These lizards are invasive to the southern United States, Hawaii, California, Mexico, and Taiwan
As the name implies, this lizard is native to Cuba, and not Florida where this photo was taken. More specifically, this photo was taken in Everglades National Park. The Cuban brown anole is a highly invasive lizard species that has done an excellent job establishing itself across multiple states and countries. You can find brown anoles in most of the southern United States, Hawaii, California, Mexico, and even Taiwan!
Cuban brown anoles first started appearing in Florida in the 1940’s. Fast forward thirty years later to the 1970’s and the brown anole has successfully established itself across the entire Florida peninsula. Today, the brown anole remains one of the most common lizards in Florida. These lizards are able to out perform the local lizards and really wreak havoc on native species. For example, the Cuban brown anole competes for the same resources as the native American green anole. Since the introduction of the brown anole in Florida, native green anole populations have dropped off significantly. Ben recently visited Hawaii and did a write up on green anoles, check it out here!
Brown anoles are medium in size, with a short snout. They have tiny scales that cover their body, making them a good candidate for this month’s gallery theme “Textures”. Brown anoles have long tails, long toes, and claws, which make them agile runners and jumpers. Aside from the brown color, these lizards generally have black and white markings along their back and side. They have a ridge that runs from their head to their tail, which is also distinguishing (this ridge is absent in green anoles). Under their head, they have a dewlap.
What is a dewlap? For lizards, it’s the colorful skin flap near the neck that they use to communicate and express dominance. It is the male anoles that generally use this orangish-red flap. Females do have dewlaps, but they tend to be smaller, and they tend not to utilize them to the extent that males do. In this photo, the dewlap is not extended, but if you look closely you can see where it is located on the lizard (look for the light-colored line under the head).
Look closely to see the dewlap
Did You Know?
- The brown anole can darken its skin to help it blend in with its environment!
- Brown anoles have a unique adaptation on their feet called "feet pads". These feet pads house millions of microscopic fibers that allow the lizard to attach to a variety of surfaces, including glass!
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