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Abbreviation Legend

  • (CE) - Criticially Endangered
  • (CI) - Critically Imperiled
  • (E) - Endangered
  • (I) - Introduced
  • (IM) - Imperiled
  • (NT) - Near Threatened
  • (T) - Threatened
  • (V) - Vulnerable
  • (**) - Recent Classification Change
Home »» Lizards »» Dactyloidae (Anoles)

Anoles of the United States


Dactyloidae or Anoles are small to fairly large lizards, typically green or brownish, but their color varies depending on species and many can also change it. In most species at least the male has developed a dewlap, an often brightly colored flap of skin that extends from the throat/neck and is used in displays. The Anoles dewlaps tend to change color when they are setting boundaries with another male and when dealing with courtship. Female anoles do not have dewlaps which is one of thee reasons why they pay attention to a males dewlap when searching for a potential mate. Anoles share several characteristics with geckos, including details of the foot structure (for climbing) and the ability to voluntarily break off the tail (to escape predators), but they are only very distantly related, anoles being part of Iguania.

There 11 species, representing 1 genus, found in the United States, all but 1 species (Anolis carolinensis) have been Introduced.



(I)

Allison's Anole
(Anolis allisoni)
(I)

Grass Anole
(Anolis auratus)

Green Anole
(Anolis carolinensis)
(I)

Hispaniolan Green Anole
(Anolis chlorocyanus)
(I)

Crested Anoles
(Anolis cristatellus)
(I)

Large-Headed Anole
(Anolis cybotes)
(I)

Bark Anole
(Anolis distichus)
(I)

Knight Anole
(Anolis equestris)
(I)

Jamaican Giant Anole
(Anolis garmani)
(I)

Cuban Green Anole
(Anolis porcatus)
(I)

Brown Anole
(Anolis sagrei)
 

 

 

 

Recommended Books at Amazon.com


Handbook of Lizards: Lizards of the United States and of Canada     Lizards of the World: A Guide to Every Family     Texas Lizards: A Field Guide     National Geographic Readers: Lizards



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Disclaimer: ITIS taxonomy is based on the latest scientific consensus available, and is provided as a general reference source for interested parties. However, it is not a legal authority for statutory or regulatory purposes. While every effort has been made to provide the most reliable and up-to-date information available, ultimate legal requirements with respect to species are contained in provisions of treaties to which the United States is a party, wildlife statutes, regulations, and any applicable notices that have been published in the Federal Register. For further information on U.S. legal requirements with respect to protected taxa, please contact the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

 
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