Green anole

A small iguanian lizard (family Dactyloidae) native to the southeastern United States. Adults measure 12–20 cm total length, with males slightly larger. They are capable of dramatic color change from bright green to brown, regulated by hormones and neural signals (often misnamed "American chameleon"). Males possess a pinkish-red extensible dewlap (throat fan) displayed during territorial and courtship interactions. They are diurnal, arboreal insectivores, eating crickets, flies, and spiders. They are common in gardens, forests, and suburban habitats. Their genome was the first non-avian reptile to be sequenced (2011, 2n=36), making them the premier model organism for reptilian genomics, evo-devo, and the study of adaptive radiation (the Anolis genus has undergone one of the most spectacular adaptive radiations among vertebrates, with 400+ species). Males are territorial and perform push-up displays. Females lay one egg at a time every 10–14 days; incubation: ~35–40 days. In parts of their native range, they have been displaced by the invasive A. sagrei. Lifespan: 4–8 years. IUCN: Least Concern.