Kids Korner

Carolina Anoles— Our Little Green Friends

Carolina Anoles (Anolis carolinensis) are native to Wilmington, North Carolina. In fact, these little creatures range from Virginia all the way down to Florida. These lizards are reptiles. All reptiles rely on the sun to warm their bodies. No wonder the Carolina Anoles love the warm Southern East Coast!

Did You Know?

When you think of Carolina Anoles, you typically visualize a little green lizard. But Anoles have a superpower! They are able to change from green to brown depending on their mood. These lizards turn brown when they are frightened or stressed. A happy Anole will be green.

The pink section under this Carolina Anole’s throat is a thin flap of skin that hangs down below its throat. It is referred to as a throat fan or dewlap, and the male anole uses it for two primary purposes: to protect his territory and attract a mate.

Photo © John Sutton

Anoles are not very picky eaters. They will eat spiders, ants, butterflies, small beetles and other small bugs. Even though they eat a lot of different bugs, they will only eat prey that is moving. Talk about fast food!

Circle the Correct Answer

Which of the following animals is a reptile?

Salamander • Frog • Alligator

Anoles live in places with high humidity levels. Humidity is how much moisture is in the air at a given time. An example of high humidity would be what the air feels like outside before a rainstorm. Anoles like high humidity because they get most of their water from the dew off of plants. Since Wilmington is a coastal community, it is a wonderful place for Anoles to live.

True or False?

Deserts have high humidity.

What Can You Do to Help Anoles?

Anoles can wander into human areas. They like to bask in the sun, so you might find them on fence posts and houses. But remember these are wild animals. One of the best ways to help Anoles is to admire these wonderful lizards from a distance. Anoles eat moving bugs. During the summer when humans put out sticky fly traps, Anoles can find themselves caught when going after the struggling flies. The chemicals used on fly tap cause the lizards to get stuck and starve. Natural insect repellents like lemon grass or mint plants are safer alternatives for both the bugs and the Anoles.

Carolina Anoles are plentiful in southeast North Carolina.

Photo by Valerie Robertson

Answer Key

Circle the Answer—Alligator. True or False?—False: deserts have very low humidity.

These Anole eggs were found at the base of a tree stump.

Photo by Valerie Robertson

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