Why do anoles change color?

Green anoles can change from green to brown. Occasionally, they do it only part way. Photo from http://www.floridagardener.com/img/critters/Greenanole.jpg. read more

Widely, if inaccurately, known as the American chameleon, Anolis carolinensis is renowned for its ability to change color from a sparkling emerald to a deep brown. Surprisingly, we don’t really know what factors determine whether a particular lizard chooses to be green or brown at a particular time. read more

Many wild-caught anoles haven’t yet learned to drink from a water bowl. You say it is eating normally, so that is good. read more

Commonly -- though incorrectly -- called “chameleons,” anoles are small to medium lizards that are capable of stark, and often rapid, color changes. While scientists understand how anoles change color, they do not completely understand why they change color. read more