ANOLE

(genus Anolis) any of about 250 species of small, tree-dwelling lizard related to iguanas (family Iguanidae). Anoles occur throughout the warmer regions of North and South America and are abundant in the West Indies. Like the gecko, all anoles have enlarged finger and toe pads that are covered with microscopic hooks. These clinging pads, together with sharp claws, enable them to climb, even over the smoothest surface, with great speed and agility. Anoles attain 12 to 45 centimetres (5 to 18 inches) in length and can change colour from brown or yellow to several shades of green. The male often has a large red or yellow expansible dewlap (fold of skin in the neck region). The most familiar anole (A. carolinensis, or green anole, commonly but erroneously called chameleon) is native to the southern United States and islands in the Caribbean ; it is the false chameleon sold in pet shops. Its colour varies at times from green to brown or mottled, but its colour-changing ability is poor compared to that of the true chameleons of the Old World. Green anoles reach a maximum length of 18 centimetres and have a pink dewlap.