HOUSTON – If you’ve lived in Houston or Southeast Texas for any period of time, chances are you have probably noticed the small green lizards known as the Green Anole.
These guys are one of the most common species of lizards in our area and can often be seen scurrying along fences, on the sides of potted plants, or climbing up area trees.
Something I have noticed this year is it appears there are way more brown lizards then green ones showing up in the area.
There is another species of lizard that has been introduced into our area that competes with the native Green Anole. This lizard is known as the Brown Anole.
However, just because a lizard is brown does not necessarily mean it is actually the Brown Anole species.
What’s the difference?
The area’s native Green Anole prefer to live more on trees than on the ground. Brown Anoles by contrast are more comfortable scurrying along the ground.
Green Anoles, as their name suggests, are normally green, but depending on certain environmental conditions, they can turn dark brown. Brown Anoles are always either gray or brown.
Both male Green Anoles and Brown Anoles have dewlaps, which are large throat fans they use to communicate with each other. The dewlap is used for attracting females during mating season, communicating when anoles enter each other’s territories, as well as establishing dominance over each other. In the Green Anole, the dewlap is pink while in the Brown Anole, it is orange.
Unlike the native Green Anole, the Brown Anole is actually an invasive species to the southeastern United States. They are native to Cuba, the Bahamas, and places like Jamaica and the Cayman Islands.
Brown Anoles are also more susceptible to cold temperatures than Green Anoles.
Have you seen anoles in your yard?
If you have seen either Green Anoles or Brown Anoles in your yard, we want to hear from you.
What are your thoughts on them? Do you enjoy seeing them? Do you consider them a nuisance?
We also want to see your photos of these guys. You can send your photos to Click2Pins here.