Brown Anole
Anolis sagrei · Reptile, Vertebrate, Cold-blooded, Wild
Animal Family
Family Dactyloidae, Order Squamata, Class Reptilia
Animal Category
Reptile/Amphibian
Breed / Variety
Cuban brown anole
Conservation Status
Least Concern with a stable and expanding population; considered invasive in parts of its introduced range.
About This Creature
Small lizard ranging from 12 to 20 cm in total length, featuring brownish or grayish coloration with lighter dorsal stripes, a slender body, and a long tail.
Physical Characteristics
Slender body structure, four limbs with adhesive toe pads, long tapering tail, pointed snout, rough scaly skin with color-changing capabilities, and a distinct throat fan (dewlap) in males.
Behavior & Temperament
Diurnal and territorial; communicates via head-bobbing and extending the dewlap; agile climber and fast runner.
Habitat & Diet
Origin Region
Native to Cuba and the Bahamas; introduced to Florida, southeastern United States, and other regions
Habitat
Terrestrial and semi-arboreal in tropical and subtropical forests, gardens, and urban areas
Diet & Nutrition
Insectivore feeding on various small insects, spiders, and other arthropods; occasionally consumes smaller lizards.
Lifespan & Health
Lifespan typically 3 to 5 years in the wild; preyed upon by birds, snakes, and larger mammals; reproduces rapidly.
Special Characteristics
Possesses the ability to change color from brown to nearly black, regenerate its tail when dropped, and is highly adaptable to human-modified environments.
Ecological Information
Acts as both predator of pest insects and prey for larger carnivores, playing a significant role in local food webs of introduced and native ranges.