fitting cover on an Anole’s enclosure imperative. As far as their color changing ability goes, Anoles can generally vary their color from bright green to dull brown and back again, and the color change is not instantaneous; requiring several minutes to complete. Rumors of Anoles being able to change their coloration into plaids, checks, polka-dots, or a favorite wallpaper pattern are gross exaggerations. The Anole’s skin contains tiny pin-dots of color that will usually change with the Anole’s emotion or health. Anoles that are excited or frightened may be a vibrant green, whereas Anoles that are content or sedate may be brown. Of course they can also be any color in between. Anoles that are sick or listless are usually a sort of brownish-gray.