Invasive Brown Anoles Spreading North

Brown anoles (Anolis sagrei) are small lizards native to islands in the Caribbean. They have been introduced in various locations around the southeastern US through hiding in imported tropical plants.

They eat small insects and are entertaining to watch. Unfortunately, they compete for food with our native green anoles (Anolis carolinensis) and usually where brown anoles move in, green anoles disappear. We're looking for additional neighborhoods where brown anoles have become established.

Though the natives are called 'green anoles,' they can change color to brown. Brown anoles are always various shades of brown. If you think you have brown anoles in your neighborhood, contact swchr@mountainboomer.com and we'll come take photographs to confirm.