Anoles
Let's Learn About Anoles
Word of the Week
Dewlap
A dewlap is an extendable flap on the neck of some lizards. An anole's dewlap is made of cartilage and covered in skin and scales. When relaxed, it lays flat against its chest.
Anoles, iguanas, and some other lizards have dewlaps.
Fast Facts
Where do anoles live?
Anoles are only found in North and South America. They are also native to several islands.
They are most common in tropical and subtropical climates, especially forests. They are also found in coastal ecosystems, woodlands, desert scrublands, and more. Some species even spend time in caves.
What do anoles eat?
Most anoles are omnivores. They eat both meat and plants.
Most anoles feed heavily on insects. They also eat fruit, flowers, and nectar.
What traits do anoles have?
Anoles have many interesting traits. Most anoles...
- Are small in size.
- Have long tails.
- Have colorful dewlaps (mostly male anoles).
- Have the ability to change color.
- Are territorial.
How many anoles are there?
There are more than 400 species of anoles.
Many anole species are not well studied. Scientists do not know the conservation status of all 400+ species. Many species are threatened by deforestation, invasive species, and extreme weather events.
Species Spotlight
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Conservation Corner
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Anole Challenge
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Learn More!
Glossary
Adaptation
The process by which a species becomes more fit for its environment over the course of several generations. It is a result of natural selection.
Arboreal
Living in the trees.
Camouflage
The ability for an organism to blend into their surroundings usually to hide from prey or predators.
Carnivore
An animal that primarily eats meat.
Climate Change
A change in global weather patterns as a result of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere.
Endemic
Living in one place and nowhere else.
Ectotherm
An animal that relies on the outside temperature to regulate their body temperature (reptiles and amphibians). Also known as cold-blooded.
Habitat Loss
Occurs when habitats are destroyed and changed into human-managed land such as cropland, towns, or dams.
Hyoid Bone
A bone in the front of the neck that supports the tongue and contributes to vocalizations.
Insectivore
An animal that eats primarily insects.
Instinct
An inherited behavioral trait (a behavior that innate rather than learned).
Oviparous
To lay eggs.
Pheromone
A communication chemical used to signal information to members of the same species.
Poaching
The illegal hunting or collection of wild animals.
Predator
An animal that hunts other animals for food.
Prehensile
Having the ability to grasp.
Prey
An animal that is hunted and eaten by another animal.
Reptile
A group of ectothermic (cold-blooded) vertebrates that are covered in scales and generally lay eggs.
Species
A closely related group of animals with similar characteristics that are capable of reproducing (example: tigers).
Thermoregulation
The act of an animal controlling its body temperature.
Tropical
A region near the equator that has warm temperatures year round.
Zygodactyl
[In feet] Having two middle toes face forward and two outside tows face backward. Zygodactyl feet are good for gripping.
