Anole, << uh NOH lee, >> is the name of hundreds of species (kinds) of lizards that live in the West Indies and in Central and South America. One species, the green anole, is native to the southern United States. This species is also called the American chameleon, but it is not a true chameleon.
Most anoles grow to 8 inches (20 centimeters) long. They are generally green or brown and may have bright colors. Many species can change colors. Anoles have a throat flap called a dewlap. The dewlap of a male anole is large and colorful. Males fan their dewlap when they want to attract females or scare off rival males. Anoles live in shrubs, grasses, and trees and have toes suited for climbing. Each toe ends with an enlarged pad and a sharp claw. The pad has thousands of hairlike bristles that stick to bark.
Anoles eat mainly small insects. A few large species also eat fruit. Most female anoles lay one egg approximately every few weeks during the breeding season.
