Gift #31 - Carolina Anole

I've often admired how my sister's blips are so informative, so I decided to do some research on this little guy. The first thing I discovered, to my surprise is that he is not a gecko, as I'd thought, but an Anole - a type of lizard that lives in trees. This one is the Carolina Anole or Green Anole, a species native to North America, found mostly on the Atlantic Coastal Plains (including North Carolina where my youngest son and his wife live). It is sometimes referred to as the American Chameleon due to its ability to change color for camouflage or due to temperature, stress and light levels, but is not a true chameleon, but more closely related to iguanas.

This one is male, identified by its bright red "dewlap" (throat fan), which they display to attract females or defend their territory. They combine this brilliant display of color together with a bobbing dance in their courtship ritual (which I have witnessed); however I think he saw me as a threat, as I didn't get the bobbing up and down!

They are friendly, curious little creatures and I sincerely hope that Persi doesn't find them (though judging by his missing tail tip, he may have already had a near miss!)