Carolina Anole

The Carolina Anole (Anolis carolinensis) is a lizard native to the Southeastern U.S. including right here in Wilmington, North Carolina.  They're very common in my backyard, often found crawling on the outside brick walls of my house or within the bushes and small fruit trees nearby.  They eat all kinds of small insects and I once observed one eating a fully-grown Carpenter Bee!  They're quite active during the spring, summer and fall, but will occasionally venture out during the winter if there's a span of several warm days.

Carolina Anole looking for insects on a canna leaf.

Carolina Anoles are active and very photogenic.  The antics that result when two lizards fight for territory or chase down a moth are great fun to watch.  When males are interested in a prospective mate they inflate a bright red dewlap or throat sack, usually while perched in a high, very visible location.  Nothing makes you think you live in a tropical paradise more than seeing a half dozen of these in your backyard.

Carolina Anole with his dewlap showing, hoping to attract a mate.