Polychrotidae is a family of lizards commonly known as Anoles. Some authorities (such as NCBI [1]) place the anoles in subfamily Polychrotinae of the family Iguanidae. Four genera are common: Anolis, Norops, Phenacosaurus and Polychrus. They are frequently and incorrectly called chameleons or geckos, although they are not biologically classified within or closely related to either of these groups. In fact, they are more closely related to iguanas. These misconceptions are likely due to their ability to alter their skin color and run up walls, respectively. Download high resolution version (993x474, 46 KB)This image (C) User:Pcb21, 2002. ... For other uses, see Scientific classification (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Animal (disambiguation). ... Typical Classes See below Chordates (phylum Chordata) are a group of animals that includes the vertebrates, together with several closely related invertebrates. ... Reptilia redirects here. ... Suborders Lacertilia- Lizards Serpentes - Snakes Amphisbaenia - Worm lizards This article is about the Squamata order of reptiles. ... Iguania is the suborder of Squamata that contains the iguanas, anoles, etc. ... Species See text. ... Classification of the genus Diplolaemus Genus Diplolaemus refers to a type of Iguana found in South America. ... Enyalius in Greek mythology is generally a byname of Ares the god of war but is sometimes differentiated. ... Classification of the genus Leiosaurus Genus Leiosaurus Leiosaurus bellii Leiosaurus catamarcensis Leiosaurus paronae Categories: Leiosaurids ... Species See text Norops is a genus of lizards. ... Phenacosaurus is a genus of lizards commonly known as anoles. ... Polychrus is a genus of lizards commonly known as anoles. ... Classification of the genus Pristidactylus Genus Pristidactylus Pristidactylus achalensis Pristidactylus alvaroi Pristidactylus araucanus Pristidactylus casuhatiensis Pristidactylus fasciatus Pristidactylus nigroiugulus Pristidactylus scapulatus Pristidactylus torquatus Pristidactylus valeriae Pristidactylus volcanensis Categories: Leiosaurids ... lizards are pink and become very aggressive when they see other females. ... Species See text. ... Species See text Norops is a genus of lizards. ... Phenacosaurus is a genus of lizards commonly known as anoles. ... Polychrus is a genus of lizards commonly known as anoles. ... For other uses, see Chameleon (disambiguation). ... For other uses, see Gecko (disambiguation). ... Genera Amblyrhynchus Brachylophus Conolophus Ctenosaura Cyclura Dipsosaurus Iguana Sauromalus Frost et al. ...

Overview

Anoles are small and common lizards that can be found throughout the southeastern United States, the Caribbean, and various other regions of the Western world. A large majority of them sport a green coloration, including the only species native to North America, the aptly named Green anole, although the green anole can change its color based on its mood and surroundings. Anoles are an exorbitantly diverse and plentiful group of lizards. There are currently well over 300 known species. The knight, green, bark, and Cuban brown anoles can all be found in the United States, primarily in Florida, although the most prevalent of these species by far is the Cuban brown anole, which has pushed the native green (or "Carolina") anole population farther north. The US Southeast is the eastern portion of the Southern United States, but the Census Bureau does not provide a standard definition of a Southeast region of the United States, and organizations that need to subdivide the US are free to define a Southeast region to fit their needs. ... West Indies redirects here. ... North America North America is a continent[1] in the Earths northern hemisphere and (chiefly) western hemisphere. ... Binomial name Linnaeus, 1758 Subspecies Anolis carolinensis carolinensis Anolis carolinensis seminolus The Carolina anole (Anolis carolinensis), also known as the green anole, is an arboreal lizard found primarily in the southeastern parts of the United States and some Caribbean islands. ... This article is about the U.S. State of Florida. ...

Interestingly, when green anoles and brown anoles cohabit the same area, the brown anoles are primarily terrestrial or restrict themselves to the lower branches of bushes, while the green anoles stay higher. Brown anoles have also spread into East Texas. At a local nursery in the Heights neighborhood of Houston, Texas, a stable population has established itself, hatchlings having been observed in the Spring of 2005.

All species of anole in the U.S. except the green anole were introduced through eggs nested in imported plants. It is notable that while nearly all anoles can change their color, the extent and variations of this ability differ wildly throughout the individual anole species. For example, the green anole can change its color from a bright, leafy green to a dull brown color, while the Cuban brown can only change its shade of brown, along with the patterns on its back.

Anole out of hiding

Many anoles are between 8 and 18 cm (3–7 inches) in length. Some larger species, such as the Knight Anole, can surpass 12 inches; some males of the Knight Anole species can even reach two feet. Image File history File links Metadata No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links Metadata No higher resolution available. ... Binomial name Anolis equestris Merrem, 1820 The Knight Anole (Anolis equestris) is a species of lizard in the Polychrotidae family. ...

Anoles thrive on live insects and other invertebrates, with moths and spiders being some of the most commonly consumed prey. Anoles are opportunistic feeders, and may attempt to eat any attractive meal that is small enough. The primary food for captive anoles are small feeder crickets that can be purchased at most pet stores. Orders Subclass Apterygota Archaeognatha (bristletails) Thysanura (silverfish) Subclass Pterygota Infraclass Paleoptera (Probably paraphyletic) Ephemeroptera (mayflies) Odonata (dragonflies and damselflies) Infraclass Neoptera Superorder Exopterygota Grylloblattodea (ice-crawlers) Mantophasmatodea (gladiators) Plecoptera (stoneflies) Embioptera (webspinners) Zoraptera (angel insects) Dermaptera (earwigs) Orthoptera (grasshoppers, etc) Phasmatodea (stick insects) Blattodea (cockroaches) Isoptera (termites) Mantodea (mantids) Psocoptera... Invertebrate is an English word that describes any animal without a spinal column. ... For other uses, see Moths A moth is an insect closely related to the butterfly. ... Diversity 111 families, 40,000 species Suborders Mesothelae Mygalomorphae Araneomorphae  See table of families Wikispecies has information related to: Spiders Spiders are predatory invertebrate animals that have two body segments, eight legs, no chewing mouth parts and no wings. ... Predator and Prey redirect here. ... Subfamilies See Taxonomy section Crickets, family Gryllidae (also known as true crickets), are insects somewhat related to grasshoppers and more closely related to katydids or bush crickets (family Tettigoniidae). ...

Green Anole on railing

These subtropical lizards are semiarboreal. They usually inhabit regions around 3–6 m (10–20 feet) high. Shrubs, walls, fences, bushes, and short trees are common hiding places. Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (3183x1773, 796 KB) Edited by Fir0002 File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Polychrotidae Wikipedia:Picture of the day/Archive User:Tachyon01 User talk:Phirst Wikipedia:Picture of... Image File history File links Download high-resolution version (3183x1773, 796 KB) Edited by Fir0002 File links The following pages on the English Wikipedia link to this file (pages on other projects are not listed): Polychrotidae Wikipedia:Picture of the day/Archive User:Tachyon01 User talk:Phirst Wikipedia:Picture of...

Most anoles are said to live between 3 and 5 years. Even anoles captured from the wild can live for several years if given acceptable living space and cared for properly—a healthy anole in captivity, being free from predators and natural disaster, may live well beyond seven years.

Breeding occurs for several months beginning in late spring. Males employ head bobbing and dewlap extension in courtship. 1–2 small, softshell eggs are laid among leaf litter. More clutches may be laid before mating season has ended. A Mastiff with a dewlap A dewlap is a flap of skin that hangs beneath the chin of an animal. ...

Miscellaneous

Female Green Anole on fake plant in captivity

Anoles have many features that make them readily identifiable. They have a dewlap, made of erectile cartilage, that extends from the neck/throat area. For example: If an intruder approaches, the male will compress its body, extend the dewlap, and bob its head. Their toes are covered with structures that allow them to cling to many different surfaces. Also, their tails have the ability to break off at special segments in order to escape predators or fights. The tail itself continues to wriggle strongly for some minutes after detaching. This ability is known as autotomy. Anoles are also diurnal, which means that they are active during the daytime. Image File history File links Metadata No higher resolution available. ... Image File history File links Metadata No higher resolution available. ... Cartilage is a type of dense connective tissue. ... Autotomy (from the Greek auto = self- and tomy = severing) or self amputation is the act whereby an animal severs one of its own appendages, usually as a self-defence mechanism designed to elude a predators grasp. ... A diurnal animal (dī-ŭrnəl) is an animal that is active during the daytime and sleeps during the night. ...

Anoles, though defensive and territorial, are usually shy. They will often flee when faced with overwhelming danger. They are also very easily stressed. For these reasons, as well as others, it's highly recommended that any keeper avoid handling his anoles as much as possible. Often one will notice small dark spots forming on the anole's skin, commonly around the eyes, when handled. This is a sign of stress.

Anoles, though relatively inexpensive themselves, are amazing lizards to keep and raise. They require somewhat intricate setups to mimic their subtropical habitats. It's often difficult for most people to imagine such a "cheap" lizard as being such a responsibility. This is why many pet anoles are considered to be neglected.

Gallery

External links

• Anole care
• Caribbean Anole Database
• Chamaeleolis care