Green Anole

Anolis carolinensis

A small lizard of the southeastern U.S. that can change color from bright green to brown.

Checking teacher reviews…

Teacher? Sign in to review this page →Report a mistake

About the Green Anole

Green anoles live across the southeastern United States, from North Carolina to Texas and Florida, in grasslands, forests, wetlands and even cities. They weigh just 2 to 6 grams, and their tails are more than half their length. Special color cells let them change from bright green to yellow-green to dark brown, depending on mood and surroundings.^[1][2]

Quick facts

Scientific name: Anolis carolinensis^[2]
Weight: 2 to 6 grams.^[2]
Diet: Insectivore. Beetles, flies, spiders and other small arthropods.^[1][2]
Habitat: Grasslands, forests, wetlands and urban areas.^[1]
Where it lives: Southeastern United States.^[2]
Group life: Territorial. Active during the day.^[2]
Conservation status: Least Concern (IUCN Red List, assessed 2015).^[3]

Fun facts

Green anoles can turn brown when stressed or cold.^[1]
They eat almost anything smaller than their heads.^[2]
Their tails are longer than their bodies.^[2]

Vocabulary

chromatophore: A skin cell with color that lets an animal change color.
insectivore: An animal that eats mostly insects.
territory: An area an animal lives in and defends.
diurnal: Active mainly during the day.
least concern: A conservation label meaning a species is widespread and not at risk of dying out soon.

See it in person

Oakland ZooOakland, California · Reptile and Amphibian Discovery RoomSee this animal on the zoo's website ↗

These zoos had this animal when we gathered our information, but animals sometimes move. Check the zoo's website or contact the zoo before you visit.

Sources

[1] Oakland Zoo. “Green Anole.” https://www.oaklandzoo.org/animals/green-anole/ (accessed 2026-10-02)
[2] Animal Diversity Web, University of Michigan. “Green anole (Anolis carolinensis).” https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Anolis_carolinensis/ (accessed 2026-10-02)
[3] IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. “Anolis carolinensis (Green Anole).” https://www.iucnredlist.org/species/64188/18972474 (accessed 2026-10-02)