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Those Brown Lizards that Scurry About are Bug Eaters Called “Anoles”
by Carol Dinsdale
Have you ever wondered about all those little lizards that run all over your gardens and porches? Most are probably “anoles” of one kind or another. While only the green anole is native to the US, it is estimated there are over 36 species of non-native anoles breeding in the wilds in Florida (out of an estimated total of 250 anole species in the world). There has been considerable interbreeding so markings may be significantly different than the true wild types (Kaplan, 2009).
Green anoles, again, the only anole native to the US, are medium-sized lizards with long tails. Because of their color-changing ability (they can be anywhere from emerald green to brown or gray), they are sometimes called chameleons. When stressed, they turn dark brown. Males have a pink or red extendable dewlap or throat fan and often engage in head bobbing and pushups. Green anoles are easily tamed and are common in the pet trade. They are active during the day, often around human habituation, and regularly soak up the sun head down on tree trunks, fence posts, and the higher levels of Florida foliage.
Brown anoles are long, slender, brown lizards. The males reach 20 cm (8 in) long, but the females are smaller. Males have yellowish spots on the back, a ridge down the center of its back, and an orange to pale-yellow, white-edged dewlap or throat flap. Brown anoles were introduced to Florida from Cuba and the Bahamas and are now found throughout the state. They thrive in disturbed habitats, among ornamental plants and are common around buildings. Brown anoles (considered by many as “invaders”) have forced the native green anoles higher onto the upper trunks and into the canopy of trees. The more aggressive brown anoles are usually observed on the ground and on lower shrubs. Anoles as a group eat grubs, crickets, cockroaches, and spiders.
A third common, but intriguing Florida lizard is the Mediterranean Gecko. These small, rough-scaled geckos, with large lidless eyes and long tails, have broad sticky toe pads which allow them to adhere to high walls and ceilings. They reach a maximum length of 12 cm. At night the geckos are light gray to white; during the day they become grayish with light pink and dark brown spots. They have raised white spots on their back and sides, giving their skin the rough “feel of a basketball.”
Mediterranean Geckos are flourishing in Florida although they are native to Europe. There are no native “night-time” lizards in Florida, and geckos seem to have filled the role. Geckos will patiently wait on walls or ceilings inside homes or near an outside light source for their prey to come to them. They feed on moths, cockroaches and other insects and stay close to houses and people. These nocturnal hunters are exceptionally vocal – if they are in or around the house you will hear the males’ squeaky, high-pitched territorial call. It sounds much like a bird chirping.
No Need To Worry
Whether it’s geckos or anoles, these little guys are all a blast to watch. Sit back and enjoy! Goodness knows, my cat and dog love to chase them around the yard! Anoles do not contain any poison or venom, however, according to Dr. Todd Campbell of the University of Tampa, they may carry “a stage of the cat liver fluke,” so if you have a feline who dines regularly on these lizards, you might have your vet check the kitty out next time you go in for shots. Other predators of anoles are birds- jays, owls, shrikes, crows, mockingbirds, herons, egrets, cranes, ibis, kestrels, and small hawks. Snakes that aggressively stalk anoles are black racers, corn snakes, king snakes, young rattlesnakes, pygmy rattlers, scarlet snakes, cottonmouths, and coral snakes (Isham, 2006).
Isham, S. (2006). Anoles: Those Florida Yard Lizards. http://www.anolebook.com/contact%20us.htm
Kaplan, M. (2009). Herp Care Collection. http://www.anapsid.org/anole.html
Wild Florida Ecotravel Guide. http://www.wildflorida.com/florida_lizards.php
ILoveTurf.com - July 7th, 2011
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