Diet

What does the Brown Anole eat?

Brown anoles are carnivores which feed on a range of invertebrates.

Learn more about the Brown Anole in this video from TerraNaturalist on YouTube

Range

Where do you find the Brown Anole?

These animals were naturally found on a number of islands in the Caribbean including the Bahamas; Belize; Cayman Islands; Cuba; Grenada and Mexico.

The origin of populations found in Jamaica are unclear. It is unknown if these were introduced or naturally occurring.

This species is highly invasive and has established outside of their range in a number of locations including - Costa Rica; Taiwan; Turks and Caicos Islands and the United States. In the United States they are found in the following states - Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia, California, Hawaii and Texas. Their range within the US is continuing to expand.

Habitat

Where can the Brown Anole survive?

Anoles are common in a wide range of habitats but tend to avoid forest.

With their expanding range this species has adapted to man-made habitats and can commonly be found near houses.

During cool weather these animals will seek shelter under bark or among a rotting log. Multiple anoles may be seen in the same hiding spot.

Credit: Public Domain

Reproduction

How does the Brown Anole produce its young?

Prior to the breeding season brown anoles will establish territories in which they can find a mate.

Females move close to the male when they are ready to breed. She will signal she is ready to mate by moving her head to the side which provides a spot for the male to grab her during mating.

Multiple females are often seeking the attention of a single male and he may chose not to mate with one after initially grabbing her.

A female will lay a single egg during spring and summer. Occasionally a second egg is included in the clutch. This will be deposited in to leaf litter and then covered. Females will produce multiple clutches laid at regular intervals across the breeding season.

Females are able to store sperm allowing them to continue producing eggs even when males have ended the breeding season.

Young typically hatch during June.

Sexual maturity is reached by one year old.

Behavior

What does the Brown Anole do during its day?

These animals are active during the day and will often be seen basking in the sun. During winter they tend to become less active. In human occupied areas they may hunt under lights.

These animals are considered arboreal and spend much of their time in the trees. They will use their sticky feet pads to help climb up trees and other such surfaces.

They will live communally in a small group. Each group maintains a small territory which is around the size of a single bush.

Throughout the year the brown anole will molt its skin in small pieces. These are consumed by the brown anole which helps to replenish their supplies of calcium.

Brown anoles have no notable vocalizations instead using visual cues to communicate.

Credit: Public Domain

Predators and Threats

What stops the Brown Anole from surviving and thriving?

Natural predators of the brown anole include reptiles such as snakes and larger lizards along with birds. Juveniles are often subject to hunting by larger species of anole.

If seen by a predator these animals will quickly run away aiming to find safety.

Brown anoles have benefited from introduction to a number of additional locations helping to expand their population.

These animals are present in the pet trade and many of the introduced populations come from escaped individuals. They have also moved to new areas by hitching a ride on planes or boats.

-- AD --

Quick facts

This species may also be known as the Cuban anole or the De la Sagra's anole.

They were first described for modern science during 1837.

Credit: Public Domain