Reptiles

Green Anole (Carolina anole, Anolis carolinensis), colored pencil

About the illustration:
Commissioned by: California Science Center Foundation

About the Green Anole:
The green anole is sometimes called a "chameleon" because it will change color (green to brown) to match what it is sitting on. It is not a chameleon, however. It's much smaller. This is a common lizard found in southeastern U.S. (We found one in our yard in Austin, Texas, as well. I don't know what "south" and "east" mean in field guides or politics!) The male, as in my illustration, has a "dewlap", a pink area of skin below the chin. Females have a white stripe along the backbone. They will eat small live crickets, which you can purchase from a local pet store. If picked up by its tail, the anole's tail might detatch and will wiggle for awhile. The tail grows back. The eyes move independent of each other. When keeping them as pets, make sure you provide the light and humidity needed.

Taxonomy:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata (having a spinal chord)
Class: Reptila (reptiles)
Order: Squamata (scaled reptiles)
Suborder: Polychrotidae (family of lizards known as anoles)
Genus: Anolis
Species: A. carolinensis

More information about green anoles:

Wikipedia, The Carolina anole
Wildherps.com (great photos!)

Good information about lizards by Missouri 's Department of Conservation (does not include green anoles):
The Lizards of Missouri

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