By Malachi Leo. Leapin’ lizards! Tiny dinosaurs have set up shop in your yard. Don’t worry, they’re harmless — unless you’re an insect. There are many different lizards that one might spot in Texas, but none are as delightful as the green anole (Anolis carolinensis).
Often seen surveying their surroundings from the top of fence posts, bobbing their heads up and down like they’re doing push-ups, they extend their ruby red dewlaps (that weird throat balloon looking thing) in a show of territoriality.
Green anoles are fiercely territorial, defending their little piece of Texas tooth and nail. And when I say little, I mean little. Their territories are typically about 35 cubic feet. These little tyrants play an important part in their ecosystems, gobbling up insects such as crickets, spiders, beetles, cockroaches and sometimes even mollusks.
You may find enjoyment looking for them while you’re working in your garden, watching their silly antics. While some of us may be a little fearful of reptiles, these anoles are much more afraid of you than you are of them. They’ll often run away when you get close, preferring to be hidden within shrubs, under the cover of leaves — blending in seamlessly because of their green coloration.
Beyond their role in keeping insect populations under control, green anoles even contribute to the science of genomics. This species of lizard had its entire genome sequenced in 2011, becoming a model reptile in this field of study.
So, next time you find yourself working outside and you notice one of these little friends scurrying about defending their kingdom, be sure to thank them for everything they do — as a good royal subject would. Just be sure not to be too passionate, or you might make their tails drop!
Malachi Leo is a public health graduate and native San Antonian–the importance of water as our most vital natural resource is not lost on Malachi. Working as a conservation consultant under the irrigation plan review umbrella, he helps to ensure that irrigation systems going into the ground meet state and city standards. When he’s not doing that, you’ll find him exploring restaurants in town—pointing out native plants he recognizes to his friends along the way.
