Reports

Decatur High School

Green Anole

Green Anole

Size:
They grow to be only 3 inches from head to tail. Males are slightly larger than the females.

Appearance:
They are long and slender. Triangle shaped head and a whip like tail. Some have a white stripe down their backs, which is found on most females. Some males develop crests on their heads.

Diet:
They live off of insects. In captivity they eat small soft-shelled crickets and mealworms. Anoles are very picky about what they eat and unless they see the mealworms moving in the dish they won’t be curious and eat them.

Habitat:
In the wild green anoles are found amongst the trees. They are native to Texas, Florida, and other tropical areas.

Behavior:
Males are territorial. Any males who trespass will be kicked out or even killed. Adult male anoles have a red throat fan that is tucked in their neck. When they bob their head they extend the fan to intimidate the enemy. Anoles can change colors to fit their mood. However this is just a theory and nobody knows exactly why they change color. The only colors they can change are green and brown. It takes one full minute to change completely. This is why they are mistakenly called American chameleons, however they are not chameleons.

Reproduction:
In order to reproduce anoles must have hibernated during the winter months. This tells the female that it is warm enough to lay and incubate eggs. When the male encounters the female, he bobs his head and jumps at her. When she stops running away he bites her neck and they mate. The female can store enough sperm to fertilize eggs for the next five months. She can hold up to two eggs inside her till she is ready to lay. Two weeks after mating she builds a nest in the soil, and buries the hard-shelled eggs, two weeks later she lays again. She can lay eggs for about 5 months in two-week intervals. The eggs hatch within three weeks if unharmed.

Nederlandse versie volgt spoedig

Written by: Wendy Plank

(geschreven door)

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