Green anole lizards, scientifically known as anolis carolinensis, are commonly known as American „chameleons” and are popular pets in North America. They belong to a genus of around 300 species and subspecies, which are all similar in body structure and behavior and are found in tropical and subtropical regions of North and South America. While the green anole is the only species of anole lizard that is native to the United States, other species have been introduced and have successfully colonized. True chameleons are Old World reptiles and have little in common with anoles, except for the ability to change color.
The green anole can change its color from brown to green due to changes in pigment cells of the skin and in response to various stimuli, such as temperature, light, and emotion. Although the anole is usually brown during the day and green at night while resting, it can turn green at any time due to stimuli such as fright. Like geckos, anoles can climb flat and smooth surfaces, despite not being closely related.
Anoles have a fan on their throat, which can be extended arbitrarily, and males use it to warn other males of their territory by stretching their pink or reddish throat fan and bobbing their head. A six-inch full-grown lizard is mature and robust and can thrive well in captivity. Anoles require a humid environment, and the leaves of plants in their enclosure should be sprayed from time to time, providing them with the liquid nourishment they need. A varied diet of flies and other insects is preferable, but captives can survive on a mealworm diet.
Anole tails are very fragile and are easily lost. While this is common for many families of lizards, only lizards, and not all lizards, are able to regenerate lost tails. A colony of several green anoles can be kept in a large aquarium or other suitable cage with abundant foliage and lighting. Breeding can occur, and eggs may be laid beneath the bark or stones in a relatively moist area. Green anole babies, like most reptiles, do not receive parental attention and can be fed with small insects.
Despite their popularity as pets, green anole lizards remain abundant in the southern United States, where they are often found in trees, shrubs, vines, and older homes. They are among the least expensive reptile pets available to private collectors.