Brown Anole, Anolis sagrei

Brown Anole, Anolis sagrei, Juvenile. Photograph taken in the coastal region of Costa Rica, March 2023. Photograph courtesy of Dr. Tom Bartol, Carlsbad, California.

Brown Anole, Anolis sagrei. Photograph taken in the coastal region of Costa Rica, March 2023. Photograph courtesy of Dr. Tom Bartol, Carlsbad, California.

The Brown Anole, Anolis sagrei, is a member of the Dactyloidae Family of Anoles. The Dactyloidae Family consists of four hundred fifteen species placed into the single Anolis genus. In Mexico, they are referred to as Anole Marrón.

Brown Anoles are small and thin with a long head and snout. Slightly extended toe-pads allow them to climb surfaces with ease. Their dorsal color varies between brown to gray depending upon the individual. Sexual dimorphism is displayed with males possessing a white streak down the center of their throat (may not always be very prominent), a bright orange-red dewlap with a cream to yellow border, and a pronounced crest on the top of their neck, back, and tail. Some males may also develop six or more vertical rows of spots when excited. Females have a narrow pale stripe on the center of their back with dark brown half circles on each side, creating the appearance of a scalloped pattern along their dorsal surface. Adult males reach up to 6.5 cm (2.5 inches) from snout to vent and weigh up to 8 g (0.28 oz). Adult females reach up to 5 cm (2.0 inches) from snout to vent and weigh up to 4 g (0.14 oz). Including their long and thin tail, adults can reach up to 23 cm (3.1 inches) in length.

Brown Anoles are diurnal and may be observed basking in the sun on rocks, bushes, fences, walls, and tree trunks. While they do climb shrubs and trees, they are rarely found perching higher than five feet from the ground. Males typically bask on higher surfaces than females and juveniles. Like all Anoles, male Brown Anoles exhibit a series of behaviors that are meant to protect territory and threaten others. These behaviors include push-ups, head bobbing, and flaring of the dewlap. Some males are also able to extend a crest of skin that runs down the length of their body along their spine. These techniques are thought to make the male Anole appear larger and more intimidating to any invaders he may come across. The establishment of territory begins in the spring, and reproduction occurs during the summer. Females lay one egg at a time every one to two weeks. Moist covered habitat is essential for hatchling survival during development. Eggs hatch approximately four weeks after being laid and the hatchlings are precocial, requiring no additional parental care. In less than one year, the young grow to adult size. While the Brown Anole can live up to five years in the wild, their average lifespan is about eighteen months.

Brown Anoles consume insects, spiders, worms, snails, and slugs. They will also often eat hatchling Green Anoles, Anolis carolinensis>, a behavior that may be affecting Green Anole populations in the United States. In turn, they are preyed upon by large skinks, snakes, and birds. Green Anoles have also been observed consuming hatchling Brown Anoles. When attacked, they have the ability to break off their tail. The tail continues to twitch once severed, distracting the predator long enough to allow the rest of the lizard to escape. Their tail will eventually grow back, however it may be slightly smaller and a different color.

Brown Anoles are habitat generalists and inhabit any tropical or subtropical habitat type within their range. Often, they are found in forest edges, disturbed areas, and generally open sites. They can be very common in urban and suburban areas, occupying edge habitats created by human development.

The Brown Anole may be confused with the Green Anole, Anolis carolinensis, due to their similar appearances and overlapping ranges. Brown Anoles tend to stay closer to the ground, while Green Anoles are more arboreal. Although Green Anoles are often green in color, as their name suggests, they may quickly change to brown or gray depending upon their environment. Despite this color change, Green Anoles can be distinguished by their longer, pointier snout and lack of dorsal markings. Adult male Green Anoles also lack the pronounced crest on their neck, back, and tail which is present on adult male Brown Anoles.

From a Conservation perspective the Brown Anole is currently considered to be of Least Concern due to their widespread distribution, common occurrence within their range, ability to adapt to human development, and expanding populations. No major threats have been identified for this species.