Green Anole Lizard

–One of the joys of the changing weather is that I am able to spend more time outside. In the summertime, even in the mornings sometimes the heat and humidity are uncomfortable. Since the end of August, we have noticed a change in the weather around Austin, Texas. That translates into more comfortable backyard photography.

Last week, my husband told me he had seen a green lizard around the cast iron plant area. I knew it would likely be challenging to find this green lizard in a densely green plant, but I had nothing to lose. So, armed with my camera and macro lens, I set out to find it. Patience paid off and I was able to spot this male green anole lizard. Actually, for two consecutive days, I went outside and found it in the same area. That allowed me to photograph it in a different light and pose. He was pretty friendly. All photos here were made with natural light.

Green Anole lizards are sometimes erroneously referred to as chameleons because they can disguise themselves in different colors, going from brown to green. In fact, they are more closely related to iguanas. Males are larger than females. Wikipedia says that adult males measure approximately 4.9–8.0 in (12.5–20.3 cm) long. It is interesting to note, though, that their tail makes up 60-70% of their length. Females generally have a white dorsal line on their backs.

As you might have noticed in the first two photos, it appears this green anole had a scratch on its back. You can see a discolored spot above its front legs on the left-hand side with some scales missing. Whatever it was, I am glad it is doing well. I will probably make another visit in a few days to see if he is still around.